3 Things That Will Happen When You Start Doing Planks

insider yoga staff | March 8, 2016 | Strength | No Comments

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Why You Should Be Doing Planks

Bodyweight exercises have been making strides in the fitness world over the past few years based on the simple concept of using your own body weight to gain strength. Planks are one form of these exercises and they are one of the best bodyweight exercises that you can do. Why? Because they do not take a lot of time to do and they provide the most bang for your buck.

Your abdominal muscles are critical to providing support to your entire back and spine. This means that they also help prevent injuries. In order for the abs to properly function, they must be properly worked on a regular basis. Planks are a great way to provide these muscles with the strength they need so that they can continue to support your core and spine.

The following article shows what doing planks every day will do for you. See the article below and be sure to share it with your friends that can benefit from this amazing exercise

1. You’ll improve core definition and performance:

Planks are an ideal exercise for the abdominal muscles exactly because they engage all major core muscle groups including the transverse abdominus, the rectus abdominus,the external oblique muscle, and the glutes. The importance of strengthening each muscle group cannot be underestimated either, for all of these groups serve their own purpose. If you strengthen these muscle groups you will notice:

Transverse abdominis: increased ability to lift heavier weights.

Rectus adbominis: improved sports performance, particularly with jumping. This muscle group is also responsible for giving you the renowned six pack look.

Oblique muscles: improved capacity for stable side-bending and waist-twisting

Glutes: a supported back and a strong, shapely booty.

2. You’ll decrease your risk of injury in the back and spinal column

Doing planks is a type of exercise that allow you to build muscle while also making sure that you are not putting too much pressure on your spine or hips. According to theAmerican Council on Exercise, doing planks regularly not only significantly reduces back pain but it also strengthens your muscles and ensures a strong support for your entire back, especially in the areas around your upper back.

Check out this article if you would like to find out about how doing planks on different surfaces can impact the effectiveness of this exercise in strengthening your core.

3. You’ll become more flexible than ever before

Flexibility is a key benefit of doing planks regularly, for this form of exercise expands and stretches all your posterior muscle groups – shoulders, shoulder blades, and collarbone – while also stretching your hamstrings, arches of your feet, and toes. With a side plank added in to the mix, you can also work on your oblique muscles.This will provide you with further benefits when it comes to hyper-extending your toes, a movement that is crucial for supporting your body’s weight.