Let’s be honest: holding a plank for what feels like an eternity, while every muscle trembles and your mind screams, “Is it over yet?”—that’s not anyone’s dream workout. But what if we told you there’s a core move even more effective—and, dare we say, a whole lot more fun? It’s time to ditch the plank and get to know the alligator move!
Why Planks Aren’t the Abs Miracle We Hoped For
Planks have been a go-to exercise for those looking to whittle down belly fat and sculpt their abdominal area. This classic static core workout is widely loved for a reason: it helps strengthen your abs and can help flatten your stomach. But newsflash—while popular, the standard plank isn’t actually the most effective way to get those dreamy abs.
Yes, you read that right! There’s a new sheriff in town (or should we say, a reptile). Experts now recommend a much mightier move: the alligator plank. Not only is this boosted plank accessible to everyone, it’s also reported to work near “miracles” when it comes to slimming down your belly. Intrigued? You should be.
A Flat Belly: Beyond Burning Calories
Let’s keep it real: no exercise alone will erase belly fat if you’re not in a calorie deficit. Shedding the fat that covers your abs comes down to burning more than you eat. However, there’s a twist—building up those abdominal muscles is just as critical when you want a flatter, more toned tummy.
- Focus on muscle strengthening in the abdominal area to create that “pulled-in” look.
- Static-core moves like standard planks often make it to the top of weight-loss workout lists. They help tighten your silhouette and whittle the waistline—but they’re not always the most powerful.
So, while classic planks aren’t useless, sport experts suggest there’s something even better out there for ab toning. Enter: the alligator plank.
Meet the Alligator Plank: Your New Workout Secret Weapon
Forget what you thought you knew about core work. The so-called alligator plank, according to physical activity pros, is a little-known variant that’s actually far more efficient for strengthening the abs than regular planking.
How does it work? Instead of holding a static position on your toes and forearms with a straight back, as you would in a classic plank (sometimes for more than a torturous minute), the alligator plank is done in motion. That’s right! No more staring at the stopwatch waiting for sweet release—you get to move.
Here’s the secret sauce:
- Start in a high plank position, hands pressed to the floor beneath you.
- Without using your legs, “drag” your body forward using your arms and hands only, pulling one after the other, keeping your hips stable so you don’t rock side to side.
- Your lower body? That’s meant to be deadweight—let it slide!
When you’ve moved forward a short distance, reverse back, still only harnessing the power of your upper body. If you’re slipping and sliding all over the floor (don’t worry, it happens to the best of us), toss some sliders or a simple old towel under your feet—just like you would when moving a heavy couch. No fancy equipment required, unless you want to dress up your workout even further.
Doing It Right: Frequency and Progression Matter
Consistency rules the land of muscle sculpting—especially if you’re targeting a flat stomach. Like all exercises focused on a specific body part, the alligator plank needs to be practiced regularly for real, visible results. But don’t panic—nobody’s forcing you to crawl like a reptile every single day.
Sports experts advise:
- Regularity beats frequency: Performing the alligator plank several times a week is more effective than doing it daily and burning out.
- Start simple: The first week, try holding your alligator plank for 15, 20, or 30 seconds per session.
- Progress over time: Gradually ramp things up—aim for 45, 50, then 55 seconds as you get stronger.
- For those who can manage several minutes, the golden rule is to do 3 sets of 1 minute, with a 20-second break in between, rather than trying to muscle through 3 minutes in a go.
And remember: keeping your technique solid is everything. Don’t arch your back or let your hips sway—no one wants an alligator with back problems!
The Takeaway: If you’ve been slogging through endless planks and not seeing the results you crave, the alligator move might just be the missing link in your core routine. Pair regular, progressing sessions with a calorie deficit, and you could be on your way to the flatter belly you’ve been chasing. Happy sliding—and don’t forget to pick a towel that won’t get you in trouble!
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
