Sculpt you body in 10 minutes with one simple exercise
When it comes to toning our body we have become all too reliant on the latest celebrity endorsed classes, personal trainers and a never ending list of ‘miracle’ machines. However, when time is of the essence and funds are running low, there is no excuse not to work on that dream body at home. Body weight exercises present a cost-effective and practical way of getting into shape, with PLANKING offering results in a very short amount of time with very little investment required. All it takes are 5, ten-minute weekly sessions to start seeing some serious results. It’s time to push through the pain barrier because the benefits of planking far outweigh the work.
1. Sculpt your core: No single exercise will sculpt your core like planking. It is the one exercise, which engages all your major abdominal muscle groups including the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, oblique muscles and glutes. Working on all abdominal muscle groups at the same time means we will see definition and results a lot sooner without having to resort to a plethora of complicated moves.
2.Boost your metabolism: Given the high intensity nature of planking, committing to just 10 minutes of various planks a day will ensure your metabolic rate remains high throughout the day, even if your job involves sitting at a desk. Because planking challenges the entire body, it will produce more after-burn than traditional exercises such as sit-ups.
3. Reduce back pain and prevent injury: Planking targets the muscles in your back while not putting too much pressure on your spine and hips (if done correctly. Always remember to engage your core and keep your body aligned). This not only helps alleviate existing back pain but also helps prevent other sports related injuries by building a strong core and back muscles.
4. Improve posture and balance: Good posture starts with a good strong core. Building your stomach muscles will ensure your neck, shoulders and chest are supported at all times and you are walking like the supermodel that you are. It will also help boost your balance, which will in turn maximize the results you gain from your YOGA and Pilates classes.
5. Increase your flexibility: Don’t underestimate the power of planking in helping increase your flexibility. A traditional plank will help stretch out your shoulders, shoulder blades and collarbone while simultaneously stretching out your hamstrings, the arches of your feet (which are often left neglected) and even your toes. Add a side plank to the mix and you will also ensure you stretch out your oblique muscles.
6. Elevate your mood: We know that exercise plays an important role in our promoting mental health; but planking is especially beneficial when it comes to our nervous system. Planking helps stretch out muscles and relives tension in areas which are often left neglected due to sitting at the desk or remaining inactive all day. By relieving tension in our shoulders and back, you are less likely to feel the effects of stress and tension. Moreover, planking is shown to calm the brain and help treat depression and anxiety.