#straightarmplank

Today we are going to jump right into another exercise we all like to call the plank.  For some of you this is a lovely exercise and for others of you, you use curse words to describe your hate for it.  I can understand why, because planks make you sore afterwards; you begin thinking everything is fine and "it isn't so bad" then after 15 seconds, you might still feel okay, 30 seconds, you have decided to move a bit, 45 seconds, your obliques are burning like crazy and after a 1:00, you are ready to pray to whatever god. LOL. So trust me that is exactly how I feel when doing my planks too, some of you may be boss plankers and can plank for loads of time before feeling any kind of burn (I envy you), the longest plank I have held was about 2:30, which is decent for me, but normally I do 3 sets of 1 minute planks during a circuit or ab workout. Generally speaking, rumor has it the least amount of weight someone is, the easier it is. I wouldn't know though, so it could be true or false. If you do planks, what is the longest you have held your plank? Why kind of planks do you like, if any? how often do you do plank exercises? are you a fan of doing planks? do you add weight on your back when you plank? I have yet to add any amount of weight on my back during a plank, I am not that "cool" yet. When do you start to feel the burn when planking? I would love to hear from all of you, your planking stories, so please feel free to share!

Plank types: add some variation to your plank

The forearm plank (standard plank) I say aim for 60 seconds, but planks are planks no matter how long you hold it. We all have to start somewhere. http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#forearm-plank-0

Straight-arm plank-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#straight-arm-plank

Plank with arm/leg lift- lifting one arm and one leg while you plank-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#plank-with-arm-leg-lift

side plank (this one is difficult for me)-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#side-plank-0

Plank Jacks- moving legs in jumping jack motion while you plank-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#plank-jacks-0

Side plank crunch- you will crunch forward-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#side-plank-crunch

"Dolphin" plank-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#dolphin-plank-0

Resistance plank-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#resistance-plank

plank while doing a pelvis tuck-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#plank-pelvis-tuck-1

push up to side plank-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#push-up-side-plank-0

"Caterpillar" plank-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#caterpillar-plank-2

plank using opposite limb extension-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#plank-with-opposite-limb-extension-2

one legged plank- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#one-legged-plank-1

Side plank with inner thigh raise-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#side-plank-with-inner-thigh-raise

Twisting knee plank- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#twisting-knee-plank

plank with dumbbell- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#plank-with-side-snatch-0

Yoga ball plank- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#on-the-ball-plank-0

plank with elbow lift- http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#plank-with-elbow-lift-0

Yoga ball plank in opposite direction-http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20813896,00.html#stir-the-pot-plank

Those are a list with an example (click on the links next to them for an example). Hopefully this will give you an idea of different planks that you could try to spice up your workout.  

Planks build your upper body, lower body and core strength and also inner core muscles

planks can increase flexibility (in posterior muscle groups)

planks can improve your posture

Planks can help build mental strength.  When one feels like giving up because the burn sets in but you still have time on the clock, it can help build the mental strength you need to continue.

So whether you hold it for 20 seconds or 30 seconds, a plank will still hold the same benefits, for someone who is not conditioned, I would work on holding a plank for at least 15 seconds and work your way up overtime, if you an intermediate to advanced athlete you could aim for 30 seconds to 1 minute depending on what you can handle at the time. The goal is being able to hold a plank for as long as you can but you have to train your mind and body together so that when things get tough you know how to focus on the goal at hand and not the pain.  For some people, you may set your goal higher than a  minute if you know you can do it.  I would recommend this exercise to anyone, this isn't about beating time, it is about concentrating on the task at hand, staying within correct form and building a stronger core and building a stronger mind as well.

Your fitness blogger,