Plank (exercise)

Plank Pose, Phalakasana The top of a push-up, held still. Hands sit under the shoulders, and heels, hips and head line up like a board, which is what this side view shows clearly: no sagging belly, no hips piked up toward the ceiling. It builds the core and shoulder strength that arm balances and Chaturanga rely on. Lower the knees to the mat while keeping the same straight line from knees to head, and hold for a few calm breaths rather than as long as possible.