Not so long ago planking was all the rage (both in and out of the gym) and it seemed that everyone was trying to hold themselves very still whilst being parallel to the floor.
The plank exercise is essentially an isometric core strength exercise that requires maintaining a position similar to a push-up for the maximum possible time whilst being parallel to the ground.
Planking strengthens the abdominals, back and shoulder muscles and can be added effectively into a typical whole body workout.
In the current episode of my podcast, 2 Guys on Fitness, I take my colleague Allen Therisa through a set of plank exercises and I also demonstrate these exercises in my latest Essential Exercise video, available on 2 Guys on Fitness and my own site.
Plank exercises involve a wide range of muscles.
The main muscles engaged in my video demonstration below are the transversus abdominis muscle, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus muscles (abductors), the adductor muscles of the hip, and the external and internal obliques.
Plank exercises can also engage the gluteus maximus (glutes), quadriceps (quads) and hamstrings.
Interested in planking yourself?
Then follow the guidance in this video:
So there you are: a simple set of plank exercises to help you tighten and strengthen your core. As with all exercises, when planking monitor how you perform each exercise, your technique and how well you deliver the exercises over time.
Julien