plancha
/ˈplant͡ʃa/
The English phrase 'plank position' is translated into Spanish as plancha.
In a fitness context, you can use the verbal phrase hacer la plancha to mean 'to do the plank' or 'to hold a plank'. You may also use the more specific term plancha abdominal to refer to the abdominal plank or core exercise.
What does it mean word for word?
The word plancha literally means 'iron' (as in a clothes iron) or 'board', which is the root of the term used for the plank exercise.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈplantʃa/
Did you know?
- The root of plancha can be traced back to the Ancient Greek phalanga, which originally described a tight military formation of soldiers.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a waiter might ask if you want your steak 'a la plancha', which has nothing to do with your core strength and simply means it is cooked on a flat griddle.
Examples in context
- La posición de plancha es excelente para fortalecer los músculos del core.The plank position is excellent for strengthening the core muscles.
- Me duele el abdomen porque ayer hice muchas planchas.My abdomen hurts because yesterday I did many planks.
- Mantén la plancha por un minuto.Hold the plank for one minute.
- La plancha es un ejercicio difícil.The plank is a difficult exercise.
- Primero, ponte en posición de plancha.First, get into the plank position.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are doing a fitness routine at home.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿puedes hacer la plancha?Alejandro, can you do the plank?
- AlejandroSí, pero me cansa mucho la espalda.Yes, but it makes my back very tired.
- MaríaIntenta mantener la plancha con cuidado.Try to hold the plank carefully.
- AlejandroEstá bien, lo intentaré ahora.Okay, I will try it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry plancha, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries plancha, CC BY-SA 4.0.
