Primary
Core
Secondary
Shoulders, Lats
Equipment
Dumbbell
Difficulty
Intermediate
Type
Isometric
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The example below shows one possible placement. Your purchased plan is built from your assessment, and Ely checks every exercise before approving it.
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The plank pull-through is a dynamic anti-rotation exercise where you drag a weight under your body while maintaining a high plank. Each pull creates rotational force that your core must resist. This combines plank stability with active anti-rotation challenge.
When to use it
Use for advanced plank work for optimal results.
Who it's for
Intermediate lifters looking to progress their training.
Set up in a high plank with a dumbbell or kettlebell next to your hip. Reach under with the opposite hand, grab the weight, and drag it to the other side. Keep your hips completely square—they should not rotate at all. Alternate sides.
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Start in high plank with a weight beside you.
Reach under your body with opposite hand.
Grab the weight and pull it to the other side.
Place weight down on opposite side.
Alternate sides for optimal results.
Keep hips stable throughout.
Anti-rotation challenge.
Keep hips from rotating.
Use moderate weight.
Wider stance is easier.
Use plank pull-throughs as an advanced plank progression or anti-rotation exercise. They work well in core circuits or as a challenging alternative to standard planks. Keep the weight moderate to maintain proper form.
Hips rotating instead of staying square.
Losing hip position during the Plank Pull-Through changes the loading pattern and can reduce the intended work for your Core. Keep your hips aligned with the setup cues and move only through the range you can control.
Weight too heavy for optimal results.
Loading more weight than you can control on the Plank Pull-Through often creates compensations that shift work away from your Core. Reduce the load until each rep follows the intended path.
Moving too fast and losing control of the movement.
Rushing through the Plank Pull-Through makes it easier to lose position and harder to keep tension on your Core. Slow down enough to control both the lifting and lowering portions of each rep.
Intermediate lifters looking to progress their training.
Lower reps with heavier weight builds raw strength. Your muscles and nervous system adapt to handle more load over time. This range is best for strength-focused goals.
This rep range keeps your muscles under tension long enough to trigger growth. Most people see the best muscle-building results in this zone. It balances strength and muscle size.
Higher reps with lighter weight builds muscular endurance and improves conditioning. This range is good for joint health and building work capacity.
General guideline: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per side. Rest 60s.
This is one example of how Plank Pull-Through could sit inside a complete workout. Your plan may use different movements after Ely checks your assessment.
Sample workout
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Plank Pull-Through
The Plank Pull-Through primarily targets the Core, Obliques, making it an effective exercise for core development. Secondary muscles worked during the Plank Pull-Through include Shoulders, Lats, providing additional training stimulus. Stabilizer muscles engaged include Hips.
The Plank Pull-Through is rated as intermediate difficulty, meaning it requires some training experience. Intermediate lifters looking to progress their training. Focus on proper technique and consider starting with easier variations.
For the Plank Pull-Through, the recommended approach depends on your goals. 3 sets of 10-12 reps per side. Rest 60s. For strength, use 8-10 reps per side. For muscle growth, perform 10-12 reps per side. For endurance, complete 12-15 reps per side.
Yes, the Plank Pull-Through can be done at home with a dumbbell. It requires minimal space and is a great option for home workouts targeting core.
Good alternatives to the Plank Pull-Through include: Plank Shoulder Tap, Renegade Row. These exercises target similar muscle groups as the Plank Pull-Through and can be used as substitutes based on your equipment availability, gym setup, or training preferences.