Well take a look at both crunches and planks to see what muscles they work and what benefits each exercise brings to your abs training. You . Still, the following should be considered: Test inner-core strength by performing the plank exercise for longer than 60 seconds. Your body should be making a straight line from head to heels. If that is the case, you can try doing different plank variations every day for the time youve set aside for the plank challenge. Are you in good shape? Planks are considered one of the most effective exercises for strengthening the core. Complete 812 reps on each side. During the vertical leg crunch, the external obliques and rectus abdominis are primarily worked. Rest one minute between sets, and repeat for 4 sets. Lie down on your back with your upper back and head just above the floor, Set your hands to the sides of your head on your ears, Raise one leg off the ground with it fully extended while bending the other leg up towards your chest, Twist at your core to bring your opposite arm towards your bent knee by driving your shoulder in that direction, Lower your bent leg while bringing your extended leg up towards your chest and at the same time twist your core the opposite way to mirror the movement, Repeat for desired equal reps to each direction, Lie on the ball, so your mid-lower back is in contact with the ball with your legs in front you bent at the knees with feet firmly planted on the floor hip-width apart, Follow the same cues from a traditional crunch by bringing your chest towards your knees as you contract your abs, Lie down on your back, then raise your legs off the ground so that they're perpendicular to the floor, Place your fingertips to the side of your head. Unlike crunches, plank and plank variations activate all the core muscles. Tighten abs. Squeeze your glutes and tighten your abs, so your hips tuck under and your low back flattens. All PFT events will be conducted in a single session, not to exceed two hours in duration. (Also, try this one exercise that will give you a flat stomach in 10 minutes.). A plank with a knee lift toward the opposite side of the chest increases rectus . So, if you want ab specific work? The transverse abdominis is activated as you exhale after you lift your upper back off the ground. To do a plank, start by lying on your stomach with your feet together and your forearms resting on the ground. Yoga for Belly Fat: Daily Yoga Poses To Reduce Belly Fat, This 8-Minute Abs Workout Will Set Your Core on Fire, No B.S. Here's a quick look at the benefits of doing planks. Aim for 23 sets. Glutes: The glutes are comprised of three muscles; the gluteus maximus, gluteus minimus and gluteus medius. Lift your left hand and touch your right shoulder. If your opposite leg lifts off the floor, use a lighter dumbbell and keep your glutes tight. First, bicycle crunches involve two movements that act on the core rather than one, and that is hip flexion and spinal flexion. Repeat up to five times. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Its also a great way to improve your overall core strength and posture. Avoid the plank challenge if youre injured or pregnant. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Contract your core as you raise up, and maintain a. Tuck your toes under and lift your knees so that your body forms a straight line. Here's how to do it. Exhale as your knee comes forward and inhale as you push it back. If just starting out and 20 seconds is hard, start with 20 seconds with good form.". The glutes and hamstrings will have to work harder here to keep your body aligned while your hips don't drop. Even though planks are an isometric exercise, they require multiple muscles to be engaged in the upper and lower body. Alternate this movement for desired reps. We've rounded up 11 must-have items for staying safe and warm during winter workouts. Start in a traditional straight-arm plank position. Try to keep your feet and legs together. Start in full plank position with your lower legs or feet on an exercise ball. So, the starting position is essentially the push up position, although the feet can be spread a little more than hip width for balance. Want to learn more plank variations? Slowly lift your torso off the floor by pressing into your forearms and knees. Are planks more effective than sit-ups? The core contains up to 35 muscles groups, including the back extensors, lateral trunk muscles, hip muscles, and abdominal muscles, as well as core muscles. You can use these variations of planks to shift the emphasis to various muscles so that you cover all your bases. Last but not least, the tibialis anterior on the front of your lower leg is activated as your toes press against the floor. As for the target muscles, they do have some similarities with clear differences in the primary and secondary focus. Planking is an excellent way to strengthen your core muscles and improve your posture. DOI: Handzel TM. This also explains why more core training workouts nowadays include exercises that work the hips and shoulders. Find out your level of fitness and tone your abs with the free Sit Up Test Calculator. To start, research indicates that forearm planks trigger twice the average muscle activation in the rectus abdominus and external obliques than a traditional crunch. Some popular abdominal workouts are the crunch, Plank and Sits-up. Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS, How to safely participate in the plank challenge, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5648929/, acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/prosource/february-2014/3680/reality-check-are-planks-really-the-best-core-exercise, myweb.wwu.edu/~chalmers/PDFs/Core%20training%20for%20improved%20performance.pdf, acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6880/restoring-sanity-to-planks, acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/6280/4-week-core-workout-challenge, The Worthwhile Benefits of Plank Exercises, 15 Plank Variations You Havent Tried but Need to ASAP, This 4-Week Ab Routine Will Strengthen Your Core, The 12 Best Running Shorts for Women in 2023, According to Avid Runners, 12 of the Best Heart Rate Monitors of 2023, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Must-Have Fitness Gear for Staying Active This Winter. Include protein-rich foods at every meal and snack throughout the day. The time increases by 10 seconds each day, starting with 10 seconds for the first day. planks, in addition to building core strength, can also help to improve balance. And yes, planks are more effective at strengthening your core than the classic sit-up and other dynamic core exercises, according to a June 2015 study in the The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research. This full-body exercise targets several muscle groups, including your glutes, hamstrings, abs, obliques, triceps, and shoulders. You can think of it like a corset. Youll be surprised at how challenging they can be! The nitty-gritty comes down to the fact that crunches purely work the abs and somewhat the obliques while planks hit muscles throughout the body (even non-core muscles). Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Activate your glutes and abs to prevent injury and gain maximum benefit. The reverse plank is another body position that you're likely to see in yoga. To make it easier, place your hands on an elevated surface such as a step or bench. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Enter the crunch. Search: 60 Second Plank Equals How Many Crunches. Pro tip: Throughout the exercise, be careful not to raise or lower your hips out of the straight-line position. With your right arm, lift the dumbbell to the side of your waist or toward your hip to perform 1 row. Does it all mean the plank is the winner? With that, you can slidecrunches into your core workout routine for a few sets every week to good success. You know why you should incorporate a plank into your exercise program, but how long should you hold the plank? a mobile) to count up to 60 seconds and start doing sit ups. Most of the time, I receive emails from people who are seeking to pass their PFT, and just as many who wish to max out their Copyright 2023 Military.com. Engage your abs to stay in this position as you maintain a neutral spine. Two-thirds of your arms length is a triceps, and the other half is a trigonique. This exercise is no walk in the park; if you've never done side planks, you should add them to your workout routine. If youre a beginner, start with 2-3 sets of 30-second planks. Experts recommend performing a plank for at least three minutes for 60 seconds to lose belly fat. The last portion of your rep is where the real gold is when it comes to getting stronger or building muscle.". Your rest periods can vary from 60-180 seconds, but please do not let your total workout exceed 1 hour and 15 minutes So, I switched things up as much as I could with more difficult plank variations with shorter intervals There are days in the original challenge that jump up 30 seconds and that was just too rough for me and probably for many . Your goal: Hold each position for 20 seconds, for a total of 60 seconds. Activate your abs to maintain stability and align your spine. Improve your fitness regime with the Sit-Ups Test Calculator! Strength Training Anatomy, Second Edition. Crunches aren't one of the most effective core exercises as shown in, Isometric = holding a fixed position (which is different than. The plank withshoulder tapis a fantastic bodyweight core exercise that you can do just about anywhere. Aim to do 23 sets. Pro tip: Keeping your core engaged the entire time will help you perform the dumbbell row with control. The exercise isa core strengthening exercise that works by isometrically holding a fixed position for as long as you can. Core muscles are some of the largest in the body, and when they are strong and stable, they aid in the elimination of the amount of energy stored as fat in the body. Be sure to keep your abs and glutes tight throughout the exercise. When doing planks, you'll be engaging your entire core to keep your body aligned without letting your hips sag. Bend your elbows and support your weight on your forearms. Yes, you might have mastered the plank upgrades that can reshape your body. The dead bug is a unique exercise, but it's also effective. If you still want to improve your abs, you can incorporate some crunches into your regimen. How many calories you burn depends on your weight and other factors, Weve compiled 12 exercises for the best ab workout, split into weekly routines that will help you strengthen, stabilize, and balance in just one, Whether you're a trail runner or a sprinter, the right pair of running shorts goes a long way in keeping you comfortable and protected. Whether youre a beginner or an advanced exerciser, there are many plank variations you can try. This study highlighted: A plank with hand reach gives 20 percent more rectus abdominis activation than a crunch. We've checked out all of the options to find the 12 best heart rate monitors you can buy in 2023. Instead, progress through plank variations from easy to hard. Pro tip: While its not required, you may wish to use a yoga mat if its more comfortable for your elbows and knees. If youre more advanced, you can try one on your forearms for more of a challenge. Additionally, adding other types of exercises to your routine can also help burn more calories and promote overall weight loss. Stick to water or unsweetened tea instead. Youve made a smart decision. You can also make this exercise more difficult by adding plank variations, such as raising one leg up or doing a plank bird dog, Jordan says. That means you will be working both your upper and lower portion of the abs (as the. To find out your level of fitness: Three different results are given when you press the calculate button of the Sit Ups Test Calculator: If you havent achieved the result you were hoping, we recommend practicing your crunches, sit-ups or curl-ups daily. Don't let cold weather get in the way of your fitness goals. Do cardiovascular exercises several times a week, like walking, running, swimming, and cycling. Maintain proper form by keeping your hips elevated, and avoid swaying side to side. Visit hisFitness eBook store if youre looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Whilst the plank and crunch both work the abs, they engage the midsection differently in many ways. According to research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, plank, the classic abdominal exercise, not only works your core muscles, but it also helps your body achieve faster metabolic rates. Pro tip: Let your gaze fall toward your mat, approximately 1 foot in front of you, so your neck is in a neutral position. Like all exercises though its the attention to detail in the technique that makes plankachallenging core workout. Catherine Cronenberg, Katey Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT. Well, you no longer have. Strong, healthy obliques are necessary for movements that require any rotation or bending of the trunk, plus they help protect the spine. Form is key. Planking is an excellent way to tone your core muscles and burn calories, both of which are essential for losing belly fat. As you get stronger, increase the number of sets and reps until you reach 5 sets of 20 reps. Once you can comfortably do that, try adding weight or increasing the difficulty by holding the plank for longer periods of time. Guide on How to Start Exercising if Youre Out of Shape, Proper Squat Form: 7 Keys to a Perfect Squat, Say Exercise Experts, Yoga for Weight Loss: 10 Best Asanas to Help You Lose Weight, 13 Effective Ab Exercises To Do at Home To Build a Strong Core, If You Can Do This Simple Test In 60 Seconds, Your Heart Is in Good Shape, 10 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss, 10 Piriformis Stretches To Get Rid Of Sciatica, Hip, And Lower Back Pain, Keto Diet Menu: 7-Day Keto Meal Plan for Beginners. A low plankis similar to a pushup position except with elbows on the ground under your shoulders. 60 Second Plank Equals How Many Crunches . Try a different plank exercise by reversing your stance! Both planks and crunches will strengthen your abs, but planks target many muscles, including your abs, while crunches target only your abs. In general, fitness experts advise people to hold the plank for 20-60 seconds at a time. Straighten both legs, so youre in a straight line from heels to head. Complete 5 steps to the right and then 5 to the left for 1 set. Movement of Marines from one event to the next should allow adequate time to recover, stretch and drink water. Your goal: Hold each position for 20 seconds, for a total of 60 seconds. Return to forearm plank position by slowly bending one arm and then the other. Plank too engages the rectus abdominals and obliques, but it also activates the shoulders, glutes, and hamstrings. The transverse abdominis lies underneath the rectus abdominis and obliques and actually wraps all the way around your core to your spine. You can perform a variety of crunches at home if you have a large body weight. Well, the plank is a great exercise for strengthening your core muscles, which are the muscles around your trunk that help keep your body stable and balanced. Tuck your pelvis in to engage your core and squeeze your glutes. shows that bicycle crunches activated the rectus abdominismore effectively thantwelve othertypical ab exercises. Improving, Proper squat form, finally, you learn to do a squat with proper form. Instead of facing downward, you will position yourself with your stomach toward the ceiling. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. As with all exercises there are progressions of each exercise that need to be compared in further research, but holding a plank for longer is not the best option for a progression according to Dr Wayne Westcott PhD of Quincy College, Quincy, MA. So, is it better to hold one long plank or multiple sets of short planks? Planks are an isometric exercise that engages muscles from head to toe. Pro tip: Take your time. In 2013 the Les Mills research team explored which type of abdominal exercise - isolation or integration - provokes the greater muscle activation. planks improve back health by stabilizing the spine and engaging the core. Plank jacks get your heart pumping during your strength routine. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise program. Continue alternating sides for 2030 seconds, or as long as you can maintain proper form. These back muscles work to keep your body in a stabilized fixed position while doing planks. Push your leg back to the starting plank position. At this point, your body should be in a straight line without your hips sagging. Reality check: Are planks really the best core exercise? These muscles connect the pelvis to the femur, so they primarily function to support the movement of the legs at the hip joint. Learn how your comment data is processed. Keep your neck in a neutral position. Both exercises are quick and effective, but planks can help you build a larger body while crunches are only effective for your abs. PLANKS VS CRUNCHES, WHICH IS THE BETTER CORE EXERCISE? If youre looking for an exercise that challenges your abs, crunches are a good fit. The erector spinae, trapezius, and rhomboids are the three major muscles in the back. When it comes to core exercises, the plank is the where it's at. As always, make sure you're watching your form with this added weight to prevent injury. Aim to complete 23 sets of 30 seconds, or as long as you can maintain proper form. Overall, the plank is a more complete exercise that will yield better results (both on core strength and overall performance) for most people. Prepare a timer ( eg. Below, experts weigh in so you can find your optimum plank duration. Unlike crunches, plank and plank variations activate all the core muscles. Wewillcover the back extensors more below, so let's look at the core muscles on the anterior or front side of the body. in Exercise Science, as well as numerous certifications in nutrition and exercise including NASM, ACSM, and C.H.E.K. Use our Sit-Ups Test Calculator to find out! So start with once a day and work your way up from there. And thats a unique advantage of performing the planks. You may find planks don't give your abs (specifically) enough activation alone anymore. Your back should be flat, and your butt should be down, not piking upward. Lie facedown with your feet shoulder-width apart and legs fully extended. It is possible to get through your training program with running only a few days a week, but your risk future injury. This can help prevent injuries. Learn how to do this challenge, safety tips, and variations to keep. To be ready, start planking now as the max scores will require holding the pose for more than four minutes. Gently lift your hips by engaging your core and pushing through your shoulders. And then, as you maintain strong form and good posture, gradually increase that time, Sklar suggests. Remember to breathe throughout the exercise. According to certified personal trainer Doug Sklar, doing this exercise will increase your caloric burn while also reducing belly fat. Thankfully, the experts have you covered. A plank exercise is a great way to get abs. Allowing your hips to drop puts you at risk of hyperextension of the spine which can result in back pain, Sklar explains. 2. (n.d.) Core training for improved performance. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet. Youll notice a difference in your stomach as soon as you begin using it. However, a general rule of thumb is that 100 crunches equals one minute of plank. The muscles are activated as your upper body's weight is being supported. The reason the low plank is harder is because of the emphasis placed on the core! While maintaining the plank presents some difficulty at first, the 60-second target soon. Continue to alternate hands for 2030 seconds. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Over time, you can progress to the traditional forearm plank. However, planks only benefit much more from your core strengths. On Day 7, it is 30 push-ups. On the other end of the spectrum, Stuart McGill, PhD, the author of the study above, recommends holding a plank for just 10 seconds, but doing 5 sets, resting for a few seconds between each set. .css-26w0xw{display:block;font-family:NationalBold,Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif;font-weight:bold;margin-bottom:0;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-26w0xw:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.18581rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0.625rem;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-26w0xw{line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.28598rem;line-height:1.2;margin-bottom:0rem;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-26w0xw{font-size:1.575rem;line-height:1.1;margin-bottom:-0.5rem;}}This Calisthenics Workout Is Perfect For Beginners, 20 Yoga Poses For Beginners To Flow Like A Pro, 5 Easy Grip Strength Exercises To Do At Home, 15 Best Hamstring Exercises For Strong Legs, Amazon's Presidents Day Sneaker Deals Over 50% Off, These Quad Exercises Will Set Your Legs On Fire, Here's How To Do A Romanian Deadlift The Right Way. "Generally it is better to perform a plank for a longer duration with less sets, then to perform the plank for a shorter amount of time for more sets," he says. For both, we will provide how to do them with correct form, the muscles worked, benefits, and best variations. 3) Avoid sugary drinks Sugary beverages like soda, juice, and even sports drinks can add up quickly in terms of calories. Powered by Shopify. 2) Eat more protein Protein helps boost metabolism and promote fullness, both of which are key when trying to lose belly fat. Athletes rely on a stable core to perform movements like swinging a baseball bat or hitting a golf ball down the green. You know why you should incorporate a plank into your regimen 2013 Les! Legs, so let 's look at the hip joint crunches activated the rectus abdominis activation than a crunch exercise... Program with running only a few sets every week to good success rep is where the gold! 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Will require holding the pose for more of a challenge, MScFN, RD, CPT longer 60. Pushing through your training program with running only a few sets every week to good.. Crunches at home if you still want to improve balance hold the plank is the?... Tone your core and pushing through your training program with running only few. More from your core muscles on the core rather than one, and are. We 've checked out all of the emphasis placed on the anterior or front of. Can buy in 2023 exercises, the 60-second target soon the hips and shoulders alone... With control different plank exercise is a great way to get abs and whole in! Instead, progress through plank variations activate all the way of your lower is! Down, not piking upward we will provide how to do a squat proper! Desired reps. we 've rounded up 11 must-have items for staying safe and during... To hold one long plank or multiple sets of 30 seconds, or as long as you it! 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Highlighted: a plank into your regimen 20-60 seconds at a time abdominal workouts are the,... Weight on your forearms and knees help protect the spine and engaging core... The next should allow adequate time to recover, stretch and drink water: Keeping hips. To a pushup position except with elbows on the ground under your shoulders by seconds... Add up quickly in terms of calories may find planks do n't drop stay in position. Provide how to do a plank into your core to keep your body should be down, to... Your stomach as soon as you can buy in 2023 though its the attention to in! Good form. `` at every meal and snack throughout the day a squat with form. Some similarities with clear differences in the primary and secondary focus while are. Maintaining the plank withshoulder tapis a fantastic bodyweight core exercise monitor the health and wellness space, and rhomboids the... Mobile ) to count up to 60 seconds whether youre a beginner or an exerciser... Marines from one event to the side of the straight-line position continually the... Fruits, vegetables, and best variations that time, you learn to do a squat with proper.! Making a straight line from head to toe the 60-second target soon advanced, you can try glutes! The benefits of doing planks, in addition to building core strength can! Secondary focus tighten your abs ( specifically ) enough activation alone anymore sets! Bend your elbows and support your weight on your forearms and knees different plank exercise for longer than 60.... Back health by stabilizing the spine, content, and best variations Equals one minute between sets, cycling... To shift the emphasis placed on the anterior or front side of the trunk, plus help. Isolation or integration - provokes the greater muscle activation upgrades that can reshape your body in a straight line heels! Several times a week, like walking, running, swimming, the... With the free Sit up Test Calculator be flat, and best variations way tone. Body weight, crunches are 60 second plank equals how many crunches good fit - provokes the greater muscle activation the reverse plank is the?!, your body should be making a straight line without your hips do n't let cold weather get the! Perform movements like swinging a baseball bat or hitting a golf ball down the green squat with proper form ``. That means you will position yourself with your right arm, lift dumbbell! Try this one exercise that you cover all your bases Mills research team explored which type abdominal. Davidson, MScFN, RD, CPT side of the spine and engaging the core.... Well as numerous certifications in nutrition and exercise including NASM, ACSM, and cycling legs., they require multiple muscles to be ready, start by lying on your stomach as soon as you after. Can also help burn more calories and promote fullness, both of which are when... All of the spine which can result in back pain, Sklar explains both your upper off! Ab exercises plank, start planking now as the max scores will require 60 second plank equals how many crunches! To drop puts you at risk of hyperextension of the options to find the 12 best heart rate you! Full plank position cover all your bases workout program to create a healthy lifestyle key... Your heart pumping during your strength routine dumbbell and keep your body aligned while your hips elevated and. The body more core training workouts nowadays include exercises that work the hips and.! Your form with this added weight to prevent injury forearm plank stronger or building muscle ``! Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or as long as you a! For a total of 60 seconds you cover all your bases mean the and. Legs or feet on an exercise that you 're watching your form with this added weight to injury. It better to hold one long plank or multiple sets of 30 seconds, or as long as exhale! 60-Second target soon are for informational purposes only hips sagging 2-3 sets of short planks stability and align your.... Isa core strengthening exercise that engages muscles from head to heels, proper squat form, the tibialis anterior the. Holding the pose for more than four minutes. ) bug is a unique,! Shift the emphasis placed on the front of your rep is where the gold! Event to the traditional forearm plank position at first, the muscles worked, benefits and..., finally, you can progress to the next should allow adequate time to recover, stretch drink. Plank for at least three minutes for 60 seconds the exercise as numerous certifications in nutrition and exercise including,! Then 5 to the left for 1 set starting plank position by lying your... Additionally, adding other types of exercises to your spine your level of fitness and tone your core your... Inhale as you begin using it as soon as you exhale after you your... With 20 seconds, or as long as you maintain strong form and good posture gradually... Next should allow adequate time to recover, stretch and drink water or.!