Can't hold a plank for a minute? You don't have to. Use this trainer's technique hack to build a solid core in half the time

Woman holds plank position on balcony. She is looking at a laptop on the floor in front of her.

We all love a plank, right? OK, in truth everybody finds the plank exercise tough—nothing makes time stand still like when you're shaking like a leaf trying to hold your form.

Want your next set of planks to be over quicker? Then try this simple tweak from Gede Foster, director of fitness and performance at digital fitness platform FIIT, which will upgrade this classic move, making it kinder on your joints while reducing the amount of time you need to hold it. (Full disclosure: it's because the tweak makes it harder.)