Plank timer app Powered by AI.
A plank timer app that just counts seconds misses the point. Anyone can set a timer for 2 minutes — the question is whether you held proper form for those 2 minutes. REPS uses AI camera tracking to verify your plank position, so your hold time reflects real, form-validated work.
This page explains how AI plank timing works, how it differs from simple timers, proper plank form for the best tracking results, and how plank training integrates with REPS's broader bodyweight tracking system.
Camera-based plank detection and hold tracking.
Plank tracking is different from rep counting — it's about hold duration, not repetitions. REPS uses the same skeleton tracking AI to detect when you're in a plank position and can time the hold. The AI monitors your body alignment: shoulders over wrists, body in a straight line from head to heels, core engaged (detected through hip position).
AI plank timing offers something a regular timer doesn't: position validation. A phone timer counts seconds regardless of whether you're actually holding proper form. REPS's AI can detect if you're in a proper plank position — and the timer only counts when your form is correct. If your hips sag or you pike up, the AI recognizes the deviation.
Planks are an isometric exercise — static holds rather than repetitive motion. This requires different AI processing than rep counting. Instead of detecting movement cycles, the plank tracker detects and maintains position recognition over time. It's verifying that you're holding a specific body position continuously.
Step by step.
Plank Position Detection
The AI recognizes the plank position: body horizontal, arms supporting, body in a straight line. It identifies this as a plank rather than a pushup setup based on the held (non-moving) nature.
Form Monitoring
While you hold the plank, the AI continues monitoring body alignment. Hips should stay in line with shoulders and ankles. Significant deviations (sagging, piking) are detected.
Duration Tracking
The timer runs while the AI confirms you're holding proper plank form. Your hold duration is logged as part of your session data.
Session Integration
Plank holds are recorded alongside rep-based exercises. A session might include pushups (counted by reps) + plank (tracked by duration).
Get the most out of it.
Camera Angle for Planks
Side view is best for planks — it clearly shows your body alignment (or lack thereof). Position your phone at floor level, 6-8 feet to your side.
Proper Plank Form
Elbows or hands under shoulders, body straight from head to heels, core tight (no sagging hips), glutes engaged (no piking). The straighter your line, the more reliably the AI maintains plank detection.
Plank Variations
Standard plank (arms extended) and forearm plank (on elbows) are both detectable positions. Side planks have different body geometry and may be tracked with different reliability.
Building Plank Duration
Start with what you can hold with good form. The AI-verified time is your real hold time — not the inflated time you'd get from a regular timer while your hips are sagging.
Questions? Answered.
How does AI plank timing differ from a regular timer?
A regular timer counts seconds regardless of your form. REPS's AI detects your plank position and validates that you're holding proper form. Your timed hold reflects actual plank time, not just time on the floor.
Does the timer stop if my form breaks?
The AI monitors your body alignment throughout the hold. Significant form breaks (hip sag, piking) may affect the tracking. This is intentional — your plank time should reflect good form.
Can I do planks and pushups in the same session?
Yes. REPS tracks plank holds (duration) and pushups (reps) in the same session. The AI switches between hold detection and rep counting based on your movement pattern.
What's a good plank time to aim for?
For general fitness: 30-60 seconds with proper form. Holding a perfect plank for 60 seconds is more valuable than a sloppy 3-minute hold. REPS ensures your time reflects real form.
How does the plank timer app work?
The plank timer app REPS uses computer vision AI running on your iPhone to count exercise reps automatically through your phone's camera. During your workout, REPS maps your body's skeleton by tracking key joints and angles as you move. When you complete a full repetition of exercises like pushups or squats, the AI detects the proper movement pattern and range of motion, then logs the rep instantly with no buttons to press. REPS validates that you hit required positions before counting — pushups need chest-to-ground depth and full arm extension, squats require hip crease below knee level. The computer vision technology runs entirely on-device during workout sessions. Supported exercises include pushups, squats, burpees, lunges, jumping jacks, high knees, and mountain climbers. Each counted rep awards 1 XP toward rank progression. The automatic counting removes manual tracking burden, letting you focus on exercise execution and form during training sessions.
Plank with proof. AI validates your hold.
Free on iOS. No equipment needed. AI counts every rep.
