Perfecting The Plank and a Core Burn Out Workout

Perfecting The Plank and a Core Burn Out Workout

Planks are always a popular exercise. And with good reason. They are a great core exercise!

The problem is…it has become a competition to hold a plank the longest. When how long you can hold a plank isn’t near as important as your ability to properly engage and contract the muscles of your core intensely.

It is a much better test of core strength to challenge yourself to engage the muscles of your core so intensely that you create “shakeage” within seconds of starting the plank rather than compensating just to hold longer. If you can engage your muscles so intensely that they are shaking, you will be able to use your core and recruit the muscles of your core more efficiently during other movements.

Developing proper core strength and learning how to properly engage the muscles of your core is why you should truly be including planks in your workout routine. You want to use them to strengthen your mind-body connection!

Below are some tips to help you get the most out of the Basic Plank as well as a few basic variations and a great core burn out workout.

 

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15 Plank Variations

15 Plank Variations

Planks are a must-do core move. And while you should always include the Basic Planks in your workouts, it can be fun to add some variety in every once in awhile.

All of these Plank Variations will continue to build your core strength and stability and help you prevent and alleviate low back and hip pain.

Unlike the Basic Planks, though, most of these aren’t isometric holds. Many of these Plank Variations involve movements that emphasis one area of your core, such as your shoulders, glutes, abs, obliques or quads.

Check out these 15 Plank Variations to include in your Core Training Program.

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Perfect Plank Form – Get The Most Out Of The Basic Plank

Perfect Plank Form – Get The Most Out Of The Basic Plank

Whether you want to lift more, look better or simply lessen your aches and pains, you need to work your core. And one of the best moves to build core stability so that you can look, feel and move better is the Basic Plank.

The Basic Plank is one of the best ways to improve your mind-body connection while building core stability so that you can workout harder without injury to reach your health and fitness goals.

However, while the Basic Plank seems like an easy move to do, it is actually very complicated and, when done right, works everything from your shoulders to your knees – not just your abs.

Often when people do Planks, they end up feeling them in their low backs. And rarely do they focus on feeling muscles up and down their core activate and work together to help them hold a nice straight line.

Because if you do a Plank correctly, you shouldn’t feel your low back working, but instead you should feel your shoulders, abs, glutes, quads and adductors all working to hold your body in a nice tight line.

Below are some tips to help you achieve perfect Plank form as well as some fun Plank Variations to use in your warm ups or workouts!

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