
Hard-Style Plank
Demo · Phil Daru
Hard-Style Plank
Bodyweight
Maximal tension plank. Squeeze everything — done right, 30s is brutal.
Trains the core to resist extension — the job it actually has under load
Rectus abdominis, obliques, deep core
Anti-extension, anti-rotation, and dynamic flexion patterns. Real core work — not just crunches.

Demo · Phil Daru
Bodyweight
Maximal tension plank. Squeeze everything — done right, 30s is brutal.
Trains the core to resist extension — the job it actually has under load

Demo · FIT.nl
Bodyweight
Foundational gymnastic core position. Everything active, low back pressed to floor.
Builds strength and size in the rectus abdominis under sustained isometric tension

Demo · FIT.nl
Bar
Straight-leg raise from a dead hang. Elite lower-ab builder.
Builds strength and size in the lower abs under sustained isometric tension

Demo · FIT.nl
Bar
Regression of the leg raise. Knees to chest.
Builds strength and size in the lower abs under sustained isometric tension

Demo · VEEDFIT
Ab wheel
Best anti-extension exercise in existence.
Builds strength and size in the core (anti-extension) through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · Hinge Health
Bodyweight
Coordination + deep core stability. Great warm-up.
Builds strength and size in the deep core through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · Colossus Fitness
Cable / band
Press the handle out and resist rotation. Demanding anti-rotation core work.
Builds strength and size in the obliques (anti-rotation) through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · Runna
Bodyweight
Lateral core stability. Hold on the elbow, hips high.
Builds strength and size in the obliques under sustained isometric tension

Demo · Get Exercise Confident
Plate / dumbbell
Rotational core work. Feet up = harder.
Builds strength and size in the obliques through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · Gymless Fitness
Parallettes / floor
Legs straight out, body supported on hands. Gymnastic staple.
Builds strength and size in the core under sustained isometric tension

Demo · Colossus Fitness
Cable + rope
Loaded flexion of the spine. High-tension crunch variation.
Builds strength and size in the rectus abdominis through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · ScottHermanFitness
Cable + rope
Diagonal cable chop trains rotational power and anti-rotation.
Builds strength and size in the obliques explosively, training power as well as size

Demo · Margaux Alvarez
Ab mat
Ab mat increases range of motion for the sit-up.
Builds strength and size in the rectus abdominis under sustained isometric tension

Demo · Urbacise
Bar
Hang from the bar and rotate legs side to side. Brutal oblique and grip work.
Builds strength and size in the obliques under sustained isometric tension

Demo · FIT.nl
Bench
Hold the body straight while lowering from a shoulder stand. Bruce Lee's signature move.
Builds strength and size in the core through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · PFITtv
Bodyweight
Pulse the hips up and down in a side plank for extra oblique tension.
Builds strength and size in the obliques under sustained isometric tension

Demo · Live Lean TV Daily Exercises
Bodyweight
Lie on back and lower legs without letting the low back arch.
Builds strength and size in the lower abs through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · FIT.nl
Bodyweight
Quadruped crawl with knees hovering. Builds core stability and coordination.
Builds strength and size in the core through a full, controlled range of motion

Demo · Runna
Dumbbell
In a plank, drag a dumbbell from one side to the other with the opposite hand.
Builds strength and size in the core under sustained isometric tension

Demo · WODprep
Pull-up bar
A full-range hanging raise that finishes with the toes touching the bar. Demands compression strength, lat engagement and total hollow control.
Builds strength and size in the lower abs through a full, controlled range of motion
Each guide covers how to do it, muscles worked, benefits and suggested sets and reps.