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Tom’s Guide
Tom’s Guide
Technology
Jane McGuire

Better than a plank: Why 'bear taps' are the ultimate test of core stability

A woman doing a bear plank with Pilates ball.

Forget sit-ups and crunches, the bear plank is one of the best moves you can do when it comes to targeting the deep core. This simple-looking move gets its name from the all-fours stance of the bear, and for most people, it’ll feel harder than a regular plank. It requires you to hold completely still, hovering your knees a few inches from the ground, forcing your core, quads and shoulders to hold you steady.

Read on to find out more about this powerhouse move, as well as its benefits, and the variations to try. As a reminder, if you’re a complete beginner, pregnant or postpartum, or recovering from a specific injury, it’s always best to seek personalized advice from a qualified professional.

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