Your Guide to Doing the Perfect Plank

Man doing planks
Image via DimaGavrish/depositphotos

One of the most well-known core exercises around, the plank is an essential part of many fitness fanatics’ workouts. Still, it is crucial to make sure that you perform a plank correctly in order to unlock the maximum benefits.

How To Perform The Perfect Plank

Start on your hands and knees. Place your hands directly under your shoulders and then step your feet back until your legs are straight. Ensure that your feet are slightly wider than hip-width apart and that there is a straight line from your heels to the top of your head. Tighten your abs, quads, and glutes and hold the position.

Why This Is Beneficial

When you perform a plank with perfect form, you will be able to condition and strengthen far more than just your core. “Planking is a more total-body exercise than a crunch, which focuses mostly on the rectus abdominis. Planking engages the arms, hips, glutes, legs, and upper back. It works those deep stabilizing muscles as it is an isometric exercise,” personal trainer Annie Mulgrew explained.