Plank

Love it or hate it, you can expect to see the plank, or some variation thereof, on a regular basis in our Metabolic Workouts and Warrior Challenges.  Why do your trainers love it so much?  Because it's good for you!  But since that is not a sufficient answer, even for a two year old, we will give you just a few of the many good reasons to include planks in your fitness routine.

The diagram above shows the muscles worked in a basic forearm plank.  That is pretty impressive for a basic, no equipment necessary, you can do it anywhere exercise.  Well, okay, maybe not anywhere.  Once CBD texted me and told me his back hurt.  I told him to do the knees to chest stretch.  He responded that he was in the Delta Lounge and it might look kind of weird.  Of course, I told him that I was sure they have seen stranger things and do you want your back to stop hurting or what!?

Here are just a few of the reasons to keep on planking:

Abs of steel
The plank will help you develop that six pack.  But we have to include our usual disclaimer that you will only see it if your body fat percentage is low enough.

Reduce Back Pain
Planks can reduce or eliminate back pain because they strengthen your core.  A strong core is a more supportive core which takes stress off the lower back.

Flexibility
No, that is not a typo.  Planks can increase flexibility in your posterior muscle groups.  The muscles around your shoulders, collarbone, and shoulder blades will expand and stretch.

Improve Your Mood
Well, maybe you have to wait until you are done whining about doing them to reap the benefit, but planks stretch (which then results in relaxation) muscle groups that often become stiff and tense from prolonged sitting.  Release that tension and you are bound to feel better.

Improve Your Balance and Posture
Planks, and side planks in particular, will develop strength in your stabilizing muscles which will improve your balance.  And all the muscles you work in a plank are the same muscles that you need in order to maintain proper posture.  When those muscles are strong you can sit or stand up straighter with ease.