Planks are Powerful: 3 Reasons Why You Need Them
By Virginia Laird
The struggle to keep one’s stomach looking great is real. Many people try one exercise after another trying to get the desired results. With a plethora of ab sculpting exercises, it is easy to get lost in the attempt to find what may work for you. It is vital to know and understand that everyone’s body is different and various results can be obtained from the same exercise. However, if you are looking for a tried and true ab workout that can offer more than just a toned midsection, a great place to begin is with the plank.
It is always important to make certain you fully understand how to do an exercise and use correct technique. Planks (when done with proper form) offer many benefits for the body.
Planks Help to Support Better Posture
One of the greatest benefits of the plank is that it works the entire core of the body, working both the abs as well as the back muscles. This helps to correct poor posture. As you take part in the plank exercise, your muscles lengthen and strengthen. These are two essential elements of supporting a healthy posture.
Helps to Reduce Back Pain
Planks can help to reduce back pain. This goes hand-in-hand with a better posture. As posture gets better, back pain may subside. Research suggests a great deal of the back pain from which people suffer is caused from poor posture. Planks also teach the muscles to hold the body straighter. This allows other aches and pains to dissipate.
Planks Strengthens the Core
Planks can strengthen the core of the body. One mistake many make when trying to sculpt ab muscles is only working the stomach. To get that six-pack stomach, it is just as important to work the back muscles; planking works both simultaneously. As one who has just begun the planking journey, I am astonished how quickly my abs have been able to increase and the amount of time I can hold a plank. It is unbelievable, but an accomplishment. As a mother who has little time to focus on me, planking fits perfectly into my tight schedule.
Remember, when trying any exercise for the first time it is important to start slow, making certain to use proper techniques to avoid any injury. Happy sculpting!
To learn more about your health and wellness, visit your local The Joint Chiropractic.