Plank question

MomMel65
MomMel65 Posts: 47 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi there! So I was reading someone's post this weekend about targeting the abs and the best recommended way to do that. The top suggestion was these planks. Being an exercise newby and not knowing what the heck a plank was (other than a piece of wood that pirates walk on) - I went to YouTube and watched a video. I thought to myself "I'll never be able to do them!!" Well, I got home from the gym tonight and thought, hey, what the heck, try it! I only did one, held it for 8 seconds, and stopped. Don't want to over-do it ya know - LOL! Actually, I was kinda freaked that I was ABLE to do one. But anyway, I'd like some suggestions of how many to do, how frequently (i.e., in my daily routine, or every other day), and hold them for how long?? I do 30-45 minutes daily on the Arc trainer at the gym, and 15-20 minutes rotating myself around the various weight machines. So just throw them in the mix, or eliminate the weight machines that target abs and do the planks instead. So many questions!

Replies

  • sammyc350
    sammyc350 Posts: 25 Member
    Planking was my favorite!! (well, it still is haha)
    We did it every other day or so. We would hold for 45 seconds and take a break. Then we might do the side-plank (30 secs each side) and back to the regular plank. Sometimes he'd put weights on our backs which really upped the ante! It's a great ab work-out, just be careful to not strain your back, keep the tension in your abs!
  • MomMel65
    MomMel65 Posts: 47 Member
    Planking was my favorite!! (well, it still is haha)
    Then we might do the side-plank

    SIDE plank? Off to YouTube I go again - can't imagine what a side plank is - LOL!!

    I'll definitely have to work up to that 45 seconds. I remember the guy in the first video said to keep your body as straight as you can, not to have your butt in the air - I imagine that would strain the back a bit. I've got arthritis in my lumbar spine - so I'll be sure to watch out with these because I don't need that flaring up. Thanks for you advice!
  • sammyc350
    sammyc350 Posts: 25 Member
    Yes! The side-plank, more for your obliques
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    hold for as long as you can and try and do better next time. why limit yourself to a specific time if you can go longer?

    also you dont need to specifically target abs to get them stronger or lose inches. i do planks once a week just a test how long i can hold (i'm up to 2 minutes 10 seconds) but the rest of the time i do compound lifes with weight lifting that also work my core. squats, deadlifts, are pullups are great for your core in addition to other parts of your body
This discussion has been closed.

Categories