Have you ever tried holding a plank? If not, try it now. Apart from increasing your stamina, it can benefit you in more ways than one. Fitness expert, Roshni Shah from V’s Fitness Mumbai, tells you why you should be planking every single day.
For strong core muscles: When you plank you work all your major core muscles including your straight, traverse and oblique muscles. Strengthening your core muscles will not only help shrink your waistline, and help you lift heavy weights.
For weight loss: Plank burns more calories than any other traditional exercises. They were particularly beneficial for individuals who lead a sedentary lifestyle. If you can plank for a minute daily, you will have higher levels of metabolism throughout the day even during sleep.
For spinal support: Planks strengthen your back muscles without putting any unnecessary strain on your back. Performing them will not only help your spine but will also reduce back pain.
For improved posture: When you start doing planks daily, you will notice that you can sit straight with ease. Plank strengthens your back, shoulder, neck, and chest muscles and you will thus no longer have to stoop while you sit or you walk.
For better balance: If you have tried balancing in a yoga asana, and couldn’t do it, it is possible because your abdominal muscles were not strong enough. By regularly performing planks you will be able to balance easily in the yoga asanas.
For reduced stress levels: Planks can stretch and relax your muscles that got stiff due to stress. The exercise can affect your nervous system and help you beat stress if you make the planks a part of your daily life.
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