If you’ve been around here for a bit then you know that I’m a fan of planks! In fact, one of my goals for the month of April is 5 minutes of daily planking (and no…not 5 minutes straight – I break the 5 minutes into intervals).
Everyone can benefit from strengthening their core – especially runners! So if you haven’t jumped on the plank bandwagon yet, I thought I’d share with you some of the benefits of planking!
Target many muscles in one exercise: Planks engage every core muscle from transverse abdominus to the rectus abdominus; from the external obliques to the glutes.
Big payoff, small investment: Planks don’t require a lot of time, but can offer a big payoff by strengthening so many key muscles relatively quickly.
Improved posture: By engaging and strengthening all of those muscles, planks will help improve your posture. As your abdominal muscles activate they share the burden with your back muscles of holding you upright. When your abs are stronger, you sit and stand with your vertebrae stacked – so the added benefit is you’re less likely to develop pain in your neck and shoulders from slouching. Who doesn’t want to stand (or run) taller?
Increased flexibility: Planks help to increase or maintain flexibility by expanding and stretching the muscles around the shoulders, collarbone, shoulder blades, and hamstrings.
Better movement: By strengthening your core, planks help your stabilization and train your body to move better as a unit – your muscles work together, which means you move more efficiently overall.
Why runners should add planks to their routine #runchat #fridayfive Share on X
I’m linking up with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey & Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness for the Friday Five link-up!
Yes! Planks are awesome! I try to do a variety to target even more different muscles.
Coco recently posted…Five Reasons I Love The GW Parkway Classic
Yep I agree – mixing up the planks is important!
I love/hate planks! I need to do more planks as part of my workout routine.
Kimberly recently posted…5 Ways to Pamper a Runner
Ha! I can see the love/hate part – just try to focus on the benefits 😉
I think planks are great! They give you the most bang for your buck and are way more effective than crunches for your core!
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Book Review: The Road to Sparta by Dean Karnazes
I think that’s my favorite thing about them – they do so much for such a short investment of time!
I always feel better when I incorporate daily planks into my routine now to just keep them going!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Friday Favorites Spring Edition
I literally set a reminder on my phone until doing them became a habit.
I adore planks and their many variations. So why then have I been neglecting them? I need to get back in the habit.
Marcia recently posted…Things That Make You Go…
Of late I’ve been doing them right after my runs – adds an extra challenge and makes sure I get them done!
I always incorporate different variations of planks in my classes. They are a great core exercise. I love them, I think my class hates them!
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Spring Races to Run
That’s great that you use in them in the classes you teach!
I love planks for me and for m clients! I tend to do variations that make them harder rather than going for longer times. And really focusing on the muscles while planking.
Debbie recently posted…Easily Create a Click to Tweet (or Tweet This) without a Plugin!
I like to mix up the types of planks I do too – keeps it challenging!
Planks are so great! I don’t do them on their own, but am thankful they are a big part of yoga.
Alaina @ The Simple Peach recently posted…Favorite Ways To Cross & Strength Train
Yes! I love the combination of flowing from down dog to planks and back again.
I love planks! I need to do them more often.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Sweat Proof Hairstyles: How To French Braid
I find them kind of addictive once I got started again!
Planks are the greatest…too bad I never do them as often as I say I will! I wanted to just do 5 minutes a week and I am waaay under my goal! They have so many benefits so I need to get on it!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…5 Goals for the Parkway Classic 10 Miler
5 minutes a week is a good goal! Dive in this week and I bet you’ll do it 🙂
I know planks are good for me but I so easily fall off the plank wagon! 🙁 I gotta get on it!
Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Why do we Run- the 2016 Running USA facts
You’re definitely not alone in this – but there’s always room on the wagon 😉
YES! Daily planking for the WIN!! I’ve thought about doing a weekly live plank (on Facebook) ….I did one a week ago on my running page…trying to talk non-stop for 2:30 (while planking) was tough!
Kimberly Hatting recently posted…It’s not a Race, it’s a Training Run
Wow! I don’t think I could talk for that long while trying to plank!
I’m so bad at incorporating core work regularly. It’s really something I need to be better about working into my routine!
Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…5 English Muffin Recipe Ideas + Bays English Muffin Sweepstakes!
It can definitely be tough fitting everything in – I think that’s why I’m such a fan of planks cause they don’t require a lot of time.
I love them and I hate them… but what I DO know is I need to do more of them!!!!
Gina recently posted…Eagle Creek Pack-It Sport Review
Ha! Gina the love/hate feeling seems to be a common theme when it comes to planks!
Planks are such a great way to strengthen the core! I never realized they helped with flexibility too.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…5 Ways For Runners To Relax (Plus a Visualization Exercise)
It didn’t really occur to me either until I was talking about it with my chiropractor.
I was doing so well with planks a little over a year ago. But I lost momentum and haven’t gotten it back. I think after my race I’ll start up again!
Rachel recently posted…How to Pamper Yourself During Racing Season
Sounds like a good plan! Good luck with your upcoming race!
I do intervals when I plank too. Sometimes I love them, sometimes not. I need to do them more.
AmyC recently posted…My Workout Recap, But First
Definitely seems to be a common theme here 🙂
Yes! Thanks for the reminder 🙂 My running is always so much better overall when I add planks and other core work to my routine!
Same here! I’ve just got to be more consistent about it.
5 minutes in intervals sounds better than one long plank! I am going to be working on this 🙂
I definitely think intervals are more manageable!
Incorporating planks into your workout regimen is relatively easy, requiring no equipment and minimal space. Start with shorter durations and gradually increase the time as you build strength and endurance. Remember to maintain proper form, with a straight line from your head to your heels and engagement of your core.