The classic side plank is a great full body exercise that focuses on your obliques – the sides of your core. You can do a side plank with your elbow on the floor and weight on your forearm, or you can lift up on your hand as pictured below. You can stack your feet with your weight in your bottom foot, but I prefer the foot positions I learned from PiYo. Place your top foot in front of your bottom foot so that both are on the floor. Push your weight into the top/front foot and use the bottom/back foot for balance as shown in this picture:

While holding a side plank works your whole body and engages your core, you can take it up a notch by adding movement.  Start by reaching your upper arm up over your head and lifting your hips toward the ceiling, as shown:

Then return the top arm to your side and lower your hips toward the floor:

Repeat for 30 seconds or 10 reps on each side. The added movement gives your obliques extra work, helping to tighten your core and trim your waistline. If you like this move, be sure to share it with your friends!

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