Plank Properly
~ Sharna
Plank is all the rage – it’s amazing for back & core strength…….but ONLY if doing it THE RIGHT WAY!
Many variations of exercises are now being done in plank during workouts, but I see so many people in poor form, and in the wrong position, and they can and are injuring themselves in the process. I’m all about the BASICS first, then applying the extras.
Proper plank position should feel like you’re standing up against your wall, in proper posture, with your head, shoulders & butt in line, and holding your arms out in front of your shoulders – this becomes EXACTLY the RIGHT POSITION for plank………just turn that horizontally on the ground.
Hands positioned so your wrists are under your armpits, directly below your shoulders, pulling head back creates the neutral spine position.
Drawing shoulder blades down your back activates back muscles, and maintaining 50-50 weight distribution between your arms & feet creates equal body weight reducing pressure in your wrists. This way you don’t feel your entire body weight in your wrists!!
Keeping your head, shoulders & butt the same height, focusing on the hip bones & armpits being the same height – you’ve got a great plank happening!!
Remember to engage & tighten your core to HOLD THAT POSITION.
Go get planking!!
