Copenhagen Plank

The most effective adductor strengthener there is — and the best groin-strain insurance for anyone who cuts or sprints.

DIFFICULTY
Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Bench · Bodyweight
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Adductors
ALSO WORKS
Obliques · Abs
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Lie on your side with the top leg resting on a bench at about knee height.
  2. 02Support yourself on the bottom elbow.
  3. 03Press the top leg down into the bench to lift the hips into a straight line.
  4. 04Start with the bottom leg supported on the floor; progress to holding it in the air.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Squeeze the bench with the top leg — that's where the work is.
  2. 02Start short: 10–15 seconds is plenty at first.
  3. 03Regress by bending the top knee onto the bench.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Jumping to the full version before the knee version is easy.
  2. 02Letting the hips sag.
  3. 03Training it to failure — adductors get very sore very fast.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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