The plank shoulder taps exercise is an advanced version of the standard plank that targets multiple muscles at once, including the shoulders, core, arms, lower back, and glutes.

By tapping your shoulders with one hand at a time, you engage your obliques and stabilizer muscles, improving core strength, building stronger abs, and maintaining core stability.

To perform plank shoulder taps correctly, start in a high plank position with your feet hip-width apart and hands under your shoulders. Keep your spine neutral, back and neck straight, and hips aligned with your shoulders. Engage your core and squeeze your glutes to maintain stability. Tap your left hand on your right shoulder, then return it to the starting position. Repeat with your right hand tapping your left shoulder. You can also tap both shoulders simultaneously. Aim for 15 taps on each side for two rounds.

When performing plank shoulder taps, it’s important to use proper form to target the correct muscles and avoid strains or injuries. Some tips to make the exercise easier include breathing normally, keeping your hips stable and back straight, pressing your palms firmly on the mat, maintaining a neutral neck position, engaging your core throughout, and taking rest between sets.

In addition to targeting various muscles, plank shoulder taps offer several benefits. It is a full-body exercise that stabilizes the core and spine while working major muscles like the abs, triceps, chest, hamstrings, and back. It also promotes good posture by engaging the spine and aligning it, potentially reducing back pain. However, it’s important to consult a doctor before starting any exercise routine if you have chronic back pain or injuries. Additionally, shoulder taps may improve balance, coordination, and aid in weight loss.

The Bottom Line:

Plank shoulder taps are an advanced core-strengthening exercise that targets multiple muscles at once. By incorporating this exercise into your routine, you can improve core strength, build stronger abs, and stabilize your core. Ensure proper form and technique to maximize the benefits and minimize the risk of injury.

Key Points:

– Plank shoulder taps are an advanced version of the standard plank that targets multiple muscles.
– They engage the shoulders, core, arms, lower back, and glutes.
– The exercise involves tapping each shoulder with one hand at a time or both shoulders simultaneously.
– Proper form is crucial, including neutral spine, straight back and neck, aligned hips and shoulders, engaged core and glutes.
– Tips for making the exercise easier include breathing normally, keeping hips stable, pressing palms firmly on the mat, maintaining a neutral neck position, engaging core throughout, and taking rest between sets.
– Plank shoulder taps offer benefits such as full-body workout, promotion of good posture, potential reduction in back pain, improvement in balance and coordination, and assistance in weight loss.
– Consult a doctor before starting any exercise routine if you have chronic back pain or injuries.

Source Article: https://www.sportskeeda.com/health-and-fitness/plank-shoulder-taps-how-master-core-strengthening-exercise