Exercise of the Week: The Plank

I LOVE the plank! It is a great way to work the core, getting your upper and lower abdominals, your lower back, and your glutes. If you’ve mastered the basic plank position here are some ways to step it up, and challenge yourself a little more. I’d first try to get to the point where you can hold your plank for 1:00 to 1:30 seconds. Once you’ve accomplished that add a small plate to the small of your back (5-10 lbs) to make those abs work harder to keep that body in line. Really watch your form as you start to get tired. Squeeze your glutes and use your lower abs to keep your body in line. You can also try lifting one foot off the ground and holding, or alternate lifting one foot of the ground at a time. The same can be done with your arms. Punching one arm at a time forward or just holding.