Planks or Planking are one form of bodyweight exercises. Bodyweight exercises are gaining ground in the fitness world due to the practicality and simplicity of getting in shape using nothing more than your own body weight. Planks are one of the most effective exercises you can do. Why? Because they require a small time investment on your part, and offer the chance to achieve substantial results in a relatively short span of time.
Planking will strengthen your spine, your rhomboids and trapezius, and your abdominal muscles, which naturally result in improving your posture and increasing your range of movement. They are super simple to do and we have put together 10 plank positions for you to practice and incorporate into your daily exercise routines.
Start by taking your time to get into one of the positions below. Focus on getting your posture correct. In a traditional Elbow Plank there is a tendency by beginners to dip their butts for example. In this position make sure your back is parallel with the floor. Once your comfortable in the position, hold that position for 30 seconds. Repeat this 3-5 times over a 10 minute period resting between. Over time work to increase your hold time and use a variety of positions to ensure a full-body workout.
As always, work with your body, not against it. Let planking into your life and get ready to be amazed by how effective such a simple method can be.
