Plank Lateral Raise – Video Exercise Guide & Tips

Are you looking to strengthen your core and shoulders?
Watch This Exercise Video
The plank lateral raise is a fantastic exercise that targets both areas effectively.
In this video exercise guide, we'll show you the proper form and technique, along with some common mistakes to avoid.
We'll also provide variations to challenge yourself and share tips for maximizing your results.
Get ready to take your plank game to the next level with this informative and instructional guide.
Let's get started!
Key Takeaways
- The plank lateral raise targets deltoids for shoulder abduction and arm raising.
- It activates and strengthens deltoids for improved shoulder stability.
- The exercise engages core muscles for overall balance and stability.
- Proper form and technique, such as maintaining core stability and controlling the movement, are important for maximum effectiveness.
Benefits of the Plank Lateral Raise
The Plank Lateral Raise offers a multitude of benefits for strengthening your core and shoulders. This exercise primarily targets the deltoids, which are the muscles responsible for shoulder abduction and raising your arm to the side. By performing the Plank Lateral Raise, you activate and strengthen these muscles, improving your shoulder stability and overall upper body strength.
In addition to targeting the deltoids, the Plank Lateral Raise also engages your core muscles. To maintain a stable plank position while lifting your arms to the side, you need to engage your deep abdominal muscles, obliques, and lower back. This not only strengthens your core but also improves your overall balance and stability.
Furthermore, the Plank Lateral Raise can be progressed to challenge your muscles even further. You can increase the intensity by using dumbbells or resistance bands, adding resistance to the exercise. Additionally, you can modify the exercise by performing it on an unstable surface, such as a stability ball, to further engage your stabilizer muscles.
Now that you understand the benefits of the Plank Lateral Raise, it's important to learn the proper form and technique to maximize its effectiveness and minimize the risk of injury.
Proper Form and Technique
To perform the Plank Lateral Raise with proper form and technique, position yourself in a plank position and prepare to engage your core and shoulders.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Maintain Core Stability: Throughout the exercise, focus on keeping your core engaged and your body in a straight line. This will help stabilize your body and prevent any excessive movement or arching of the back.
- Activate Your Shoulders: As you raise your arm to the side, make sure to engage your shoulder muscles. Imagine pushing the ground away from you as you lift your arm, creating tension in your shoulder and upper back.
- Control the Movement: Slowly raise your arm to the side until it reaches shoulder height, then lower it back down in a controlled manner. Avoid any jerking or swinging motions, as this can lead to improper form and potential injury.
By following these tips, you can ensure that you're performing the Plank Lateral Raise with proper form and technique, maximizing the benefits for your core stability and shoulder activation.
Now, let's explore some common mistakes to avoid to further enhance your workout.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To avoid common mistakes, regularly check your form and technique while performing the Plank Lateral Raise. Proper technique is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of this exercise and preventing injury.
One common mistake to watch out for is using your neck and shoulders to lift your body instead of engaging your core and shoulder muscles. This can lead to strain and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.
Another mistake is allowing your hips to sag or lift too high, which puts unnecessary stress on your lower back. Keep your body in a straight line from head to toe, engaging your core and glutes to maintain stability.
It's also important to avoid using momentum to lift your legs. Instead, focus on controlled movements, emphasizing the contraction of your lateral deltoids.
Lastly, be mindful of your breathing. Breathe in as you lower your legs and exhale as you raise them.
Variations to Challenge Yourself
To challenge yourself, try incorporating different variations of the Plank Lateral Raise into your workout routine regularly. Here are three advanced modifications and equipment options to help you take your Plank Lateral Raise to the next level:
- Weighted Plank Lateral Raise: Hold a dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand while performing the exercise. This added resistance will increase the intensity and challenge your muscles even more.
- Side Plank Lateral Raise: Begin in a side plank position, with one arm supporting your body and the other holding a dumbbell. As you raise your arm to the side, engage your core and glutes to maintain stability. This variation targets your obliques and shoulders simultaneously.
- Resistance Band Plank Lateral Raise: Attach a resistance band to a sturdy object and loop it around your wrist. Get into a plank position and perform the lateral raise while keeping tension on the band. This variation adds resistance throughout the movement, providing a greater challenge to your muscles.
Tips for Maximizing Results
For maximum results, make sure to focus on proper form and gradually increase the difficulty of the Plank Lateral Raise exercise. To maximize efficiency and effectiveness, it's important to maintain a straight line from your head to your heels throughout the exercise. Engage your core muscles and keep your hips stable to prevent any unnecessary movement.
When performing the Plank Lateral Raise, it can be beneficial to make modifications that challenge your muscles in different ways. One effective modification is to use weights or resistance bands to add resistance to the exercise. This will increase the workload on your shoulders and arms, leading to greater muscle activation and growth.
Another effective modification is to perform the exercise on an unstable surface, such as a Bosu ball or a balance board. This will require your muscles to work harder to stabilize your body, maximizing the benefits of the exercise.
Remember to start with a weight or resistance level that challenges you but still allows you to maintain proper form. As you progress, gradually increase the difficulty by increasing the weight or resistance, or by incorporating the modifications mentioned above.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Calories Does the Plank Lateral Raise Exercise Burn?
To burn calories and reduce your waist, the plank lateral raise exercise is a great choice. By engaging your core muscles and lifting your hips to a side plank position, you aren't only strengthening your abs and obliques but also burning calories.
This exercise targets multiple muscle groups, making it an effective calorie-burning workout. Incorporate the plank lateral raise into your routine for a challenging and effective way to burn calories and slim down your waist.
Can the Plank Lateral Raise Help in Reducing Waist Size?
The Plank Lateral Raise is a great exercise for reducing waist size and improving posture. It targets the oblique muscles, which can help slim down your waist. In addition, this exercise burns calories and is suitable for beginners.
If you have lower back pain, you can modify the exercise by performing it on your knees or using a stability ball.
Incorporate the Plank Lateral Raise into your routine to achieve a smaller waist and better posture.
Is the Plank Lateral Raise Suitable for Beginners?
The plank lateral raise is a challenging exercise that can be suitable for beginners with the right modifications and progressions. It helps strengthen your core and shoulders.
To modify, start with a basic plank and gradually add small leg raises. As you progress, you can increase the range of motion and add weights. Remember to engage your core, maintain proper form, and listen to your body.
With consistency and proper technique, you can master the plank lateral raise.
Can the Plank Lateral Raise Help Improve Posture?
Yes, the plank lateral raise can help improve your posture.
By incorporating this exercise into your routine, you can strengthen your core muscles, which play a crucial role in maintaining proper alignment and balance.
This exercise targets the muscles in your shoulders and upper back, helping to improve your overall posture and prevent slouching.
Are There Any Modifications for Individuals With Lower Back Pain While Performing the Plank Lateral Raise?
If you experience lower back pain while doing the plank lateral raise, there are modifications you can try for relief.
It's important to listen to your body and make adjustments as needed.
One option is to perform the exercise with your knees on the ground instead of extended.
This can help reduce the strain on your lower back.
Remember to engage your core muscles and maintain proper form throughout the movement.
Conclusion
Incorporating the plank lateral raise into your workout routine can provide numerous benefits. These include improved core strength and shoulder stability.
By maintaining proper form and technique, you can maximize the effectiveness of this exercise. It's important to avoid common mistakes such as sagging hips or using momentum to lift the weight.
To challenge yourself and continue progressing, try variations of the plank lateral raise. This could involve adding resistance bands or using dumbbells.
Remember, consistency and proper execution are key to achieving optimal results with the plank lateral raise.

Author
Years ago, the spark of my life’s passion ignited in my mind the moment I stepped into the local gym for the first time. The inaugural bead of perspiration, the initial endeavor, the very first surge of endorphins, and a sense of pride that washed over me post-workout marked the beginning of my deep-seated interest in strength sports, fitness, and sports nutrition. This very curiosity blossomed rapidly into a profound fascination, propelling me to earn a Master’s degree in Physical Education from the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow, followed by a Sports Manager diploma from the Jagiellonian University. My journey of growth led me to gain more specialized qualifications, such as being a certified personal trainer with a focus on sports dietetics, a lifeguard, and an instructor for wellness and corrective gymnastics. Theoretical knowledge paired seamlessly with practical experience, reinforcing my belief that the transformation of individuals under my guidance was also a reflection of my personal growth. This belief holds true even today. Each day, I strive to push the boundaries and explore new realms. These realms gently elevate me to greater heights. The unique combination of passion for my field and the continuous quest for growth fuels my drive to break new ground.