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Chris Freytag demonstrates a Side Plank Arm Extension

The side plank with arm extension is a powerful core-strengthening exercise that targets the obliques, shoulders, and stabilizing muscles of the entire body. By adding the arm extension, you engage the upper body more intensively, improving shoulder stability and enhancing balance.

This exercise helps build a stronger, more toned core, which is essential for better posture, reduced back pain, and overall functional strength.

It also improves coordination and engages muscles that support spinal alignment, making it especially beneficial for injury prevention and full-body stability.

Side Plank With Arm Extension Exercise Instructions

  • Bring your body into one straight line on the floor stacking legs, hips, and your shoulder directly over your elbow into a forearm plank. Lift hips with dumbbell resting hovering over the floor. (You can modify this plank by bending your lower knee if necessary)
  • Raise the dumbbell directly over your shoulder keeping abdominals engaged and lower with control working your arms, and entire core.

Targets: shoulders, core, bicep, triceps