Planks done properly are a terrific way to strengthen your abs while protecting your lower back. The days of isolating and shortening your ab muscles are history! Your core is for stabilization, not isolation. Just because you feel an isolated burn in your abdomen while doing crunches does not mean that you are strengthening your abs properly. Functional training uses multiple joints and multiple muscle groups. The video below will show you different variations of the plank.
Some people feel that planks are boring, but this is just one of the ways that I strengthen my core while maintaining a neutral posture. By realizing the value of a plank, I think you will find an effective exercise for core development and strength. So walk away from the ab machines and “walk the plank” to core stabilization.
One Mile Runner Blog
Thanks for this excellent demonstration of planks. I will add them to my routine!
Dear David,
Thanks for your blog entry.
All the best with strengthening and stabilizing your core to make you a more efficient runner.
Cheers,
David
David,
nice job with those planks. they definately stabalize your body, make your abs stronger without hurting your back. I speak from experience! crunches feel like you’re working the ab area better but overall, planks work great too, without the strain on your back.
Dave,
Gita here from CA. I have a question for you.I do water aerobics every evening at the local YMCA and want to know if crunches in the pool are ok or bad for me.??
Hi Dave
This post just clicked with me 🙂 Planks in fact help strengthen your lower back, especially if you’ve had a back injury.
This is exactly what happened to me and I was prescribed the plank exercise to strengthen my lower back by the doctor. It’s amazing how even while on holiday I was able to develop my core without going to the gym by simply doing this great exercise…
I’ve actually written about it here for more information http://www.plankexerciseapp.com/blog/plank-for-lower-back-strength
It’s great when you meet people on the same page 🙂
Mits