We all want a strong core that enhances performance and prevents injury. One of the simplest and most effective exercises to achieve this is the plank. Today’s plank is less scary then the ones pirates walked. But it needs to be performed correctly to avoid injury and provide maximum benefit.

Abs of wood

The plank is a simple abdominal exercise designed to improve core strength and balance. You can do it anywhere, and it requires no equipment and very little skill to perform. With summer fast approaching, this is the perfect exercise to add to your outdoor training routine.

Not only does this exercise build a stronger core, but it also improves strength in other areas of your body.

The plank is a popular aspect of isometric training. Isometric training keeps muscle length and joint angle the same for the duration of a given exercise. Isometric exercises

are low impact

enhance strength and stability and are great for rehabilitation

require minimal time while still being effective

Plank benefits

Strength

The plank improves strength in your quads, glutes, back, shoulders, and chest. It aids reconditioning after an injury. But most of all, it targets the three major abdominal muscles: rectus abdominis, obliques, and transversus abdominis. These muscles play a key role in protecting your spine during activity.

Better posture

When performed correctly, the plank can improve postural deficiencies, making you look and feel better. Weak core muscles can contribute to poor posture, leading to unhealthy movement paths during activity. This is a major problem because many of us spend too much time sitting each day. Strengthening core muscles can resolve many of the issues associated with long periods in a chair.

Effective warm-up

The plank is a great way to warm up muscles before sport or activity. It helps activate the nervous system, as well as many major muscle groups throughout the body. At the same time, it won’t overload the muscles and cause unnecessary fatigue. Whether you are preparing for a run on your favourite trail or to surf a rugged stretch of coast, incorporate a few sets of planks beforehand to help wake up dormant muscles.

With all those benefits, you may want to go plank-wild, but remember: rest and recovery are extremely important for injury prevention and improved strength. Core muscles should not be trained every day, so be sure to schedule rest days.

Better than crunches?

A 2011 study found that planks keep core muscles more than two times as active “compared to a traditional trunk flexion and extension exercise.”

Even though planks and crunches both work core muscles, the plank activates more muscles throughout your body and helps to create more effective stabilization through your spine and hips. Strong stabilizers around your core are vital to your overall health and performance in almost every activity. Runners, cyclists, swimmers, and summertime sports enthusiasts can all benefit from this exercise.

Lastly, planks are generally safer than crunches and sit-ups and can actually help prevent lower back pain. Traditional sit-ups put a lot of stress on your lower back and neck and can increase your risk for back injury.

Planks, however, may raise blood pressure, so speak with your health care practitioner before incorporating planks into your workouts.

Starting off

When performing a plank, correct form is essential in order to protect your joints and target the right muscle groups. Here are a few tips to perform an effective front plank.

From a push-up position, lower your forearms to the ground, ensuring your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your head.

Squeeze your butt to activate your glutes and neutralize your hips.

Tighten the core muscles of your abdomen.

Position your elbows directly underneath your shoulders and look straight down at the floor.

Holding

Your level of experience and core strength will determine how long you can hold the plank position. If you are a beginner, start with two sets, holding each one for 20 to 30 seconds. As your strength improves, increase the amount of time each set is held for. Once a 30-second hold becomes easy, you can also add variations, such as lifting one foot or arm off the floor.

Progress slowly and don’t increase the duration of each set too quickly. Listen to your body, and remember that quality over quantity is the key to success. If you begin to break form but persist, the plank can do more harm than good.

Adding variation

When you feel ready, try different forms of the exercise. Incorporating tools such as an exercise ball or half-ball is a great way to challenge your physical strength and mental focus. Here are a few intermediate and advanced variations to try.

Side plank

This variation targets the oblique muscles, which are important core stabilizers.

Lie on your left side with your knees straight, glutes engaged, and back straight.

Prop yourself up on your left elbow and forearm, ensuring your elbow is under your shoulder.

Brace your core by contacting your abs.

Raise your hips until your body forms a straight line from your ankles to your shoulders.

Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds.

Switch sides and repeat. Complete two sets.

Side plank with abduction

This variation of the side plank will further target your glute muscles.

From the side plank position, lift your top leg just higher than hip level and slowly lower it back down.

Keep your spine lengthened and ensure your glutes and abs are engaged.

Perform 8 to 10 repetitions on each side.

Front plank on exercise ball

This variation requires additional core strength to counteract the movement of the exercise ball and is a great intermediate exercise.

Adopt a posture similar to a front plank, but position your forearms on an exercise ball.

Ensure your legs are straight, core is engaged, and elbows are positioned underneath your shoulders.

Hold for 30 seconds, working up to one minute as you get stronger.

Perform 1 to 2 sets to begin with; work up to 3 to 4 sets.

Plank walk-up to push-up

This dynamic variation will build strength in your arms, shoulders, and chest.

Get into a push-up position with your hands positioned under your shoulders, arms fully extended.

Starting with the right side, lower your elbow to the ground exactly where your hand was positioned.

Lower your left elbow in the same way.

From this front plank position, return to the starting push-up position.

Perform 8 to 10 repetitions leading with your right elbow.

Then complete 8 to 10 starting with your left side.

About the Author

Michael Foston, ASc, BCRPA PT, believes in the work hard, play hard concept and understands having a strong core is important for performing optimally in activities he is passionate about. © 2005 - 2015 ALIVE PUBLISHING GROUP