Lifestyle
Get in shape with plank exercises
Planking is an easy way to tone up using your own bodyweight and it literally takes a minute or two. It’s also a great tool for building core strength, which is why it’s an essential part of almost every workout and sports training schedule.
What is a plank?
It’s an isometric core strength exercise that involves maintaining a position similar to a push up for the maximum time possible (Wikipedia).
So why should you plank?
- Engages every major core muscle group providing strength and definition to your abs.
- Works your biceps, neck and shoulder muscles as well as your thighs and glutes.
- Builds muscle without putting too much pressure on your spine or hips, and reduces back pain by strengthening your core muscles.
- Helps your body’s flexibility and endurance and improves posture.
- Improves your balance, for example standing on one leg will become easier.
- Boosts your metabolism as the entire body is challenged so even if you’re at a desk all day, you’ll burn energy and calories.
- Reduces stress and tension by stretching all the muscle groups.
Plank challenge for beginners
Start with a 10 to 15 second plank and build your time up by five seconds every day and see if you can reach the two minute mark. Even doing a one-minute plank every day is beneficial. The longest plank is said to have been held for over four hours.
