Building Core Stability | Planking Is The Key

Planking is one of the easy exercises that make its way into almost any core workout. When done the right way, plank exercises not only fire up your core, but the muscles in your shoulders and legs, too. Moreover, planks can help you build strength and endurance which is important for logging miles injury-free.

How do you do a proper plank?

Start on the floor on your hands and knees. Place your hands directly under your shoulders. Step your feet back, one at a time. For more stability, bring your feet wider than hip-distance apart, and bring them closer for more of a challenge. Maintain a straight line from heels through the top of your head, looking down at the floor, with gaze slightly in front of your face. Now, tighten your abs, quads, glutes, and hold.

Start with small increments of time: 15 seconds, 30 seconds. As you get stronger, build up to a minute or even two minutes.

Is there a wrong way of doing it?

The most-common mistake people make when it comes to the plank is looking forward or even up. That strains your neck and eventually kills your entire form. Look at the floor in front of you. Imagine holding a tennis ball between your chin and neck. That will keep your spine neutral and help you avoid pain or injury.

Beyond your core, if you're doing it right, the plank is a great total-body move. You engage your quads, glutes, arms, and more.

Waiting for the right time to do it? The perfect time is now! 

Plank your way out of unhealthy fats.