The Power of the Plank Pose (with video!)

Having a strong core isn’t about having six-pack abs. A strong core makes everyday movements easier by supporting and stabilizing the spine. A strong core also improves our balance, which is super important as we age, to help us avoid accidental falls.

Did you know that you don’t need any fancy weights or other equipment to develop a stronger core and build overall strength?

Some of the most effective strength training exercises use our own bodyweight to provide resistance against gravity. The most popular of these bodyweight exercises are planks, push-ups, squats, lunges, and wall sits. And because these exercises don’t require any equipment, they are super convenient as you can practice them virtually anywhere (home, office, hotel, beach, etc.).

Today, I would like to talk about the power of planks and show you how to do them. No worries, I won’t make you walk the plank! Planks are fabulous in that they tone all the core muscles of your body, including abdomen, chest, and lower back. They also strengthen your arms and shoulders, as well as the muscles surrounding your spine, which improves your posture. Just one deceptively simple exercise will give you all these benefits!

I’ve created a 2 minute video for you where I demonstrate the proper plank form and show you alternatives to lessen or increase the intensity. The goal is to hold this pose for a minute or more, or as long as you can stay in correct form. You might start out with 10 seconds. If you practice plank pose daily, you’ll be amazed at the strength you’ll build in just a couple of months.

By the way, the world record by a male for holding plank pose goes to George Hood from Illinois, who at age 62 held the plank position for 8 hours, 15 minutes, and 15 seconds this February. The female record belongs to Dana Glowacka from Canada, who held the pose for 4 hours, 19 minutes, and 55 seconds in May last year. She’s a yoga teacher (yes to the power of yoga!). I don’t know how they hold planks for that long!

Happy planking!

Stay well,

Christine

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Disclaimer: You must be in good physical health to perform physical exercises. You are doing these exercises at your own risk and waive any claim for personal injury and any other damages you may have against Christine and Wellness & Yoga with Christine.