The inchworm is a bodyweight exercise that targets the abs while also engaging the shoulders and hamstrings. It involves moving from a standing position to a plank and back, promoting core strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Quick Facts
How to Do Inchworm
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Inchworm with proper form and technique.
- Start in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart.
- Bend forward at the waist and place your hands on the ground in front of you.
- Walk your hands forward until you are in a high plank position, with your body in a straight line from head to toe.
- Keeping your legs straight, walk your feet towards your hands, bringing your hips up towards the ceiling.
- Continue walking your hands forward, repeating the movement for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Inchworm targets helps you integrate it effectively into your training program.
Target Muscles
These are the main muscles responsible for performing the movement and receive the greatest training stimulus.
Secondary Muscles
These muscles assist in the movement and receive secondary training benefits.
Benefits of Inchworm
Incorporating Inchworm into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Abs Development: Inchworm directly targets and strengthens the Abs, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Shoulders and Hamstrings, providing additional training stimulus without extra exercises.
- Convenience and Accessibility: This exercise requires no equipment, making it perfect for home workouts, travel, or when gym access is limited.
- Beginner-Friendly: This exercise is accessible to those new to fitness, with a movement pattern that's relatively easy to learn with proper instruction.
- Corrects Imbalances: As a unilateral exercise, it helps identify and correct strength imbalances between sides of the body.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Inchworm safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Inchworm, complete 5-10 minutes of light cardio followed by dynamic stretches targeting the Abs and surrounding muscles.
- Prioritize Form Over Weight: Never sacrifice proper technique for heavier weights. Poor form significantly increases injury risk and reduces the exercise's effectiveness.
- Progress Gradually: Master easier progressions before attempting advanced variations. Ensure your supporting surface is stable.
- Respect Your Range of Motion: Work within your current mobility limits. Gradually improve flexibility over time rather than forcing deeper positions.
- Don't Hold Your Breath: Maintain consistent breathing throughout the exercise. Exhale during the exertion phase and inhale during the easier phase.
- Know When to Stop: End your set when you can no longer maintain proper form. Training to absolute failure on every set increases injury risk.
- Allow Adequate Recovery: The Abs typically need 48-72 hours to recover after intense training. Avoid training the same muscle group on consecutive days.
Tracking Your Progress
To make consistent gains with Inchworm, track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Record your repetitions per set. Adjust rep ranges based on your goals: 1-5 for strength, 6-12 for hypertrophy, 12+ for endurance.
Track duration for time-based sets. Focus on maintaining quality form throughout the entire time period.