Striving for that flat stomach look? Silly question, I know. Aren’t we all looking for those flat abs? Try adding planks to your abs routine to help strengthen and tighten your core. Planks work on the principles of isometric contraction meaning the muscle stays the same length while you are doing the exercise, strengthening not only the deep abdominal muscles, but also the back muscles.
How to do the exercise:
- Lie face down on mat resting on the forearms, palms flat on the floor.
- Push off the floor, raising up onto toes and resting on the elbows. Make sure your elbows stay lined up underneath your shoulders.
- Keep your back flat, in a straight line from head to heels.
- Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or your back from sagging in the middle.
Trainer tips:
- Think about sucking your belly button through to your spine
- Keep you back in a straight line
- Hold the position as long as you can and build up your tolerance over time
- If you are unable to hold this position initially, start in a modified position, resting on your knees and elbows
- You can also try alternating side planks to incorporate your obliques
- Don’t forget to breathe!
Be Healthy. Be Balanced.
-Alicia and Nikki
Be Healthy. Be Balanced. 