Dropping into a plank isn’t always the most glamorous of physical activities. This is not any fancy, dynamic actions, and it almost seems too easy. However, performing a plank effectively can provide brilliant results in your fitness! Here are a number of the benefits of planks that we’ve experienced.
Benefits of Planks Exercise
Developing a strong core is crucial to achieving a healthy body. Planks are one of the best ways to achieve this, growing a rock hard core that is able to hold that wonderfully straight line from the top of your head to your feet.
Planks also are outstanding for achieving precise posture! We stay in a society of slouchers, especially with all of us on our telephones 23 hours out of the day (Guilty). Planking is a splendid way to fight this, and to create alignment of the spine! Holding this still position and making sure that your head doesn’t crane up or down is extremely important.
Planks are also, although they may not seem like it, a total body exercise! You’re using your upper body to support yourself, your core to remain stable, and your legs to keep everything off the floor. Next time you’re in a plank, pay a little bit more attention to your body. Think about tensing all of those muscles I just mentioned to really feel them working!
To do a plank correctly, there are a few key points to remember:
- Keep your shoulders over your hands or your elbows when doing a forearm plank. Pushing back causes your shoulders to do the work, rather than your core.
- Make sure that your lower back does not slouch. If your belly is closer to the ground than your chest, you’ve lost the movement.
- Keep your hips in line with your shoulders. If your booty is sticking up in the air, you won’t reap the benefits of this exercise. Save the booty poppin for the club, not the gym.
Want to spice things up? Try a side plank!
Are you a fan of planks? You should be! Try to hold a plank for 1 minute at the end of your workout!
Paul Stewart is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s best strength and conditioning specialists. Paul began his fitness career in New York with a B.SC Degree from Adelphi University, and since then has fulfilled his early promise with an array of certs and accolades, including a Masters Degree in Education.
As Pureclass Director, Paul is responsible for overseeing all departments related to fitness and training programmes. Paul is the ultimate overachiever, whether he is leading a group class as a Spinning Instructor or reaching out to his colleagues, Paul combines gritty intensity with the ability to bring different personalities together for a single purpose.
With over 15 years in the fitness industry, Paul’s enthusiasm for fitness and gift for creating quality programs is the cornerstone of Pureclass Fitness Studios success.
