The Benefits of Planking
November 4, 2024
Planks are an exercise you will see clients do a lot at Axio Fitness. Planks are an isometric core exercise. An isometric exercise is any exercise that forces you to contract the muscle without lengthening or shortening the muscle through joint movement. Core exercises are exercises that strengthen your abdomen, back, hips and pelvis.
The benefits of planking include:
• Better posture
• Injury prevention
• Reduced risk of chronic pain and back pain
• Improved mobility and balance
• Improved metabolism
If you cannot plank on the ground from your toes and your forearms, you can modify a plank in a way that you can do it. You can start with planking on a chair or bench, or planking with your hands on the ground with your arms extended.
Try holding a plank as long as you can each time, and progressing into more advanced plankingas your time improves. If you start with a modified plank, try progressing to a traditional plank. If you can already do a traditional plank, try progressing the movement into lifting one arm or one leg at a time, or attempting side planks.
To ensure you get the benefits, be sure to plank consistently and advance your plank to keep it challenging for you.
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