If you dread holding a plank and counting down the seconds until it’s over, you’re not alone. While planks are an excellent core strengthening exercise, they’re not the only way to build a strong, stable midsection.
Whether you’re dealing with wrist pain, boredom, or just want to shake up your routine, there are plenty of effective alternatives that will challenge your core—no planking required.
Here are 7 core-strengthening exercises that skip the plank but still deliver serious results:
Dead bug
This controlled movement works your deep core muscles, helping to improve stability and coordination.
How to do it:
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Lie on your back with arms extended toward the ceiling and knees bent at 90 degrees.
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Lower your right arm and left leg toward the floor while keeping your lower back pressed into the mat.
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Return to the starting position and repeat on the opposite side.
It targets the transverse abdominis—the deep core muscle that acts like a corset around your spine.
Bird dog
This exercise promotes balance and core control while also working your glutes and shoulders.
How to do it:
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Start on all fours (hands under shoulders, knees under hips).
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Extend your right arm and left leg simultaneously, keeping your core engaged.
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Hold for a few seconds, return to start, and switch sides.
Pro tip: Avoid arching your lower back and keep your movements slow and steady.
Glute bridge march
A dynamic twist on the classic glute bridge, this move keeps your core braced while lifting one foot at a time.
How to do it:
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Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
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Lift your hips into a bridge position.
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While keeping your hips steady, lift one knee toward your chest, then lower and switch sides.
You’ll strengthen your posterior chain and activate your core to stay balanced.
Standing oblique crunch
Perfect if you want a standing ab move that also gets your heart rate up a bit.
How to do it:
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Stand tall with hands behind your head and feet hip-width apart.
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Bring your right knee up toward your right elbow, crunching through your obliques.
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Return to start and repeat on the left.
Pro tip: Keep your chest lifted and don’t rush through the movement.
Leg lowers
A lower-ab burner that challenges control and pelvic stability.
How to do it:
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Lie on your back with both legs extended toward the ceiling.
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Slowly lower both legs toward the floor while keeping your back flat on the mat.
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Stop before your lower back arches, then return to start.
If it’s too intense, try lowering one leg at a time.
Seated Russian twists (No equipment)
Engage your entire core—especially the obliques—without the need for a plank.
How to do it:
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Sit on the floor with knees bent, lean back slightly, and lift your feet (or keep them on the floor).
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Twist your torso to the right, then to the left, moving with control.
Wall sit with core pulse
An isometric lower-body and core challenge, with a twist.
How to do it:
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Press your back against a wall and slide down into a squat position.
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Engage your core and extend arms straight in front of you.
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Hold the position while pulsing your arms or lightly twisting side to side.
You don’t need planks to strengthen your core—just consistency and proper form. These exercises offer variety, accessibility, and plenty of options to build a strong, functional core that supports your posture, stability, and everyday movement.
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Featured Image: DupePhoto
