All about the Plank Exercise
(Pilates for Abs)
BENEFITS & MUSCLES WORKED: Flexibility, Balance, Core, Lower Back, Abs
START POSITION: Kneel and move forward as if you were about to do a push-up. Instead of balancing on your hands, use your elbows to support you. The elbows will be underneath your Shoulders on the floor. Forearms will point forward and slightly inwards. Now bring your feet up behind you to rest on the tips of the toes. Your legs and back should be straight and neutral, and your head should be up so that your neck is in line with your spine.
NOTES: Difficulty Rating: 63%
Hold it right there for as long as you can. Beginners might only manage a few seconds of hold. Don’t worry, you can do these several times per week and quickly get stronger.
The Plank is an Isometric exercise (static) and, as such, it can feel quite challenging because nothing moves – you are just tensing, particularly around the Abdominal and core areas.
A great addition to any workout routine, it is relatively safe to do.