Take Your Core to the Next Level
Everyone wants six pack abs, that’s no secret. But having a body that turns heads at the beach isn’t the only reason to work on your core. Developing a strong, healthy core has many incredible long-term benefits that are often overlooked, including:
- Reducing and/or eliminating back pain
- Supporting your spinal cord and strengthening your central nervous system
- Developing strong, confident posture
- Protecting your largest (and most important) veins and arteries in the gut
With warmer weather right around the corner, now is the time to spring into action! Take a look at these 5 different plank variations that can help you take your core to the next level, feel re-energized, and start sculpting your dream body:
5 Plank Variations to Take Your Plank to the Next Level…
1. Regular Plank – Form is everything here. Start in a tabletop position, kneeling on the floor with elbows (or hands) directly below your shoulders. Lift your knees until your elbows and toes are supporting your weight. Hold your body in a straight line, keeping your core tight.
2. Side Plank – Starting in regular plank position, bring your legs together until your heels touch. Lean to your left/right while lifting your opposite arm up toward the ceiling (or keep it placed on your hip) until you are balanced on one hand.
3. Plank Jacks – Start in a regular plank with your legs together. Jump your feet out as if you were doing a horizontal jumping jack. Jump feet back together. (If jumping is too tough, you can always start by walking your legs out one at a time. You can also perform these from your elbows if doing so from your hands is too difficult.)
4. Extended Plank - Add some extra shoulder work to your standard plank by extending your arms as far in front of you as you can while still maintaining proper plank form.
5. Single-Arm Plank – Start in regular plank position. Slowly lift your left/right arm, extending it out in front of you. Keep your back flat (resist the urge to tilt your hips to the left) and alternate arms every other rep.
If you’re still struggling to shake that cabin-fever, get back into the gym, or find a training program that works for your specific needs – don’t worry, The Farmette at 4424 has your back! Todd and Kayla are here for you – providing a fun, friendly, and supportive environment to make sure you crush your goals and truly get the results you’re after.
Come pay us a visit, or schedule a free consultation, to discover how you can revive your health at Baltimore’s only one-stop-shop for fitness, organics, and outdoors!