love or hate the plank??

fortunately I can hold plank for several minutes. I think it's because I do full plank-style push-ups (various kinds) and have developed the upper body strength to do so.

as for variations to plank - I sometimes do prone plank with one leg lifted up behind me (bent or straight) and hold that a slow count of four, switch sides and keep doing that for about a minute.

I also do full plank and go up and down on my elbows, alternating from bent elbows to straight arms.

Sometimes I simply step my feet and legs in and out from side to side while keeping my upper body completely still.

I also do plank whereby I pull one knee into and across my chest to the opposite underarm pit. I hold it a few seconds, then switch sides. I also do this, alternating, for about a minute. I also do the reverse and draw my knees up on the outside of my body to it's same-side underarm pit. Again, I hold this for a slow count of four and then repeat to the other side. I do this about 12 times, 3 sets.

occasionally I do supine plank (an inverted plank where you look up at the ceiling) and can hold that for about 2 minutes, though I find this one hard on my knees because of the tension created in them to keep the legs straight and strong.

my weakness is full side plank - I have nerve problems in my shoulders and neck and this particular plank aggravates my condition.

I've since been doing modified side plank pushups whereby I am down on my elbow, feet stacked one on top of the other and, with an 8lb medicine ball on my obliques, I raise and lower my buttocks up and down. This one is a real killer!! I do 12 on each side, rest a minute, then do another 12, rest another minute and finish with a final 12.

Plank hurts my shoulders and upper back. I can hold it easily in the core area (I have quite a strong core) but the pain in the shoulders and upper back (and sometimes neck) makes me avoid it. I've had my stance evaluated and it's fine. It's just an issue with my upper body, I guess.

plank and i have love/hate relationship...it's complicated.

They are a main pose in the style yoga I do, so I love it.

I love how sore it makes me the next day!

Because it hurts my arms rather than working my abs as much (my shoulder joints start aching before any muscles do), I like to do a dolphin-style plank. Basically, elbows on the pad, hands in a praying sort of contact, butt way up in the air, straight legs, head looking towards your knees; then, without bending your knees, go into a plank position, looking straight ahead, then return. I do this 12 reps per thing. I get some strange looks in the gym, but the movement really helps me go longer without any pain, just tired muscles!

In our martial arts class, he has us hold plank (on elbows) for 15, 30, 45 and 60 second intervals. It is a good way to develop strength and endurance for this exercise. Also, look straight ahead and try to focus on a spot on the wall.

Good Luck.

Usually a hate, simply becuase it's after a workout. I usually do 1 minute on 1 minute in downward dog, repeat 4 times, then commence to cry.