The Power of the Plank

Many people think crunches and sit ups are the only way to tone your abs. This is isn’t true.

Plank exercises are far more beneficial than you might think because they work an incredible amount of muscles. Planks are isometric movements, which means they maintain stability in core muscles. Simply holding a plank for 30 seconds will demonstrate just how powerful these exercises are. Believe me, if you hold a plank this long, you will feel it. Everywhere.

Planks engage your back and transverse ab muscles, along with your shoulder muscles to hold up your body weight. These exercises are no joke and while it’s not funny to do them, it is awesome to feel the strength you get from them.

But that’s not all. Planks also help improve balance, especially if you advance enough to do arm rows and leg lifts while doing planks. Planks also are less likely to cause back pain, unlike traditional crunches and sit ups. Planks strengthen your core and while this terminology is bandied about often, it is good to have a strong core. Why? Because you get stronger. Stronger is better.  When you keep at it, planks will give you a solid core and that will make you love your abs.

When doing a plank, remember to keep your pelvis neutral; don’t raise your butt too high or let it fall too low. Don’t let your chest fall; your shoulders should feel tight when in a plank position. As with any exercise, improper form can lead to pain and that’s not never good.

Challenge yourself. If you’re ready to work on that diy tummy tuck (which we all know, you are), try plank variations. Plank jacks are jumping jacks in the plank position and mountain climbers are the result of bringing one knee in at a time and alternationg a s quickly as possible. Side planks are exactly what they sound like – a plank on your side. They’re tough but they’re worth every second because they target obliques, which will give you a solid core.

Don’t wuss out; do the planks. Go do one now and tell me how it felt.

 

 

Photos: courtesy of Jaykayfit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Plank.jpg