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Body Saw Plank

Body Saw Plank demonstration

Watch the demo so setup and tempo are clear before you follow the step-by-step cues.

Body Saw Plank exercise demonstration for Shoulders, Body weight

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Body Saw Plank

Work through the cues in order so setup, bracing, and reps stay consistent before you add load.

  • Place your feet on a smooth surface such as a towel or sliders on a hardwood floor, or use a stability ball under your feet if available.
  • Engage your core and slowly push your body backward by extending your arms in front of you, making sure to keep your body in a straight line and not letting your hips sag.
  • Slide back to the starting position by pulling your elbows back under your shoulders.
  • Repeat this movement for the desired amount of repetitions, ensuring to keep your core engaged and your body straight throughout the exercise.

Tips for Performing Body Saw Plank

Form reminders that keep range of motion and control in check once the basic pattern feels stable.

  • **Engage Your Core**: The Body Saw Plank primarily targets the core muscles. To get the most out of this exercise, ensure you engage your abs and glutes throughout the movement. A common mistake is to let your hips sag or pike up during the exercise, which can lead to lower back pain and reduces the effectiveness of the workout.
  • **Smooth Movement**: Slide your body back as far as you can while maintaining a solid plank position, then slide forward to the starting position. This should be a smooth, controlled movement. Avoid jerking or rushing the

Can beginners do the Body Saw Plank?

A short framing note on whether this pattern suits newer lifters before you load it heavily.

Yes, beginners can do the Body Saw Plank exercise, but it's important to note that it is a more advanced variation of the traditional plank exercise. Therefore, it's recommended that beginners should first master the basic plank and gradually progress to more challenging variations like the Body Saw Plank. The Body Saw Plank primarily strengthens the core, but also engages the shoulders, arms, and glutes. It's crucial to maintain proper form to avoid strain or injury. If you're a beginner, it may be beneficial to have a trainer supervise your form or to start with modified versions of the exercise. As with any exercise, it's important to listen to your body and adjust your workout routine as needed based on your individual fitness level and goals.

What are common variations of the Body Saw Plank?

Compare these progressions when the main pattern is solid or you need a different stimulus with similar equipment.

  • Sliding Disc Body Saw Plank: You can use sliding discs or even towels under your feet to perform the body saw movement, making the exercise more challenging.
  • TRX Body Saw Plank: Using TRX straps, this variation allows for a full range of motion and engages more muscle groups.
  • Single-Leg Body Saw Plank: This variation requires lifting one leg off the ground while performing the body saw plank, which increases the difficulty and targets each side of the body individually.
  • Weighted Body Saw Plank: For an advanced challenge, you can add a weight plate on your back while performing the body saw plank to increase the resistance and work your core harder.