Come to all fours and stack your shoulders directly above your wrists. Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart. Look directly at the ground in front of you so your neck stays in line with your spine. Tuck your toes and lift your knees and hips, forming a plank shape with your body. Make sure your hips don’t drift too high or too low.

Here’s how to do a plank correctly: Lie facedown with your forearms on the floor, with your legs extended and your feet together. You can use a mat or towel to make this more comfortable. Push into your forearms as you raise your body so it forms a straight line from your head and neck to your feet. (Do not let your hips rise or sag.)

In order for a plank to be effective, Bardarson says it’s important to make sure you: Engage your core (think of pulling your belly button into your spine) Keep your elbows directly under your shoulders Keep your forearms parallel to one another Keep your eyes gazing toward the ground slightly in front of you

How do you do a plank correctly? Balance on your forearms and your toes with your body off the ground. Start by lying on your stomach with your forearms underneath you. Keep your elbows directly underneath your shoulders with your palms down. Engage your abs and your torso to rise up onto your toes, keeping your hips and stomach off the ground.