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13 of my favorite plank variations to make core / abs work more fun! @juice__allen …more

original sound — @squatuniversity

what it claims

Incorporate dynamic or unstable core variations (such as using a stability ball or limb movement) to increase difficulty and stimulate core muscle recruitment.

holds up

The idea of making the traditional plank more complex by adding movement or instability is well-supported by sports science research.

noli's read

The idea of making the traditional plank more complex by adding movement or instability is well-supported by sports science research. An observational laboratory comparative study published by Snarr and Esco (2014) in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research shows that the use of unstable tools (such as a stability ball or straps) significantly increases muscle activation (measured via EMG) of the rectus abdominis and obliques compared to a standard floor plank. Furthermore, observational research conducted by Schoenfeld et al. (2014) confirms that modifying lever arms or adding dynamic movement drastically intensifies abdominal muscle recruitment. The creator presents these exercises as an excellent way to increase the physical challenge, which is entirely accurate and consistent with this scientific data. The claim that these variations make the session 'more fun' remains subjective and is not based on any quantifiable evidence, although the playful aspect is an excellent tool for maintaining motivation. These advanced movements simply require good technique to maintain body alignment without compensation.

the sources

  1. 1Wang XQ, Zheng JJ, Yu ZW, et al. 2012

Claimed by Squat University. Noli grades the claim, never the person.

Decoded by Noli · July 13, 2026 · the original post

What the graded evidence says

Evidence
C
Effect
pain and disability, core-stability exercise vs general exercise in chronic low back pain — short-term pain mean difference -1.29 (95% CI -2.47 to -0.11) and disability -7.14 (-11.64 to -2.65) favoring core work; no significant difference by 6 months; 5 RCTs, n=414
Measured on
adults with chronic low back pain (transfer to general population uncertain)

What’s uncertain

The clearest evidence is in low back pain and shows only a small, short-lived edge over general exercise. Claims that core-specific training is uniquely essential for everyone are not well supported.

Squat University in the Register77 claims graded · solidity 81/100See their record →

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