1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise

Ab Exercises

By , About.com Guide

Updated September 10, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

6 of 6

Plank with Knee Bends

Plank Knee BendPaige Waehner
The traditional plank exercise is great for strengthening the core and you can add intensity and variety by inserting a knee bend into the exercise. You'll challenge the core even more in this 3-point stance (just two hands and one foot) and engage the lower body muscles of the working leg as well.
  1. Begin in a plank position, on the hands and toes.
  2. Make sure the body is in a straight line from the head to the heels, core braced.
  3. Lift the left foot off the floor and bend the knee, pulling it in towards the chest. Your torso might bend a little as you bring the knee in.
  4. Cross the left foot over the right leg, hold briefly, then take left knee back to the chest.
  5. Bring the left foot back into your full plank and repeat on the other side.
  6. Repeat, alternating sides, for 1-3 sets of 8 reps (1 rep includes a knee bend with both the right and left legs).
Explore Exercise
About.com Special Features

8 Ways to Cut Drug Costs

Learn how to save money on medications with these recommendations. More >

Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds

Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this season. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.
  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Exercise
  4. Abs
  5. Ab Exercises - Plank with Knee Bends

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.