7 Things That Will Happen When You Do Planking Exercise Every Day
Bodyweight exercises are gaining ground in the fitness world due to the practicality and simplicity of getting in shape using your own body weight. Planks are one form of bodyweight exercises that will never go out of fashion. Planks are one of the most effective exercises you can do. Why? Because they require a small time investment on your part, and offer the chance to achieve substantial results in a relatively short span of time
The importance of core strength
Abdominal muscles must provide support for our entire back and spinal column. In doing so, they also play a vital role in preventing injuries. However, for them to perform this function successfully, our core muscles have to be strong and trained on a regular basis. What all this means is that doing plank exercises every day is a great way to strengthen your core, and in doing so, support your spine
What will happen when you start doing planks every day
You'll improve core definition and performance
Planks are an ideal exercise for the abdominal muscles exactly because they engage all major core muscle groups including the transverse abdominus, the rectus abdominus, the external oblique muscle, and the glutes. The importance of strengthening each muscle group cannot be underestimated either, for all of these groups serve their own purpose. If you strengthen these muscle groups you will notice
Transverse abdominis: increased ability to lift heavier weights
Rectus adbominis: improved sports performance, particularly with jumping. This muscle group is also responsible for giving you the renowned six pack look
Oblique muscles: improved capacity for stable side-bending and waist-twisting
Glutes: a supported back and a strong, shapely booty
You'll decrease your risk of injury in the back and spinal column
Doing planks is a type of exercise that allow you to build muscle while also making sure that you are not putting too much pressure on your spine or hips. According to the American Council on Exercise, doing planks regularly not only significantly reduces back pain but it also strengthens your muscles and ensures a strong support for your entire back, especially in the areas around your upper back
Check out this article if you would like to find out about how doing planks on different surfaces can impact the effectiveness of this exercise in strengthening your core
3. You'll experience an increased boost to your overall metabolism
Planking is an excellent way of challenging your entire body because doing them every day will burn more calories than other traditional abdominal exercises, such as crunches or sit-ups. The muscles you strengthen by doing this exercise on a day-to-day basis will ensure that you burn more energy even when sedentary. This is especially important if you are spending the majority of your day sitting in front of a computer. Also, making it a daily 10- to 1 minute home exercise before or after work will not only provide an enhanced metabolic rate but it will also ensure that that metabolic rate remains high all day long, (yes, even while you are asleep)
You'll significantly improve your posture
Doing planks greatly improves your ability to stand with straight and stable posture. Through strengthening your core you will be able to maintain proper posture at all times because muscles in the abdomen have a profound effect on the overall condition of your neck, shoulders, chest and back
You'll improve overall balance
Have you ever felt that when you tried standing on one leg, you couldn't stand up straight for more than a couple of seconds? It's not because you were drunk- unless you happened to be at the time!- but rather, it's because your abdominal muscles weren't strong enough to give you the balance you needed. Through improving your balance by doing side planks and planks with extensions you will boost your performance in every kind of sporting activity
You'll become more flexible than ever before
Flexibility is a key benefit of doing planks regularly, for this form of exercise expands and stretches all your posterior muscle groups – shoulders, shoulder blades, and collarbone – while also stretching your hamstrings, arches of your feet, and toes. With a side plank added in to the mix, you can also work on your oblique muscles. This will provide you with further benefits when it comes to hyper-extending your toes, a movement that is crucial for supporting your body's weight
You'll witness mental benefits
Plank exercises have a particular effect on our nerves, making them an excellent means of improving overall mood. How? Well, they stretch out muscle groups that contribute to stress and tension in the body. Just think about it: you are sitting in your chair, at home or at work, all day long; your thigh muscles get tight, your legs get heavy due to being bent for several hours; and tension develops in your shoulders due to being forced to slump forward all day. These are all circumstances that put too stress on the muscles and nerves. The good news is that planks not only calm your brain, but they can also treat anxiety and symptoms of depression– but only if you make it part of your daily routine
How to hold a plank position
Get into pushup position on the floor
Now bend your elbows 90 degrees and rest your weight on your forearms
Keep your torso straight and rigid and your body in a straight line from ears to toes with no sagging or bending
Your head is relaxed and you should be looking at the floor
Hold the position for as long as you can
Remember to breathe. Inhale and exhale slowly and steadily
When your form begins to suffer, pull the plug. You’re only benefiting from the plank by actually doing the plank
Watch the video if you have any doubt
Here is a great infographic that shows the best plank variation exercises to evenly target all abdominal muscle groups
How to improve your plank time gradually
Start with the easier variation if needed. You can start with a bent-knee plank if you can't perform a regular plank yet. If you can hold a plank for more than two minutes with ease, you can move on to these tougher variations
Practise every day. Space your planking exercise throughout the day and do 3-4 times every day. Try to hold the position 10 seconds longer each time
Perform other body-weight exercises at the same time. Push-up and squat will improve your core strength too
Are you ready to devote 5-10 minutes of your day, every day, to stay fit, healthy and, most importantly, strong as a bull? Then jump in and make doing plank exercises a part of your life
Who Should Be Cautious Doing The Plank
You need to be cautious doing Planking exercises if any of these risks apply to you
Prolapse
After prolapse surgery
Pelvic pain conditions
Weak or poorly functioning pelvic floor muscles
Previous childbirth
Overweight
Choose an alternative pelvic floor abdominal exercise or consult your doctor before performing plank regularl
