Looking for a no-impact exercise that can help flatten your tummy? The plank may be just what you’ve been searching for. No, not that trend from a while back where people snapped photos of themselves lying on public benches, toilet seats and who knows what else. We’re talking about the exercise. And it has some unique benefits that should fit perfectly into your workout regime. Read on to learn more about the plank and its unique benefits.

What is a plank?

A plank exercise is pretty close to what it sounds like. Meaning that, when you do it, your body kind of looks like a plank of wood.

To start this exercise, get into the pushup position and rest your weight on your forearms, instead of your hands. If you haven’t done so already, bring your feet together. Then bend your elbows 90 degrees so that your hands are at eye level.

The key to this exercise is to make sure your body is straight like a plank (keep that butt down, ladies). If you’ve never done this exercise before, you should hold the position from anywhere between 20-45 seconds for 2-3 sets. With practice, you can extend your sets to between one and three minutes.

Why planks will rock you to the core

1. Planks can help flatten your stomach
The exercise primarily focuses on your core and abdominal muscles. While doing it, you’ll be exercising your abs, obliques and glutes. The plank is a quick and intense way to engage these muscles and help flatten your tummy.

2. There is less chance of injury
Planks are a no-impact exercise, which means there’s virtually no chance of injury. And in this sense, they’re better than situps and crunches since you won’t injure your back by bending too quickly or in the wrong direction.

3. Planks can be done anywhere
If you’re heading out of town for a business trip or vacation, you can still plank! The only thing you need for this exercise is your body. And even better, planks can be incorporated into your exercise routine in just 5-10 minutes.

Planks are not the only exercise you need

It’s important to remember that there is not one key exercise, food or action that is going to miraculously get you in shape (no matter what anyone tells you). Optimal health and fitness comes from both exercise and diet. You can exercise for an hour, five days a week – but if you still eat burgers and pizza at every mealtime, you’re not going to get any slimmer.

The real key is consistency: not just eating right and exercising a couple of times a week, but integrating the right habits into your everyday life. With that taken care of, planks can be an exceptional way to help flatten your stomach as part of your routine workout.

To learn more about planks and other exercises that show real results, contact us today.