TETSUBodyweight Incline Side Plank vs Roller Body Saw
The Bodyweight Incline Side Plank and the Roller Body Saw both train the abs as their primary muscle. The Bodyweight Incline Side Plank is bodyweight-only while the Roller Body Saw uses a roller. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Bodyweight Incline Side Plank | Roller Body Saw | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | abs | abs |
| Body part | waist | waist |
| Supporting muscles | obliques and shoulders | shoulders, triceps and core |
| Equipment | bodyweight | roller |
| Steps in our guide | 5 | 4 |
How each one starts
Bodyweight Incline Side Plank — first steps
- Start by lying on your side with your legs extended and stacked on top of each other.
- Place your forearm on the ground directly below your shoulder, with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle.
Roller Body Saw — first steps
- Start in a plank position with your forearms on the roller and your body in a straight line.
- Engage your core and slowly roll the roller forward, extending your body as far as you can while maintaining control.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Bodyweight Incline Side Plank needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the abs adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Bodyweight Incline Side Plank better than the Roller Body Saw?
Neither is universally better — both train the abs as the primary mover. The Bodyweight Incline Side Plank needs no equipment and scales through leverage, tempo and reps, while the Roller Body Saw offers a different stimulus. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Bodyweight Incline Side Plank and the Roller Body Saw in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the abs. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Bodyweight Incline Side Plank and the Roller Body Saw work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the abs. Supporting muscles differ slightly — obliques and shoulders for the Bodyweight Incline Side Plank versus shoulders, triceps and core for the Roller Body Saw.
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.