Plank Exercise: Here Are Different Types And Benefits Of Those

As it is common knowledge it’s crunches that are the most popular abdominal exercise, it’s not just as beneficial for sculpting your core muscles. What actually does help in building muscles and strengthening your core at the same time is plank exercise. And if you are just getting started with an exercise routine then planks can help you in building strength and maintaining stability.

An isometric exercise, planks tense up your body in one position and you have to hold it still. Adding a variation with crunches or moving your feet a bit will still help you maintain the isometric hold and target not just one but many core muscles all at once. Your core involves not just your abs but a lot more. While doing a plank you should feel it in your abdominal area, quads, shoulders, glutes and even your feet. But plank exercise can get boring after a point, so you can try variations and get the most out of this exercise!

Variations Of Plank Exercises You Can Try

Indulging in a plank workout will primarily work your core and shoulders. If you make some variations in the plank exercise then how it works your core and shoulders would be slightly different. Now, let’s learn more about plank exercises and the different types of planks you can try.

Side Plank

Side plank is believed to be one of the most beneficial exercises for your shoulders and knees. To do this exercise, lie down on a mat on your left side and keep your knees straight. Then raise up your body on your left elbow and forearm and keep your feet stacked. Raise your body till your body is in a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Now tuck your stomach in and inhale and exhale deeply for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Plank Jacks

Plank Jacks is not as popular as other exercises but it will engage your core and strengthen it even further. For plank jacks as the name is suggestive, you simply need to add aur jump to the standard plank. While doing this exercise make sure your pelvis is steady and your back is straight so that you can avail the complete benefit of this exercise. Start by doing this exercise for 1 minute and as you go build up to 5 minutes.

Plank Twist

Plank twist is an exercise that not only strengthens your core but also works on your elbow, forearm and your shoulders. For a plank twist, start by lying down on the mat by raising up your body on the left forearm and keep your elbow under your shoulder. Then extend your legs and place your right foot over the left and tuck in your tummy and glutes to lift your bottoms off the floor. Keep your right arm behind your head and bend your elbow to point towards the ceiling. Keep your torso towards the floor and lift your right elbow to meet your left hand. Don't let your hips touch the floor. Then go back to the starting position and that is 1 repetition.

If you are now willing to try some of these interesting plank exercises a shot and ditch the normal boring plank then do it with FITPASS- India's largest network of gyms and fitness studios that offers you the freedom to workout wherever and whenever you want. You can choose from 1,50,000+ workout sessions and 4,000+ gyms and fitness studios across the country.