Planks...planks...more planks :)

[Sky King]

Veronica, sounds brutal.

We did buddy side planks the other day, facing partner, holding resistance band in top hand with enough space between you and partner for a good pull. Take turns pulling the resistance band back, keeping elbow at 90 degrees, five pulls per partner and then switch, maintaining a strong side plank - of course.

[Catrin]

We did a "simple" plank series the other day. It takes 4 minutes and the goal is to go from one movement to the next without breaking the plank:

Standard plank (on elbows): 1 minute
Hold right knee to right elbow for 30 seconds & then the other side (1 minute total)
Extend right arm and left leg, hold for 30 seconds & then the other side (1 minute total)
Cock the right leg out to the side with the knee bent and hold for 30 seconds & the other side (1 minute total)

[Dogmama]

Elbows on swiss ball. Rotate ball slowly in one direction for a few reps then switch directions. I call it "stirring the pot"

Assume plank position at low pulley machine. Use one arm to do rows. This is a variation on some of the other planks already suggested.

Ankles on swiss ball, elbows on floor. Jacknife up (raise butt in air). Return to plank.

Assume side plank position. Take lightweight dumbbell in top hand. Raise, like a lateral raise, and return dumbbell to front (to floor in front of hips.) Repeat, raising dumbell and return to back (in back at low back.) Keep switching back & forth. I like this because you hit delts and core in the same exercise.