Dolphin Planks for Core Strength

This page will teach you how to do "Dolphin Planks". This exercise will improve your core strength as it works on your abs and lower back muscles. It also stretches your hamstrings as you "walk" forward and back in this exercise.

A dolphin plank combines a traditional plank with Yoga's dolphin pose. This is not a static exercise like the dolphin pose. You will be doing a number of reps where you are moving up and down in the plank position. If your dojo's core routine needs a little variety and you are tired of doing countless traditional planks, it is useful to randomly throw in less conventional core exercises like the dolphin plank.

A strong core will help your punching power, kicking power and grappling techniques by improving your rotational and twisting power. Strong core muscles will also help you to better absorb hits (i.e. a punch to the stomach). All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. For more core exercises, please visit the main Martial Arts Core Strength section.