Personally, I don’t need a way to make Plank more challenging than it already is. However, if you’re looking for a way to ramp up your Plank, add the foam roller. When you add instability under your shins, you create a freedom to roll and rock back and forth.

As you shift your weight forward and backward, you might notice how this version of Plank feels sort of like Leg pull. Here’s two ways to safely practice this core-challenging exercise.

Forearm Plank with a Foam Roller

1. Begin on your hands and knees with the foam roller under your shins.
2. Lower down onto your forearms with your elbows directly beneath your shoulders. You can clasp your hands on simply turn your palms to face each other.
3. Send energy from your knees through the top of your head. Take a moment to practice this Plank prep before you lift your knees and move into the full version of Plank on an unstable surface.
4. When you’re ready, curl your toes under to help you lift.
5. Press your shins firmly into the foam roller and lift your belly button toward your spine.
6. With strong arms, push the floor away.
7. Now, use Pilates breathing and, as you inhale and exhale, push yourself back and forth. This movement comes from your shoulders.
8. Breathe continually as you rock back and forth.
9. When you are finished, bend your knees to put them back on the ground.

Plank with a Foam Roller

1. Begin on your hands and knees with the foam roller under your shins.
2. Make sure that your hands are under your shoulders and your fingers are spread, palms flat on the mat. Send energy from your knees through the top of your head. Take a moment to practice this Plank prep before you lift your knees and move into the full version of Plank on an unstable surface.
3. When you’re ready, curl your toes under to help you lift.
4. Press your shins firmly into the foam roller and lift your belly button toward your spine.
5. With strong arms, push the floor away.
6. Now, use Pilates breathing and, as you inhale and exhale, push yourself back and forth. This movement comes from your shoulders.
7. Breathe continually as you rock back and forth.
8. When you are finished, bend your knees to put them back on the ground.

Finding a Foam Roller

If you want to order a foam roller, I recommend the OPTP brand foam roller. Their foam rollers are firm and don’t dent or bend easily. It’s crucial for your foam roller to be firm and stay the same shape throughout its use.

Foam rollers are a great tool to elevate your Pilates mat work, but they’re also wonderful self-massage tools. Here’s a link to some foam roller stretches.

Plank with a Foam Roller Video

Here is a video for visual learners.

Personally, Plank with the foam roller reminds me of Leg pull. What do you think? Is Plank with the foam roller a keeper? Let us know in the comments below.

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