Plank is one of those exercises that are low-impact and require less effort but provide a plethora of health benefits. The move engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making it a must-do exercise.
To perform a plank, get into the pushup position on the floor. Bend your elbows 90 degrees, resting weight on your forearms. Your body should form a straight line from your head to your feet in the perfect form for a plank. Try to hold the position for a while.
Read: 5 Variations of Plank for killer abs
Below are some health benefits of planks.
Strong Core
Plank exercise is best-known to build deep inner core muscles. If you desire six-pack abs, this is your exercise. Apart from helping you build a flat belly, planks make your abdominal muscles stronger by getting rid of fat from the mid-section.
Back Pain Solution
Planks work for back pain as they strengthen your back muscles, particularly upper back. The exercise requires minimal movement but contracts all layers of the abdominal fascia to strengthen the core, which in turn reduces low-back pain.
Improved Flexibility
By working your posterior muscle groups, planks gradually increase flexibility. The exercise also works muscles around your shoulders, collarbone, shoulder blades, hamstrings and even the arches of your feet.
Psychological Fitness
Exercising has physical as well as psychological health benefits. Plank is no exception and can give your mood a boost.
Muscle Relaxant
Muscle groups become stiff as a result of lack of activity. Exercising is the best way to relax muscle groups; plank releases tension to give your mood a lift.
Better Balance and Posture
Planks work all the muscles you need to maintain proper posture, including muscles of the back, chest, shoulders, abs and neck. If you do planks on a regular basis, you will build the balance to sit or stand up better and more comfortably.
Boosted Energy Levels
Regular physical activity has a significant effect on your energy levels. It aids to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your tissues more efficiently, which in turn betters energy levels to go about your daily chores.
The health benefits of planks are hard to ignore. If you want to improve endurance, mood or get rid of back pain, look no further than plank.
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