The plank is positively one of my favorite core body exercises! it works your abdominal and back muscles, improves your balance and requires no equipment, just your own body weight. With a strong core, you can improve your posture and sit and stand straighter, walk taller, and flatten your abs so those skinny jeans zip with ease! A strong core is also necessary for power and stability in almost every sport or exercise, and can help reduce lower back pain.

The plank, traditionally part of Yoga and Pilates routines, has become a mainstream exercise and is effective for anyone looking to improve core strength and balance. The name “plank” is self explanatory when done properly; your body position should be straight, like a wooden plank. The primary muscles involved are your abdominal muscles and your erector spinae, the back muscles that run from your low back up to your head. But the plank also works your shoulders, chest, legs and buns in varying degrees. The plank has several variations with different levels of difficulty. Regardless of the variation, the basic movement is the same.

Plank Form

The traditional exercise starts in the standard push-up position: face down, hands shoulder-width apart directly below the shoulders, and balancing on your toes with your abs contracted. (To modify, you can start on your forearms instead of your hands and/or drop your knees to the mat.) Most important thing is to keep your body straight from head to heels (or knees if modifying). Maintain the position for 15-30 seconds by engaging the abdominal muscles and holding the position, being mindful not to let your chest or low back sag. (This is where a mirror comes in handy to check your form.) The more your core muscles improve, the longer you will be able to hold this position. Gradually increase your time up to a minute or so. To increase the difficulty, try lifting one leg, creating a balance challenge.

Side Plank Form

Lie on either side balancing on one arm with your legs straight and the top leg stacked directly on top of the bottom. (To modify, you can start on your forearm instead of your hand and/or drop your bottom knee to the mat.) Align your head with your spine and keep your hips up and your abs contracted. Your side muscles, the obliques, are working hard in this position. Maintain the position for 15-30 seconds by engaging the abdominal muscles and holding the position. You can increase the intensity of the side plank by increasing the length of time you are in the raised position and by raising the upper leg off the lower leg for an intense balance challenge.

A Few More Tips

The length of time a plank is held varies according to the person. Go for quality of form over quantity of time. One minute is usually long enough for most people to maintain the proper position. Many people may start with 15 seconds and build up from there. For frequency, do a few sets every other day to build your strength, and make sure you don’t forget to breathe while you are doing your planks!

The plank can be one of the keys to developing your core power! And As I mentioned, even though the plank targets the abdominals and back muscles, you also will be working your shoulders, chest, buns and legs. Any type of plank is a great addition to your weekly core routine.



Chris Freytag is a fitness expert, public speaker, contributing editor to Prevention magazine and an author of several books, including her latest, a healthy cookbook titled, CHOOSE THIS! She appears regularly on QVC, and her latest workout DVD is called the 10lb Slimdown Xtreme, including 13 comprehensive circuit training workouts. Chris Freytag has been training, teaching, and educating in the health and fitness industry for more than 22 years. She is passionate about helping people take better care of themselves and their families.

Top Fitness Expert Chris Freytag Motivates and Empowers You to Lose Weight and Live Healthy: Find out more about Chris Freytag or contact her on her website at ChrisFreytag.com on Facebook or on Twitter.

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEBSITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb above with it. If you would like a Word Document of the article sent to you, please email us at help@chrisfreytag.com.