How often have you dismissed the plank? Sure, it’s a simple movement that doesn’t stir much excitement when you see someone holding the position in a corner of the gym—but if you level up to one of the toughest variations of the exercise around, the Copenhagen plank, you won’t be so quick to snub your nose.
Underrated and underused (and maybe initially overwhelming on first attempt), the Copenhagen plank without question is one of the most challenging plank variations out there. One major advantage of the Copenhagen plank is that there’s little chance that you’ll get bored. Forget counting your reps in minutes. If you do it right, you should be giving everything you have for seconds.
But once you master it, according to Men’s Health fitness director Ebenezer Samuel, C.S.C.S., and fitness editor Brett Williams, N.A.S.M., the Copenhagen plank will provide plenty of core-crushing benefits, especially if you’re a runner.
How to Do the Copenhagen Plank
Normally when we think side plank, we prioritize bracing our entire core. The Copenhagen is a little bit different, according to Samuel.
“Because we’re going to work a lot of lateral stability in this plank, you’re going to start to get a lot of hip effect,” Samuel says. “Your adductors and abductors and both your inner and outer thighs are going to wind the firing in this move as well.”
You’ll also notice that you’re actually set up in a position that mirrors a runner’s stride, so be aware of reinforcing a good, high-knee position, and make sure you can own it in the sagittal plane.