Why Planking Is Worth The Pain… Really!

An exercise most of us love to hate, yet every second into it is worth it. Yes, we’re talking about..

*drumrolls*

Planks!

Planking is the one exercise that most people detest or at least try to dodge, and for good reason. Simple and effective, this front hold is a core strength exercise that involves maintaining a position similar to a push-up for the maximum amount of time possible. While the exercise may look super easy in appearance, holding a plank takes strength and endurance in the core, abs, and back.

Unlike the traditional sit-up or crunch, planks work multiple muscle groups of the body at the same time. When done right and regularly, this versatile exercise may have various health benefits.

Let us know more about why planks are worth the pain!

It strengthens your core: A plank is one of the best exercises to do for building a strong core. The exercise engages all the crucial muscles of the core and gives you benefits like improved athletic performance, improved ability to lift weights, stronger back, toned buttocks, improved stability, reduced chance of injury, and better mobility.
It works your entire body: Planks do not just work your core. They work your entire body. Holding a plank requires your arms, your legs, your upper body strength, and all of your abs. This makes planking an all-encompassing and effective exercise.
It increases muscle definition: Planks do not only strengthen the abdomen, but they also strengthen the muscles of the chest, shoulders, back, and legs. The isometric hold of the exercise helps in strengthening and building lean muscles while increasing overall muscle definition.
It improves body posture: Planks can help a great deal in improving your posture. Planking strengthens the chest, back, shoulders, neck, and abs. This improves the two main components of good posture. Firstly, it makes it easier to keep the shoulders back. Secondly, it helps in keeping your lower back in a neutral position while standing and sitting. Additionally, planks help in developing isometric strength in your core muscles. This gives you the power to keep from hunching while sitting or standing for long periods of time.
Decreases back pain: Planking is a gift for people with back issues and back pain. The exercise strengthens back muscles in their entirety along with the core muscles. However, to achieve this it is very important to plank in the right posture.
Tightens pelvic floor: As a core strengthening exercise, the plank also engages the pelvic floor muscles. This helps in strengthening the pelvic floor muscles and tightening them. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles will cause adequate blood flow to the pelvis as well as support the functioning of the organs in the pelvis.
Improves balance: The isometric hold in a plank encourages the body to exhibit stability as a whole. This will result in improved balance and coordination. Improving stability in a plank hold position will also have a huge impact on other areas of your body training.
Improves flexibility: Planks are a great way to stretch out your lower body, even though you may not feel like it. Getting into a plank hold position lengthens the hamstrings and the arches of the feet. This makes plank a dual strength and stretch exercise. If you’re looking to stretch your sides, doing side planks with extended arms is a good idea. Planks also improve stability around the shoulders, collarbone, and shoulder blades.

The benefits of planking far surpass the pain, making it worth the two minutes of investment every day. While holding a plank for a long time can be difficult in the beginning, paying proper attention to the form and doing it regularly in order to gradually build strength is the key to getting the most out of your planks. Learn how to perform a plank here.

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