Plank Lateral Raise - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Plank Lateral Raise

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Plank Lateral Raise.

MediumRear shouldersObliques

About this exercise

The plank lateral raise combines a forearm plank hold with a unilateral arm raise to the side, challenging core stability and shoulder strength simultaneously. As one arm leaves the ground, the core and obliques must work hard to prevent the hips from rotating.

How to Perform

  • Start in a forearm plank with your elbows under your shoulders, body forming a straight line from head to heels
  • Brace your core and squeeze your glutes to stabilise the hips
  • Lift one arm out to the side until it is parallel to the floor, keeping the hips level and the rest of the body still
  • Hold briefly at the top, then lower the arm back to the floor in a controlled manner
  • Alternate sides or complete all reps on one side before switching

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shouldersObliques
Secondary
AbsGlutesFront shouldersSide shouldersUpper chestTrapeziusOuter thighs

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Plank Lateral Raise

The Plank Lateral Raise is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.