Plank vs Full Plank
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions vs 341. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Plank and Full Plank and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank vs Full Plank: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions compared to 341 for Full Plank.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank and Full Plank differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Plank and Full Plank Differ
| What differs | Plank | Full Plank |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs, chest, and glutes |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,776 sessions | 341 sessions |
How to Do Plank
Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Spread your arms shoulder-width apart and support your body on the balls of your feet while lying face down with your knees straight.
- 2. Raise your hips to ensure your body forms a straight line from head to toe.
- 3. Perform the movement by pulling your belly button up to prevent your lower back from sagging.
Coach's Tips
- To avoid hunching your back, keep your body in a straight line and engage your core while holding the position.
For a full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank exercise guide.
How to Do Full Plank
Full Plank Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Extend your elbows and maintain a position where your shoulders and arms are vertical, keeping your feet narrower than shoulder-width apart.
- 2. Imagine there is a long stick behind your back and align your head, waist, hips, and legs in a straight line.
- 3. Raise your toes, engage your core and glutes, and hold the position.
Coach's Tips
- Keep your body in a straight line and be careful not to let your back sag.
For a full Full Plank guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Full Plank exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Plank or Full Plank?
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions against 341 for Full Plank. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Plank and Full Plank work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank loads abs and glutes, and Full Plank loads abs, chest, and glutes.
What equipment do Plank and Full Plank need?
Plank needs bodyweight only, and Full Plank needs bodyweight only.
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