Planks are a relatively new form of body weight exercises, which are very effective as they require a only a small investment of time. Over the years, they have been effective in working out all the muscles in the core, including the rectus abdominus, transverse abdominus, internal and external obliques, hips and the back.
To get into the standard plank position, begin with your hands and knees on the ground. Now, lift your knees off the ground and push your feet back to fully extend your body. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and ensure that your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your ankles. Then, engage your core by sucking your belly button into your spine. Hold this pose for as long as you can.
Below are some things that will happen when you do this exercise every day.
1. Reduces the risk of injury
Planks help to build muscles and also ensure that there’s not much pressure on the spine or hips. Studies have shown that doing planks regularly reduces the risk of back pain and provides support for the entire back with more focus on the upper back.
2. Improves posture
A perfectly done plank should keep the back straight from the shoulders to the ankles and also contract the core. Doing this consistently will undoubtedly improve your ability to stand with a straight and stable posture, due to its overall effect on the neck, shoulders, chest and back.
3. Boosts metabolism
Planking challenges the entire body, and the more muscles strengthened on a daily basis, the more energy is burned. Muscle development increases the rate of metabolism and this helps to burn calories fast and also improve your overall health and performance.
4. Improves flexibility
Planking expands and stretches all posterior muscle groups, including the shoulders, shoulder blades and the collarbone, and also stretches the hamstrings, arches of the feet and toes. With regular stretching, the flexibility of the body is improved. For added benefits, you can try a side plank which works on the oblique muscles and helps in the hyper-extension of the toes.
5. Improves overall balance
Your abdominal muscles have to be strong enough to give you the balance you need, and planking does this for you. This will help boost your performance in almost every kind of sports activity.
You may want to spare a few minutes of your time everyday to do this amazing exercise.
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