The plank is powerful. A quick and easy exercise for your core – it will leave you strengthened, toned and standing tall with a confident posture. Add it to your daily routine and your weekly workouts. Start simple with the basic plank, then modify it with a few variations like the high plank, side plank, elbow-touching plank, the list continues. Let’s see what all the fuss is about – read on for 5 Great Reasons Why You Should Plank Daily.
1. Tones and strengthens your core & more!
The plank is a great exercise for physical strength and toning up. Whilst primarily engaging your inner core abdominal muscles, it also activates muscles in your shoulders, arms, legs, lower back and glutes, tightening and firming up a great proportion of your body. Endure the burn and shaky feel when holding the plank position and you will feel stronger than ever as a result. Pair this with regular cardio activity and a healthy balanced diet and you may even start seeing the contour signs of a six pack!
2. Greater bodily balance and stability
The position held in the plank improves the stabilisation of your body. Lying face down with your bodyweight pushed up, resting on your forearms and tips of your feet – keep in a straight line, tucked in and simply power through. Your body may initially feel unsteady but gradually, as you practise this routine, you will gain improved balance and a stronger, more stable body. The great thing is, you will notice this as you go about your other daily activities.
3. Stretching aids flexibility
This full body engagement in the plank is a great way to stretch out your limbs as well as training your core strength. With your legs in a long, streamlined stance, your hamstrings and the arches of your feet will experience a good stretch. This will benefit general flexibility.
4. Can help to reduce back pain
With improved posture and strength, the plank can work to reduce back pain. You will be left feeling well-stretched and standing straight. This stronger body alignment will take the pressure off your lower back, helping to reduce pains.
5. Endless ways to add variety & enhance effectiveness
The plank is a great exercise to build upon. Once you’ve mastered the basics, take on the challenge of experimenting with some of the trickier variations. Try keeping in a strong position whilst adding in shoulder taps, leg raises, and try low plank to high plank. As you increase the range of moves in the plank, your body will start to respond to different angles of gravity, adapting as a result. Continue, move by move, so you can continue to reap the positive benefits.
