Planking Time

I love to do variations of planking to each of my workouts with or without weights.

The initial form is not hard to understand, but holding the position takes strength and endurance in your abs, back, and core. The plank is one of the best exercises for core conditioning but it also works your glutes and hamstrings, supports proper posture, and improves balance.

What is the proper way to hold a plank?

Get into push-up position on the floor

Note: You can hold the position on your forearms or hands - depending on the variation

Keep your torso straight and rigid and your body in a straight line from ears to toes with no sagging or bending
Head is relaxed looking at floor
Hold the position for as long as you can
Remember to breathe. Inhale and exhale slowly and steadily
When your form begins to suffer stop the plank, form is very important