Single Leg or One Legged Planks - Core Strength Exercise

This page will teach you how to do One Legged Planks (also known as Single Leg Planks). This core exercise works on your abs and lower back muscles. One legged planks are more difficult than regular planks given the instability of balancing on one foot. Nevertheless, this instability provides your core muscles with an extra workout as your body tries naturally to counter the instability. One legged planks are seen as a precursor to the more difficult Superman plank where you are balancing on only one arm and one leg.

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.

All stretches and exercises should be supervised by a trained instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. If you have had an injury or are in pain, please see a doctor before starting any stretching or exercise program. For different exercises (i.e. crunches and the bird dog), please visit the main Core Exercises section.