The Sanskrit name for Plank Pose is Phalakasana, stemming from the word phalaka, meaning “plank” or “board.” The name reflects the appearance of the body’s position being akin to a sturdy wooden plank, in addition to the strength and solidity one aims to achieve while holding the pose.

Plank Pose (Phalakasana), as the name suggests, the body is held in a way that looks like a plank, thin and long. Its also called Kumbhakasana or Dandasana. In Sanskrit, kumbhaka means breath retention, and asana means pose.