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Exercise 3699 · REF yRpV5TC

Shoulder Tap exercise animation

Shoulder Tap

Category
Waist
Equipment
Body Weight
Target
Abs

Shoulder taps turn a plank into an anti-rotation exercise — lifting one hand to tap the opposite shoulder forces the core to resist the hips twisting toward the ground. The less your hips move, the harder your obliques and deep core are actually working, which makes this a good self-check on core stability rather than just a timed hold. Slow the tempo down if your hips are rocking.

How to Do the Shoulder Tap

  1. Start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line.
  2. Engage your core and lift your right hand off the ground, reaching across to tap your left shoulder.
  3. Place your right hand back on the ground and repeat with your left hand tapping your right shoulder.
  4. Continue alternating shoulder taps while keeping your hips and torso stable.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Muscles Worked

The Shoulder Tap primarily targets the Abs, with Shoulders as the primary synergist muscle group, along with the Triceps.

More Waist Exercises

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More Abs Exercises

Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) Arms Overhead Full Sit-Up (male) Body Weight · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Hanging Knee Raise With Throw Down Assisted Hanging Knee Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Lateral Throw Down Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Lateral Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down Assisted Lying Leg Raise With Throw Down Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs

Equipment Alternatives

Don't have body weight? These target the same abs with different equipment.

Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted Hanging Knee Raise Assisted · Abs Assisted Motion Russian Twist Assisted Motion Russian Twist Medicine Ball · Abs Band Alternating V-Up Band Alternating V-Up Band · Abs Barbell Press Sit-Up Barbell Press Sit-Up Barbell · Abs

FAQ

What muscles does the Shoulder Tap work?
The Shoulder Tap primarily targets the abs, with the shoulders and triceps assisting.
What equipment do I need for the Shoulder Tap?
The Shoulder Tap is done with no equipment — just body weight.
What's a good alternative to the Shoulder Tap?
If you don't have access to the space or setup it needs, the Assisted Hanging Knee Raise targets the same abs using assisted instead.