This phrase refers to the muscles engaged during the core-strengthening exercise known as the plank. In the context of a Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle, it signifies that the answer to a particular clue is related to these specific muscles. For example, a clue might be “Plank target” with the answer being “ABS” or “CORE.”
Crossword puzzles frequently incorporate knowledge from various domains, including fitness and anatomy. Including such clues broadens the puzzle’s appeal and challenges solvers to think across disciplines. The use of this specific terminology reflects the growing awareness of fitness and core strength within popular culture. It also highlights the ingenuity of crossword constructors in incorporating contemporary language and concepts into their work.