Front Plank with Twist

Perform a dynamic front plank with a torso twist, bringing your elbow to the opposite knee.

IntermediateWaist Body weight

Movement: Compound
Force: Static
Per set: 1 min
Rest: 30s

Get Ellim — Free

Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store

Variations of Front Plank with Twist

Compound

Front Plank

Waist · Rectus Abdominis · Body weight

Intermediate

Compound

Front Plank Toe Tap

Waist · Gluteus Medius · Body weight

Intermediate

Compound

One Arm Front Plank

Waist · Obliques · Body weight

Intermediate

Compound

Lunge with Twist

Waist · Gluteus Maximus · Body weight

Intermediate

Description

This exercise involves going into a plank position and twisting your torso to touch your elbow to the opposite knee, alternating sides.

Save Front Plank with Twist to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

How to do Front Plank with Twist

01
Setup
Begin in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders, fingers spread wide.
02
Setup
Ensure your body forms a straight line from the crown of your head to your heels, engaging your core and glutes.
03
Engage your core and slowly twist your torso, simultaneously bringing your right elbow towards your left knee in a controlled motion.
04
Return to the starting high plank position with control, maintaining a stable and straight body line.
05
Repeat the movement on the opposite side, bringing your left elbow towards your right knee.

Tips

Focus on controlled movement rather than speed to maximize oblique engagement and prevent momentum from taking over the exercise.
Keep your hips relatively stable and avoid excessive rocking from side to side to maintain continuous core tension throughout the twist.
Exhale as you twist and bring your knee in, actively contracting your abdominal muscles for a deeper engagement.
Maintain a strong plank foundation by pressing firmly through your hands and keeping your shoulder blades protracted.

Common mistakes

Sagging hips or arching the lower back reduces core engagement; keep your core tight and glutes squeezed to maintain a straight line from head to heels.
Rushing the movement uses momentum instead of muscle activation; perform each twist slowly and deliberately to maximize oblique work.
Letting the shoulders round forward strains the upper back; actively push the floor away to keep your chest open and shoulders stable.

In the Ellim app, Front Plank with Twist unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

Log sets, reps, and weight
Track every set as you train
See your strength curve
Performance graphs across all sessions
Add to a routine
Save into a custom workout in one tap
Rest timer with Live Activity
Dynamic Island countdown between sets
HealthKit sync
Workouts flow to Apple Health
3,500+ exercise library
Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train front plank with twist?

Get Ellim — Free

Questions

What muscles does Front Plank with Twist work?

Front Plank with Twist primarily targets Obliques, Rectus Abdominis. Secondary muscles include Deltoid Anterior, Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius, Serratus Anterior, Tensor Fasciae Latae.

Is Front Plank with Twist good for beginners?

Front Plank with Twist is rated intermediate. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.

What equipment do I need for Front Plank with Twist?

You need Body weight to perform Front Plank with Twist. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.

What are the best tips for Front Plank with Twist?

Focus on controlled movement rather than speed to maximize oblique engagement and prevent momentum from taking over the exercise. Keep your hips relatively stable and avoid excessive rocking from side to side to maintain continuous core tension throughout the twist. Exhale as you twist and bring your knee in, actively contracting your abdominal muscles for a deeper engagement. Maintain a strong plank foundation by pressing firmly through your hands and keeping your shoulder blades protracted.

What are common mistakes when doing Front Plank with Twist?

Sagging hips or arching the lower back reduces core engagement; keep your core tight and glutes squeezed to maintain a straight line from head to heels. Rushing the movement uses momentum instead of muscle activation; perform each twist slowly and deliberately to maximize oblique work. Letting the shoulders round forward strains the upper back; actively push the floor away to keep your chest open and shoulders stable.