Are you actively working your abs in a plank hold or passively waiting for them to start working, or maybe even clock watching to get it out of the way?
Most people will brace harder when sat on the toilet than when bracing to engage the abdominal muscles or maintain a neutral spine under load.
Check out the short video tutorial below on how I coach my clients to make their abs scream instantly in the plank position!
Coaching points to consider with this variation:
1. Keep tension with your elbows the entire time you hold - but not too much that you pull yourself out of position. Ensure your elbows are directly below your shoulders. This is why when you set-up, have your elbows slightly forwards so when you pull they are locked under your shoulders for support.
2. Maintain steady breathing throughout - you will naturally want to hold your breathe as you brace, this will work against you as you hold.
3. Start from your knees but ensure you aren't sitting back on your hips. This is still a very tough variation when done properly, and should only be progressed to your feet once you can maintain the hold with good form and feeling in the abdominals.
If you have any further questions about this exercise, please drop them in the comments section below and I will do my best to answer! And let me know how you get on!
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