If you’re new to planks or haven’t done them in a long time, you may want to start with modified versions of the forearm plank. These could help take pressure off your lower back and still ...

Modified pushups allow you to gradually increase the intensity of the move and challenge your balance — slowly working your way up to the plank. Move from your hands down to your forearms and ...

or you could put your hands on a park bench and do an incline plank. No doubt, the standard, straight-arm high plank is a great exercise. “It really challenges your whole body,” says Wickham.

For those looking to increase the intensity of the side plank gradually, try the following sequence: forearm side plank; forearm side plank with hip dip; forearm side plank with elbow drop ...