The push-up to side plank is a compound bodyweight exercise that combines a traditional push-up with a rotational movement into a side plank. This exercise targets the abs while also engaging the shoulders, chest, and triceps, and challenges core stability and balance.
Quick Facts
How to Do Push-up To Side Plank
Follow these step-by-step instructions to perform Push-up To Side Plank with proper form and technique.
- Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line.
- Lower your body towards the ground by bending your elbows, keeping your core engaged.
- Push back up to the starting position.
- Shift your weight onto your left hand and rotate your body to the right, lifting your right arm towards the ceiling.
- Hold the side plank position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position.
- Repeat the push-up and side plank on the opposite side.
- Continue alternating sides for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles Worked
Understanding which muscles Push-up To Side Plank 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 Push-up To Side Plank
Incorporating Push-up To Side Plank into your workout routine offers numerous advantages for strength, muscle development, and overall fitness.
- Abs Development: Push-up To Side Plank directly targets and strengthens the Abs, promoting muscle growth and improved functional strength.
- Secondary Muscle Engagement: This exercise also works the Shoulders, Chest, and Triceps, 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.
- Functional Strength: Strength exercises like Push-up To Side Plank build real-world strength that transfers to daily activities and athletic performance.
- Corrects Imbalances: As a unilateral exercise, it helps identify and correct strength imbalances between sides of the body.
Safety Tips and Precautions
Performing Push-up To Side Plank safely is essential for preventing injuries and ensuring long-term progress.
- Warm Up Properly: Before performing Push-up To Side Plank, 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 Push-up To Side Plank, track these metrics during your workouts:
Track the number of sets you complete. Most training programs recommend 3-5 sets per exercise.
Track duration for time-based sets. Focus on maintaining quality form throughout the entire time period.