Research

Mixed

The Long-Lever Posterior-Tilt Plank (LLPTP) imposes a greater stimulus on core musculature than the traditional prone plank (TPP) by increasing lever length, narrowing the base of support, and requiring isometric gluteal activation to maintain a posterior pelvic tilt.

To perform the Long-Lever Posterior-Tilt Plank, lie face down with elbows at nose level, spaced 6 inches apart. Lift your body onto your forearms and toes, keeping a straight line from head to heels. Crucially, squeeze your glutes hard to tilt your pelvis backward (tailbone toward feet, pubic bone toward belly button). Hold this rigid position for 10-30 seconds. If your hips sag, you are doing it wrong; reset and focus on glute activation. This is for those who find standard planks too easy.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
The LLPTP modifies the TPP in 2 primary ways: first, the elbows are positioned closer together and further toward the head compared to the TPP. Second, the gluteal muscles are isometrically activated to elicit a posterior pelvic tilt... Taken as a whole, the evidence strongly indicates that the LLPTP promotes a heightened challenge to the core musculature compared with the TPP.
Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · Strength and conditioning journal · 2013

Why this rating

The paper is an exercise technique column that infers muscle activation based on biomechanical principles and existing literature on similar movements, rather than presenting new primary EMG data for the LLPTP itself.

Source

The Long-Lever Posterior-Tilt Plank

Brad J. Schöenfeld et al. · Strength and conditioning journal · 2013

DOI 10.1519/ssc.0b013e31828226d5

narrative_reviewCited 4×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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