Side Plank With Knees Bent

The Side Plank With Knees Bent is a beginner-friendly core stability exercise that targets the obliques and helps strengthen the lower back. By shortening the lever arm, it reduces shoulder strain while effectively teaching proper hip alignment and lateral core engagement.

How Iridium Programs This

Iridium tracks progressive overload for this time-based isometric by analyzing hold duration trends relative to your reported RPE. The algorithm attributes this specifically to your oblique volume, using your Minimum Effective and Maximum Recoverable Volume limits to gauge appropriate intensity. Iridium also reviews your 7-day history to ensure your lateral stabilizers have sufficient recovery capacity before scheduling this movement.

Form Cues

Do
  • Stack your knees and hips directly on top of each other
  • Place your elbow directly under your shoulder
  • Lift your hips until your body forms a straight line from head to knees
  • Squeeze your glutes to maintain hip extension
  • Breathe rhythmically while maintaining tension
Don't
  • Don't let your hips sag toward the floor
  • Don't roll your top shoulder forward
  • Don't allow your head to drop or jut forward
  • Don't hold your breath

Common Mistakes

  • Sagging hips
  • Rolling the chest forward
  • Elbow placed too far from the body
  • Neck misalignment
  • Lack of glute engagement

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily strengthens the internal and external obliques, which are crucial for rotational power and protecting the spine from excessive twisting. It also engages the gluteus medius and shoulder stabilizers to maintain the side-lying position, offering a comprehensive stability challenge for the lateral chain.

Primary

Obliques

Secondary

General CoreLateral Deltoid

Get Personalized Coaching for Side Plank With Knees Bent

Don't guess your way through weights or workouts. Download Iridium for automatic, AI-powered coaching that adapts to your recovery and goals.