If you know me, you know my love for planks 🙂
Plank is a full body exercise. In just a short period of time, you get to work your core, glutes, quads, shoulders, chest and you get to test your stability like no other exercise. It’s a low impact exercise and can be done anywhere, anytime. One of the best bodyweight exercises to perform when you are short on time and have no access to the equipment. Add them to your routine to maximize time and results.Â
There are so many fun variations and by fun I mean, brutal 🙂 You can stick to an isometric hold of either a straight arm or forearm plank or you can take it up a notch. If you want to work your obliques you can perform a hip dip in a forearm plank or a side plank, mt climbers or plank jacks if you want to spike your heart rate up or get a little more into the shoulders by doing commandos or I like calling them “up downs”. There are so many modifications for those wanting to build strength and stamina before attempting a hold as well so no need to worry if you are a beginner.Â
So, what are the benefits you are wondering?
- You will build core strength and work on balance. You will get to work those deep abdominal stabilizer muscles while holding a plank.
- You will build strength in your upper and lower body. To be able to hold a plank and maintain a proper form you have to keep your entire body engaged.
- You will improve your posture. Core and upper body are activated when holding a plank which helps maintain a good posture.Â
- You will burn a lot of calories. Planks work your entire body and the more muscles you activate, the more calories you burn.Â
If you are done reading this, roll your mat out and get into a plank. One plank a day keeps a doctor away!Â