{"id":377419,"date":"2026-04-13T14:06:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:06:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/377419\/"},"modified":"2026-04-13T14:06:20","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:06:20","slug":"this-underrated-core-move-makes-planks-even-more-effective-and-builds-stronger-abs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/377419\/","title":{"rendered":"This underrated core move makes planks even more effective \u2013 and builds stronger abs"},"content":{"rendered":"

The plank is one of the most effective exercises for building a stable core. But stick with it for too long and it can start to lose its edge, offering less of a challenge as your strength improves. Enter, the body saw.<\/p>\n

Most exercises involve some form of movement. The body saw takes that principle and applies it to the plank, turning a static hold into a dynamic challenge. By creating a controlled \u2018sawing\u2019 motion, you\u2019ll build a stronger, more resilient core that\u2019s better equipped to handle real-world demands. Here\u2019s why it works \u2013 and how to do it properly.<\/p>\n

3 benefits of the body saw1. Spine-conserving<\/p>\n

Compared with hanging leg raises and plank walkouts to push-ups, researchers from the University of Waterloo<\/a> found that the body saw provides as much \u2013 if not more \u2013 challenge to the abdominals, while doing so in \u2018the most spine-conserving way\u2019.<\/p>\n

For anyone who wants to train their core but often experiences lower-back discomfort, body saws are a smart alternative.<\/p>\n

2. More challenging than regular planks<\/p>\n

Because planks are static, the core doesn\u2019t have to work as hard to stabilise your body once you\u2019re locked into position. The dynamic nature of the body saw forces your muscles to stay engaged throughout, recruiting more muscle fibres to keep you steady. The result: greater strength and improved muscular endurance.<\/p>\n

3. Potential for progressive overload<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve mastered the standard version, with your forearms and feet on the ground, it\u2019s easy to increase the difficulty. Placing your feet on sliders or in TRX straps, or elevating your forearms on a Swiss ball, adds instability and ramps up the challenge.<\/p>\n

How to do the body sawAssume a low plank position with your weight on your forearms and toes.Brace your abs and glutes so your body forms a straight line.Slowly rock your body backwards and forwards from the elbows, keeping the movement controlled. Don\u2019t forget to breathe.\"Headshot<\/p>\n

Ryan is a Senior Writer at Men\u2019s Health UK with a passion for storytelling, health and fitness. Having graduated from Cardiff University in 2020, and later obtaining his NCTJ qualification, Ryan started his career as a Trainee News Writer for sports titles Golf Monthly, Cycling Weekly and Rugby World before progressing to Staff Writer and subsequently Senior Writer with football magazine FourFourTwo.<\/p>\n

During his two-and-a-half years there he wrote news stories for the website and features for the magazine, while he also interviewed names such as Les Ferdinand, Ally McCoist, Jamie Redknapp and Antonio Rudiger, among many others. His standout memory, though, came when getting the opportunity to speak to then-Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher as the club won League One in 2023.<\/p>\n

Having grown up a keen footballer and playing for his boyhood side until the age of 16, Ryan got the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland national futsal team eight times, scoring three goals against England, Scotland and Gibraltar. Now past his peak, Ryan prefers to mix weightlifting with running \u2013 he achieved a marathon PB of 3:31:49 at Manchester in April 2025, but credits the heat for failing to get below the coveted 3:30 mark\u2026<\/p>\n

You can follow Ryan on Instagram @ryan.dabbs<\/a> or on X @ryandabbs_<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n