Bodyweight exercises are increasingly popular in the world of fitness because they’re practical and simple and because they offer great benefits. You’re using nothing else but your body weight to become stronger.
Plank is one of the most popular bodyweight exercises and helps strengthen the whole body, including the abdominal area.
Strong abdominal muscles are pivotal for a strong back and spinal column and play a major role in the prevention of injuries. To ensure they’re strong, these muscles need to be trained regularly.
Planks are a must in any exercise routine: they help strengthen the core and give your spine and back the support they need.
7 Benefits of Doing Planks Every Day
- Stronger core & better performance
Planks are the perfect exercise for stronger abdominal muscles as they engage the major core muscle groups.
Strengthening each muscle group is important and each serves its purpose.
You will experience an increased ability to lift heavier weights by strengthening the transverse abdominis, better sports performance and endurance, especially with jumping by strengthening the rectus abdominis, stronger capacity for side-bending and waist twisting by strengthening the obliques, and a supported back and strong and shaped buttocks by strengthening the glutes.
- Reduced risk of back & spine injuries
Planks strengthen the muscles and lower the pressure on the hips and spine.
The American Council on Exercise notes that planks don’t just lower backache, but also strengthen the muscles and support the whole back, particularly in the upper area.
- Better posture
When you do planks regularly, you will experience a better posture.
By strengthening the core, you will be able to stand more upright. You will have stronger abdominal muscles and this will lead to stronger back, shoulders, chest, and neck.
- Higher flexibility
By including planks in your daily workout routine, you will experience stronger and more flexible posterior muscles (the shoulders, the shoulder blades, and the collarbone).
This exercise also stretches out your toes, feet arches, and hamstrings. Side planks are great if you want to work on your obliques.
- Better balance
Stronger abdominal muscles help you improve your balance.
With a better balance through planks and planks with extensions in your workout schedule, you will experience better performance in different sports and physical activities.
- Efficient metabolism
Planks are a great way to challenge the whole body and burn more calories.
The muscles you strengthen by doing planks will help you burn more calories, which is pivotal, especially if you spend most of your day sitting.
Exercise is a great way to stimulate your metabolism and keep your metabolic rate optimal at all times, including during sleep.
- Better mental health
Planks influence our nerves so they make a great choice for better overall mood. This is because planks stretch out the muscle groups associated with tension and stress.
By doing planks regularly, you won’t just experience physical health benefits but also improve your mental health by calming down your nerves and relieving anxiety and depression.
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