5 Reasons To Do Planks Every Day

Planks are always in fashion. And with good reason. When it comes to the core, there are no other exercises that even comes close to the effectiveness of planks. Here are 5 reasons to start planking today and every day:

1. Get major core definition

Planks engage a whole bunch of muscles including the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, obliques and glutes. This is key because each of these muscle groups provides you with a different sort of definition. The transverse abdominis increases abdominal pressure and allows you to lift more. The rectus abdominis gives you the six-pack look and improves performance in sports that require jumping. The obliques are responsible for side to side movement and can give you an hour glass figure. The glutes help support your back and give you a shapely behind.

2. Reduce the risk of injury

Having a strong core means that your body is better able to perform moves in all planes of motion. Planks are a really safe way to build the muscles that protect the spine and hips during movements.

3. Workout anywhere

Planks are a great go-to exercise when you are travelling or don't have a lot of space. Better yet, if you are short on time, planks are a great way to work out a large portion of your body. Doing a few sets will give you a good metabolism boost and help you burn calories.

4. Improve posture

If you have a strong core, you can't help but stand more upright. Your core muscles support your spine. Planking strengthens these muscles which leads to better posture.

5. Improve balance

A strong core increases your stability all over. If the core is weak, finding an equilibrium becomes incredibly difficult. Have you ever noticed that yogis have incredible balance? That is because their core supports their movements and keeps them in alignment. For ideas on plank variations, check this out. Are you a daily planker? What benefits have you noticed? Source: Mind Body Green