Start in a push-up position, body straight from heels to head. Keep your core braced, glutes squeezed, and shoulders packed. Hold without letting your hips sag or rise. This is the most fundamental core hold. Build up to 60 seconds with perfect form. Once you can hold a plank for a minute, you're ready for more advanced core work. Quality over quantity—a perfect 30-second plank beats a sloppy 60-second one.