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Find Out The Truth About Planking! Do Planks Really Work?





 
Find Out The Truth About Planking! Do Planks Really Work?

Do Planks Really Work? The Truth about Planking

Want to build a strong core and lose belly fat? Are you tired of doing crunches and sit-ups? If so, it’s time to change your approach and try something new. The plank could be exactly what you need. While it’s true that planking alone won’t give you ripped abs or burn fat, it definitely helps. Consistency is important too. In order for this exercise to work, you need to do it regularly and use perfect form.
 
The Science of Planking

The Science of Planking


The plank has quickly become one of the most popular core exercises out there. This move targets your abs as well as your arms, shoulders, and legs. When performed regularly, it improves mental focus and makes you stronger overall. Different variations of the plank will hit different muscles. Depending on your fitness level, you may try regular planks, side planks, reverse planks, rowing planks, and more advanced versions like the plank rollout or plank crunches.

Compared to crunches and sit-ups, this exercise puts less strain to the lower back. Your spine should be in a neutral position when planking. When done the right way, the plank targets your entire core region, which helps improve posture and prevents back pain. A strong core equals better athletic performance and enhanced balance. It’s no secret that core training plays a key role in any workout routine. With this exercise, you can train your core without movement. This allows you to do the plank anytime, anywhere.
 
Are there any cons?


It might look very easy and simple at first, however looks can be deceiving. The plank is one of the most challenging exercises of all. You might also ask if its benefits outweigh the risks. The majority of fitness enthusiasts are very skeptical about the plank. They figure there are superior ways to train the abdominal muscles, like the butterfly crunches, hanging leg raises, reverse crunches, the stomach vacuum etc. As always, the way to optimal muscle growth is stimulating the muscles near to the point of exhaustion. The process lasts anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds. Because the execution of the plank takes longer, it doesn’t directly increase muscle strength and size.

Some exercise experts think that the plank is overrated. Other even say it can be outright dangerous. It would seem that hundreds of people doing the plank end up in a hospital every year with a condition known as costochondritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage that is connecting the ribs to the sternum. Plus, since the plank is isometric, it may not be suitable for those who are suffering from high blood pressure. Generally, isometric exercises increase blood pressure. Another significant drawback is that the plank puts pressure on the lumbar part of the spine.


When you are doing a plank, you cannot add additional load and increase the resistance, like you do when training with weights. This greatly limits your strength and potential muscle growth. A solid fitness professional, on the other hand, can help you play with the level of difficulty making the plank more or less challenging. As you become more efficient at it, you can start trying some advanced plank variations which will require you to be stronger and more balanced.

How good is it really In the Plank ?

Just like anything else, planking has pros and cons. The standard version and the side plank strengthen the core muscles, increase muscle endurance, and build awareness of optimal body alignment. These attributes make them ideal for newbies and rehab patients. The downside is that your progress will stall unless you switch to more advanced versions as you get stronger.

When combined with a balanced diet and regular training, the plank can shape your body and build core strength. As your abs become stronger, your mid-section will tighten. This exercise helps you build the foundation for that six-pack look. Over time, it can also improve your flexibility and overall balance. However, planks alone won’t lead to those types of results. To reap their benefits, mix them with other core exercises as part of a regular workout routine. Remember that abs are made in the kitchen, so what you eat can make or break your progress.