When it comes to plank time, it does tend to draw an audible intake of breath! Often the dreaded kicker of a body pump class but also a mainstay of many a yoga session, it tends to attract a few groans. Why do we do it when it fills so many people with fear?
First off, drop the fear. It just does not serve you in any way, but do not drop the plank! There are plenty of modifications that you can incorporate to do the plank your way or to improve your strength, stability and balance to achieve a classic full plank.
But why bother in the first place?
Planking is an incredible exercise that targets multiple muscle groups – abdominals, obliques and lower back, to name a few – to help us in the following ways:
- Improves our posture, especially for those people who work on a PC all day, by strengthening muscles that support your spine and shoulders
- Boosts your metabolism
- Enhances flexibility, especially in your shoulders, collarbone and hamstrings
- Builds a strong and stable foundation for all your other workouts
- Challenges your body’s stability therefore boosting your balance and coordination
Furthermore, it’s the perfect non-equipment-required exercise that can be done anywhere! It is also low impact but produces high results.
But planking does not come easily to everyone, so I have been offering advice on how to ease into them. First, start with a basic plank on your knees with crossed legs. Second, if your wrists do not like being in that position, then use your elbows and forearms. Third, you do not have to go straight for the classic 60-second hold. See how long you can manage and then try to improve on that time.
And don’t get hung up on the classic plank. There are so many variations of the plank, so find one that suits you or swap them around.
I have been asking my clients to take up the #PlankWithMeChallenge this week to see if they can manage 60 seconds every day. If you are reading this and have missed the week, then choose your own week and see how you get on. Let me know! Follow my social media pages on Facebook and Instagram for more planking tips.
If you would like to try one of my online or in-person classes to help you become even stronger and more flexible, check out my schedule here.