I'm part of the very tiny percentage of people who
actually enjoy planks. It's not like I want to marry them or anything, but compared to
something like burpees (which I avoid at all costs), they're pretty great. But even I know holding that position forever can get a little old, and that's exactly where body saws come in.
Body saws turn your body into, well, a saw as you're moving forward and backward during the exercise. "If you're tired of building up your plank time, the body saw exercise is a great progression of the exercise," says Julia Brown, founding Los Angeles trainer at Dogpound. "During the movement, you're creating a massive contraction in your abs. It's great for anyone looking to improve their core strength. Plus, as you increase your core strength, you'll also improve your balance, posture, and overall stability, which will leave you at a lower risk of injury."
To get the core-blasting benefits of body saws at home, follow the instructions below. You might not go back to regular planks ever again.
How to do a body saw plank
- Find a place where you can slide your feet. Start in plank position with your back flat and elbows under your shoulders. Squeeze your glutes, hamstrings, and quads
- Use your elbows to push your body back, making sure to maintain your proper plank position with a flat back the entire time. If your back starts to arch or sag, you've gone too far.
- Exhale and return to your starting position, squeezing your abs the entire time. Do three sets of 12 reps, resting in between.
If planks are killing your wrists, get some relief by adding these four exercises to your workout. Then find out why planks are the key to doing mountain climbers the right way.
