Choose Planks

Remember when it was the cool to plank in outrageous places and in odd situations sort of like “Tebowing.” Except it wasn’t really planking it was more just laying stiff as a board on top of things.

We should bring planking back, but lets do it right!

Planks are, in my opinion, the best core exercise to do. When done correctly it turns into a full body isometric contraction.

How to perform a plank:

Step 1: Lay on the floor face down
Step 2: Come up onto your elbows making sure the elbow is directly below your shoulder
Step 3: Raise your hips off of the floor and come onto your toes
Step 4: Your core should be contracted at this point and you hold for a period of time.

If you are new to planking I suggest starting the hold for 20-30 seconds. If this position is too difficult you can also plank from your knees on up. If you want an extra challenge try a side plank. Same set up but coming up from your left or right side.

Work your way up to at least 1 minute in each position. I recommend increasing in weekly intervals of 5-10 seconds.

Homework: Initiate a daily plank of either variety into your daily routine for two weeks. You probably won’t see any big changes in two weeks, but strength and stability are occurring.