Plank Variations for Your Core With Prolapse Problems or After a Hysterectomy

Plank variations that are pelvic floor friendly are better suited to women with pelvic prolapse issues and after a hysterectomy compared with traditional plank.

This Physiotherapist video demonstrates 3 pelvic floor friendly plank variations to help you modify the traditional plank exercise.

Suitability: Beginners to intermediate abdominal core strengthening.

Some women who’ve had repeat prolapse surgery or with weak pelvic floor muscles may find alternative safe core exercises more comfortable than planking. These plank variations are designed for women who can comfortably tolerate them without exacerbating prolapse symptoms.

Video Duration: 4.23 mins

Please scroll down for written plank variations and additional tips for avoiding pelvic floor strain.

New Pelvic Floor Safe Workout Video Pack (Download/Streaming)

Modified Plank Benefits

Modifying the traditional plank can help reduce pressure on the pelvic floor (and lower back).

The traditional plank is an intense core exercise performed weight bearing through the forearms and feet.

The 3 progressive plank variations demonstrated in this video help you strengthen and tone your core abdominal muscles as well as your spinal muscles.

Weight bearing through the knees rather than the feet reduces plank intensity and therefore the risk of pelvic floor strain.

Plank Variation 1

Kneeling Plank Toes Touching

Starting Position

• Start out lying prone on the ground
• Slide your forearms close to your body with your elbows beneath your shoulders
• You upper arms should be almost at right angles to your forearms

Action

• Raise your chest to engage your shoulder muscles
• Gently engage your deep abdominal muscles
• Push down through your elbows and forearms as you raise your trunk off the ground, weight bearing through your knees and toes
• Breathe normally throughout and avoid holding your breath
• Try to keep an imaginary straight line between your shoulders and your knees – avoid sagging through your hips and abdomen
• Maintain this raised position for a few breaths when starting out
• Gently lower your trunk back to the ground
• Rest briefly until you’re recovered before repeating this exercise

Plank Variation 2

Kneeling Plank Toes Raised

Starting Position

• Start in the same position outlined in variation 1

Action

• Repeat the same starting action outlined in variation 1
• Raise your feet and trunk off the ground weight bearing through your knees and forearms
• Stay strong through your core
• Breathe normally
• Gently lower your body back to the ground
• Rest briefly until you’re recovered before repeating this exercise

Plank Variation 3

Kneeling Plank Legs Lift and Lower

This is the most intense of these 3 plank variations and should be used as a progression exercise.

Starting Position

• Start in the same position outlined in plank variations 1 and 2

Action

• Repeat the same starting action outlined in variations 1 and 2
• Raise your feet and trunk off the ground weight bearing through your knees
• Lift and lower your feet to and from the ground while your trunk is raised
• Breathe normally throughout
• Gently lower your body back to the ground
• Rest briefly until you’re recovered before repeating this exercise

Safety Tips for Progressing Plank Variations

• Gradually progress the length of time your trunk is raised above the ground
• Avoid progressing the plank if you’re unable to keep your hips and trunk raised off the ground comfortably without straining
• Keep breathing normally and avoid holding your breath
• Avoid over bracing your abdominal muscles (contracting too strongly)
• Keep your chin tucked to reduce the risk of neck strain
• If you notice prolapse symptoms stop your plank exercise. Next time reduce the length and intensity of the plank or alternatively try the modified side plank variation

Key Points for Plank Variations

• Pelvic floor friendly plank variations can help you strengthen and  tone your core without overloading your pelvic floor and worsening prolapse problems
• Start with variation 1 and progress gradually through the variations demonstrated
• If you notice prolapse symptoms during or after these exercises stop, rest and resume only when you’re comfortable and ready.

Further Reading

» How Safe is Planking Exercise For Your Prolapse?

» How to Modify Plank Exercise for Safer Core Strengthening

» Side Plank Abdominal Core Exercise for Women With Prolapse