Plank vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions vs 311. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Plank and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Plank vs Plank Push Up: 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 311 for Plank Push Up.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Plank and Plank Push Up 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 Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Plank | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | abs and glutes | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Difficulty | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 9,776 sessions | 311 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 Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Plank or Plank Push Up?
Planfit users log Plank more often — 9,776 sessions against 311 for Plank Push Up. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Plank and Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Plank loads abs and glutes, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Plank and Plank Push Up need?
Plank needs bodyweight only, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Plank is the easier place to start. Move to Plank Push Up once your form holds up.
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