We get it, side planks don’t always look like the most exciting movement. But believe it or not, we program the side plank for many reasons as it’s such an underrated exercise that gives you a huge return on your investment!
Why we love the side plank:
💡Stability training!
Most people train their core using a lot of flexion (think crunches!). The side plank trains anti-lateral movement — resisting side-to-side bending. This kind of stability is crucial for protecting your back and building better posture.
💡 Improves shoulder and scapular control
Supporting yourself through one arm challenges your shoulder in a way that’s both safe and functional. It forces smaller stabilizing muscles to engage, making your joints more resilient.
💡 Glute medius strengthening!
The glute medius gets overlooked, but it’s essential for stabilizing your hips and knees! A strong glute medius muscle means better control in everything from squats to running to simply walking up stairs pain-free!
Watch this video from Coach Natalie about how to perform the side plank and some great cues we use at SSP!
Now that you know how much bang for your buck you get with side planks, hopefully you’ll appreciate them as much as we do 😋
And if you’re ever unsure whether you’re getting the most out of the movement? Ask an SSP coach. We’re here to help you move and feel better.