Exercise guide
Suspender Front Plank
- Intermediate
- Compound
- Timed hold
- Waist
The Suspender Front Plank utilizes the instability of suspension straps to significantly increase demand on the core and shoulder stabilizers compared to a traditional plank. It is highly effective for developing isometric strength in the abs and obliques while engaging the pectorals and deltoids to maintain a steady base.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Secondary
Equipment
Setup
- Adjust the suspension trainer so the foot cradles are at mid-calf height.
- Place your feet or toes into the cradles while facing away from the anchor point.
- Position your forearms on the floor with elbows directly under your shoulders, or place your palms flat for a high-plank variation.
How to do it
- Exhale and lift your knees off the floor, extending your legs until your body forms a straight line from head to heels.
- Engage your core and glutes immediately to prevent the straps from swinging.
- Maintain a steady, controlled breathing pattern, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth while holding the position.
- Hold for the target duration, focusing on keeping the straps perfectly still.
Form checklist
- Do not let your lower back sag or your hips hike upward.
- Keep your shoulder blades pulled apart (protracted) rather than letting them collapse together.
- Maintain a neutral neck by looking at the floor slightly in front of your hands.
- Ensure your weight is distributed evenly across your forearms or palms.
Pro tips
- Actively push your heels back into the handles to create more tension throughout the posterior chain and stabilize the straps.
- Focus on 'knitting' your ribs toward your pelvis to maximize the contraction of the rectus abdominis.
Make it harder
- Suspension Body Saw: While maintaining the plank, slowly push your body backward a few inches using your shoulders, then pull back to the start.
- Suspension Mountain Climbers: Alternately draw one knee toward your chest while keeping the other leg extended and stable.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the suspender front plank work?
- The suspender front plank primarily targets the abs, deltoids, obliques, and pectorals, and also works the erector spinae and serratus anterior as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the suspender front plank?
- The suspender front plank uses suspension trainer.
- Is the suspender front plank good for beginners?
- The suspender front plank is rated intermediate. Build a base with simpler variations first, then progress to it with light load and strict form.
Related exercises
- 45 Degrees Arms PlankIntermediate · abs, deltoids, obliques, and pectorals
- Alternate Leg Lift Tap Arms CircleIntermediate · abs, deltoids, obliques, and pectorals
- Battling Ropes Half KneelingIntermediate · abs, biceps, deltoids, obliques, and pectorals
- Bear WalkIntermediate · abs, calves, deltoids, hamstrings, obliques, and pectorals