Plank

phalakāsanaफलकासन
Plank
M

Maya - Pose Assistant

Ask me anything about Plank

Benefits

Plank Pose is a fundamental yoga posture that builds strength throughout the entire body, particularly the core, shoulders, arms, and wrists. It enhances stability, improves posture, and prepares for more challenging poses.

Practice Guide

1

Start in Tabletop position. Step one foot back, tucking toes, then the other foot back.

2

Position hands directly under shoulders, shoulder-width apart. Spread fingers wide, press firmly through palms.

3

Body forms a straight line from head to heels. Engage core strongly to prevent hips sagging or lifting too high.

4

Press back through heels. Engage legs (quads). Keep neck long, gaze slightly forward or down.

5

Push ground away, slightly protracting shoulder blades (avoid collapsing between shoulders).

6

Hold, breathing steadily. Exit: Lower knees to Tabletop, press back to Child's Pose, or lower through Chaturanga.

Modifications

Lower knees gently to the floor (Modified Plank).

Practice on forearms (Forearm Plank) if wrists are sensitive.

Widen hands or feet slightly for a broader base of support.

Place blocks under hands if needed.

Safety Notes

Carpal tunnel syndrome or acute wrist pain (modify to forearms or fists)

Shoulder injury (ensure proper engagement/stability, modify if painful)

Elbow pain

Anatomy

Muscles Targeted

Core (rectus abdominis, transverse abdominis, obliques)
Shoulders (deltoids, serratus anterior, rotator cuff)
Arms (triceps, biceps isometrically)
Wrists
Chest (pectorals)
Back extensors
Legs (quads, glutes engaged)

Muscles Stretched

Ankles (mildly, if pressing heels back)
Arches Of Feet

What's Next?

Maya suggests trying these poses:

Focus Areas

Full Body StrengthCore Strength DeepShoulder StabilityArm StrengthWrist StrengthPosture ImprovementFoundational StrengthVinyasa Transition

Yoga Styles

Also practiced in
HathaTherapeutic
VinyasaKey transition pose in sun salutations and flowing sequences
AshtangaHeld for specific breath count, precise alignment in vinyasa transitions
PowerDynamic holds, often combined with variations like plank to chaturanga flows
HathaHeld as strength-building pose, focus on proper alignment and breath
TherapeuticModified on knees or forearms, building core strength gradually

Sequencing

Maya's Tips

These insights help Maya understand how this pose flows with others when creating sequences and classes.

Fundamental Full Body Strengthener And StabilizerEssential For Vinyasa Flows Building Heat And Preparing For Arm Balances InversionsFocus On Maintaining A Long Straight Line From Head To Heels Avoiding Hip Sagging Or Piking