Exercise Move Of The Week: Plank

People are always wanting to improve the look and strength of their abs. But what most people need to think about is their cores on a whole, the back and abs. Together they are a powerful team and can help with proper form and technique, support the back from injury, and get those rockin' abs that everyone wants.  A great way to improve the core is by doing a plank. This move is great because it is also a total body move because it engages the core, legs and shoulders... so everything! Talk abut being able to burn some calories.  How do you do this spectacular move?  Below you can see a fella that is in a plank position.  His elbows are directly underneath his shoulders, his core is tight, back is level with his hips and lastly, his legs are active.

Now, for people that have not done this move before you can start on your toes on go to your knees to work on your strength or start on your knees and work up. Either way, the goal is to stay in the plank for as long as you can with good form.

For those of you that have done plank a lot and need something to spice up their planks here is something to try at home or the next time you are at the gym, a stability ball plank. here is a great example of a plank on a stability ball.

Notice that the only that that has changed is the addition of the ball. Otherwise, her elbows are still beneath her shoulders, core is tight, back is straight, and her legs are working to keep her up. One of the other great reasons this is such a great move to do is because is also works those little muscles all over your body that help you balance and be stable. 

And there you have it. Two awesome way to tone up your core, create strength and stability in your whole body, and burn more calories then you would doing sit ups.  Have a great week everyone!

As always, committed to your health and fitness,
Justin and Angie LaPointe