Core Asana · Beginner (Level 1) · Catalog #800158

Wall Plank Phalakasana (wall)

Plank performed against a wall. The entry point for building core and shoulder stability with almost no load.

Practice Wall Plank (Phalakasana (wall)) with Illustrated Cues & Breath Timer Open this posture in Ayurveda & Asana Yoga on iPhone & iPad to build custom dosha sequences and track MET energy burn.
Download on the App Store
Wall Plank (Phalakasana (wall)) — Core Yoga Posture Illustration

Wall Plank (Phalakasana (wall)) — Core posture targeting Abs, Shoulders, Chest · Even ujjayi breath · Forward drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Neutral (0) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Phalakasana (wall)
Posture Family
Core
Difficulty
Beginner (Level 1)
Recommended Hold
45 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Forward
Target Muscles
Abs, Shoulders, Chest
Energy Expenditure
2.5 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Wall Plank

Wall Plank (Phalakasana (wall)) belongs to the Core posture family and engages the Abs, Shoulders, Chest at an intensity of approximately 2.5 METs. Plank performed against a wall. The entry point for building core and shoulder stability with almost no load.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 45-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Forward to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Abs, Shoulders, Chest.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 3 years (24 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Neutral (0) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Neutral (0) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 45 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

No specific classical contraindications recorded for healthy adults; always practice within pain-free range of motion.

iOS App for iPhone & iPad

Practice with 908 illustrated postures, custom prāṇāyāma timers & dosha meal plans

Combine classical Vata, Pitta, and Kapha balance, Six Tastes (Shad Rasa), and seasonal Ritucharya routines with verified USDA calorie, macronutrient, vitamin, and mineral tracking.

Related Core Yoga Poses