If your core routine stops at a standard plank, you’re missing out. The basic forearm plank is a solid starting point — but it shouldn’t be the finish line.

To really challenge your abs (and prep your body for more advanced moves), it’s time to upgrade. One of the best ways? Plank walk-ups.

Don Saladino — trainer to superhero stars like Ryan Reynolds, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour — often starts his clients’ core workouts with plank walk-ups.

“I love this exercise because it teaches you to stabilize your core while moving dynamically,” Saladino told MensHealth.com.

How to Do a Plank Walk-Up

1. Start in a standard forearm plank:
   • Elbows under your shoulders
   • Core tight
   • Glutes squeezed
   • Spine in a straight line
2. Press up onto your hands one at a time, into a high plank (push-up position).
3. Lower back down, one arm at a time, returning to the forearm plank.
4. Repeat for reps.

The key here? Controlled movement. Even as you transition between positions, your hips shouldn’t sway, and your core should stay locked in.

“Maintain a rigid trunk with high tension while you move,” Saladino advises.

Why It Works

Plank walk-ups don’t just torch your abs. They also:

• Train shoulder and scapular stability
• Build foundational strength for pushups
• Improve coordination and control

In fact, if you’re working toward your first full push-up, this move is a great stepping stone.

Try It:

Focus on form over speed — quality movement builds real strength.

Add 3 to 4 sets of 5 to 8 reps to your workout.

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