Are You Getting Your Planks Done?

Many people ask me if planks really work. The simple answer is YES! Planks activate the transverse abdominus (those muscles deep in the abdomen that we need to strengthen in order to protect our organs), the diaphragm, pelvic floor and erector spinae (lower back). 

This simple body weight exercise can be done anywhere and for any length of time. Obviously the longer you hold the plank the harder it becomes but starting with a simple hold for even a few seconds can make a difference and put you on the road to a strong core. 

Proper form is critical when performing a plank. I like to start all basic functional exercises (plank, lunge, squat, push up) from the bottom and push up. It makes it harder and correct form can be achieved a lot faster. Start by laying prone, place your elbows so they are inline with your shoulders at a 90 degree angle and push yourself up on your toes while keeping your head, neck and hips in perfect alignment. It’s called a plank, so imagine a long piece of board being placed on your back and now balance it without it sliding off. Do not hold your breath. Breath through this exercise and hold the position for as long as you can or for a targeted amount of time. If you feel your body shaking and you can’t hold it any longer, drop your knees down, take a short 2 second rest and then pull yourself back up until you’ve reached your max goal time. Also try squeezing your glutes and abs tighter so your lower back doesn’t start to sway or hurt.

I tell my clients to aim for A PLANK A DAY. You can incorporate a plank into your everyday life:

• After your shower, towel off, hit the ground and hold a plank. 
• Waiting for the kettle to boil? Drop down and hold a plank. 
• Think you need a snack? Do a plank, then get the snack – a healthy one of course!

Once you’ve held your plank using proper form for a set time, think about increasing the hold time in 10-15 second increments. Once you’ve reached 60-90 second holds, add progressions. Examples of a progression are:

• Single leg lift
• Plank slaps (video example)
• Lateral plank walk
• Walk out plank or inchworm
• Jack feet plank and many more. 

Women’s Health have great videos that demonstrate many variations of planks. Here’s a 30 day plank challenge you can try. Remember to start slow and increase the time after you’ve mastered the first 30 seconds. Add these challenge amounts to your calendar on your phone and set reminders so you get them done. 

Good luck and let me know how it goes. Making planks part of your daily routine will yield results within a short timeframe.

30 Day Plank Challenge

Week	Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1	30 seconds	30 seconds	30 seconds	30 seconds	40 seconds	40 seconds	Rest
2	40 seconds	40 seconds	50 seconds	50 seconds	50 seconds	55 seconds	Rest
3	55 seconds	60 seconds	60 seconds	60 seconds	60 seconds	70 seconds	Rest
4	70 seconds	70 seconds	80 seconds	80 seconds	80 seconds	90 seconds	Rest
5	90 seconds	90 seconds	2 minutes	2 minutes