Crunches, situps, and leg raises are all effective abs exercises—but planking is a core classic that certainly deserves a spot in your movement lineup. This tried and true move may seem simple, but that doesn't make it any less impactful—in fact, it's one of the best exercises you can try for full-body activation.

A traditional plank is generally on your forearms, but moving into a high plank position on your hands will challenge your muscles in a slightly different way.

Building a strong core will benefit nearly every form of exercise (not to mention add comfort to your everyday life), so we followed fitness instructor Mindy Lai's lead for how to nail the proper form of a high plank. And for planking beginners, we've got you covered with some helpful modifications.

Demonstrated by Mindy Lai.

When it comes to perfecting your plank form, it’s key to engage your core (almost like sucking in). This will ensure all of the muscles you're aiming to work are activated as you hold the position. Because you’re putting weight on your hands as well, you must remember to keep your shoulders pressed away from your ears, instead of sinking your body into the plank. Otherwise, you may wind up with a sore back or shoulders instead of the desired effect.

As for the position of your head, it may be tempting to look down at your feet while planking, but this will throw off the line of your body. Therefore, it’s best to train your eyes on the floor directly between your hands to stay strong and steady, even as holding your plank becomes more difficult.

Demonstrated by BB Arrington.

Demonstrated by Janeil Mason.

Demonstrated by Jessica Aronoff.

Demonstrated by BB Arrington.

You don't have to follow a dedicated core workout to fit high planks into your routine, and even just adding a minute or two to the end of each workout will gradually improve your strength over time. If you need a little guidance, this high-energy boxing workout from Lai is perfect for kicking your heart rate up a notch while still incorporating challenging core movements like high planks.

You can also enhance your high plank by adding shoulder taps to target your obliques and arm muscles—just remember to engage your core so you aren't rocking side to side! This 15-minute HIIT routine from Lai is perfect for when you're in a time crunch but still want to fire up your abs.