How to do a long plank? What are the strategies for doing the long plank movement? Plank is a useful and effective movement in the world of fitness and bodybuilding. Probably for everyone at the beginning, doing this move is a little challenging; But little by little, with practice and persistence, you will become a professional. Join us as we reveal the secrets of a long plank and tell you the strategies for breaking the plank record.
How to do a long plank?
Everyone wants to do this challenging exercise for a longer period of time and beat their plank record, but how do you do a long plank? In the following, we will give you some simple but effective solutions, by following which you can do a longer plank and succeed in the plank challenge.
1. Exercise regularly!
Yes, the first solution is practice. Practice the same traditional plank (on the forearm) as much as you can. What is your current power? 10 seconds? 30 seconds? Try to do the same amount every day in several different sets; As long as this amount of time becomes simple and easy for you. How to do a long plank? When you feel at this stage, you can easily increase the time of your plank exercise. The secret to the long plank is: daily practice.
2. Learn and do the correct plank form!
This exercise is often done incorrectly. If your question is: “How to do a long plank?” We tell you that you must learn the correct form of the stationary plank, otherwise your energy will be wasted in the wrong form and you will get tired sooner; In addition to the fact that you may be injured.
To hold your plank as long as possible, engage your quadriceps and hips, shift your body weight onto your forearms and shoulders, and finally find your proper breathing rhythm.
In a proper plank, your feet should be shoulder-width apart, contracted, and your hips should be in line with your body (not higher). Avoid straining your neck; Instead, keep your chin in front of your body and look at the floor. Remember that the correct execution of the exercise is much more important than the time or the record.
3. Try different planks!
If the traditional plank or belly plank is too challenging for you, don’t stress. Weakness in the shoulders, core, or back muscles may make the plank much more difficult. You can train with different planks to strengthen your different muscles and increase your record. For example, the knee plank is a beginner exercise.
All you have to do is get on all fours and lower your hips to create a continuous line between your shoulders, hips and knees, there is also a plank on the elbows. It’s just like a traditional plank, except that your palms are on the floor.
Side plank or reverse plank are other forms of plank that you can achieve a longer plank with practice.
4. Celebrate small improvements!
Progressing in the world of sports is gradual. You cannot create huge improvements overnight (even a month); So let progress take its time and celebrate all the little accomplishments.
Plan for yourself; For example, “I will improve my plank record by 30 seconds a week” and train all week long to see exactly this amount of improvement at the end of the week. There is no rush. Gradually you will reach the long plank.
5. Strengthen your core muscles!
Maintaining balance and stability in hard exercises like the plank requires a strong core. Mid-body muscles include internal and external oblique muscles, oblique abdominal and rectus abdominis muscles; But the midsection muscles are not only these things!
Many people think that the long plank should put pressure on their abs; While it’s not all about the belly; But there are other muscles that you need to focus on during the plank in order to hit a perfect plank.
The main muscles involved in a plank include the erector spinae, pelvic floor, transversus abdominis, multifidus, erector spinae (especially pectoralis major) and diaphragm. Have a variety of exercises that engage and train all these muscles and you will see how easy the plank will be for you.
6. Work on proper breathing and gaze in the plank!
How to do a long plank? For a better and longer plank, remember that “Don’t look at your toes while planking. Keep your head up and look at the ground. Also, don’t forget to breathe! Sometimes when we concentrate hard, we hold our breath!
How many minutes should we plank?
The answer is not as simple as you might think, and no specific number can be determined as the average Planck record. In fact, the correct answer is: “Planck time is not the goal, maintaining perfect form is the goal.” As long as you can stay in proper plank form, the longer you stay in the plank, the better.
The duration of the plank depends more on the physical fitness of the people and of course the type of plank. How to do a long plank? Experts recommend that holding the plank for 120 seconds is good and enough, and trying to increase this time and do a longer plank is not beneficial. Focus on different planks and trying to hold the plank; As you progress, you can increase your plank to a minute or even two, but don’t go beyond that.
If you are new to the sport, even short bursts of 10 seconds are valuable. In general, we recommend trying to do different sets of short planks. Whether you start with 10 seconds or 60 seconds, it is important that this exercise is done continuously and of course in the correct form.
Is long planking harmful and does it have any risks?
Don’t push yourself to do a long plank if you’re not ready or if you feel it’s beyond your ability. Forcing yourself to hold a long plank for long periods of time can put a lot of strain on your lower back. As fatigue sets in, your back may begin to arch. This is where you put yourself at risk.
But the plank exercise is specifically prohibited for some people. People suffering from shoulder or neck joint injuries, any type of forearm or arm and back injuries, pregnant or new mothers, people with diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation), instability or hip pain, and those with severe weakness. have core muscles, it is necessary to avoid doing planks and only go for such exercises with the doctor’s permission.
Tip: Stop the plank whenever you feel severe pain in the spine or neck.
final word
The plank movement is an isometric bodybuilding exercise that engages the muscles of the entire body. How to do a long plank? To be able to achieve a longer plank, you need to train regularly and gradually increase the time and sets of doing this movement. We have included other ways to reach the long plank and set your plank record in the article.
Sources: wellandgood – womenshealthmag
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