Planks: The Quintessential Fitness Move
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When it comes to working out, we want to be as efficient and effective as possible. If you had to choose only one move upon which to build, what would it be?
Squats? Push ups? Lunges?
No, no, and no. While these are all powerful foundational moves that are wildly effective and versatile (I am sure you can think of 5 lunge variations at the drop of a hat), I would argue that the number one move is usually considered an ab workout, but it is so much more.
I am, of course, talking about the humble plank.
And if you are looking to improve your plank form, hold it longer, and work your core in more intense ways, you should sign up for the 30 Day Plank Challenge!
Why would you want to? The benefits from this one move are extensive:
Targets the whole body.
Works glutes, quads, core, and shoulders.
Improves posture.
When done properly, with a neutral lower back and shoulders back, you train yourself to keep your shoulders back and down even when sitting at a desk.
Total core activation.
Unlike traditional ab workouts, it works the entire core rather than just the abdominal muscles.
Equipment free.
All you need is your body (and maybe a towel or a mat if you prefer), so you can do it anywhere, even in a hotel room in Mongolia.
Reduces lower back pain.
When done with proper form, planks strengthen your lower back, which both lessens your risk for injury and reduces aches and pains.
Increases stability.
The beauty of planks is that they can challenge any fitness level. Whether you are an Olympian or looking to start a fitness routine, adding planks will increase your strength and functionality – all you have to do is tweak the time and movements involved!
The problem with planks is that they are hard. I used to hate them until I mastered them precisely because they’re hard.
However, in an effort to recover my strength after a terrible hospital stay, I started doing barre workouts and planks. The exercise I always hated because it was hard suddenly became my favorite as I built strength.
In fact, 6 months after being released from the hospital, I had a plank challenge with a man 15 years my junior at my gym…and smoked him. I won’t lie that it was an ego boost that someone with a hundred pounds and close to a foot on me collapsed after 3 minutes of a plank. Like I said, they’re hard!
Regardless of your fitness level, trying a month of planks every day is a great way to challenge your body. You can add this as an end of workout burnout or do it during commercial breaks to start building your strength.
Are you ready to start a month of planks to strengthen your body from head to toe? Sign up here for the 30 DAY PLANK CHALLENGE!
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