The plank is widely known as the ultimate exercise for strengthening your core and improving overall body stability and fitness. This one move provides a number of benefits to the body, from increased strength and stability to improved posture and control. But why is the plank considered to be the ultimate exercise?

The plank is a simple but powerful exercise that targets multiple muscle groups throughout the body. It is a weight-bearing exercise, meaning it places the body in a position of resistance against gravity, and increases strength and stability. The plank requires the use of the arms, back, glutes, and core, helping to strengthen the entire core area.

The plank also helps to improve posture, making it a great exercise for those who spend long hours sitting at a desk. By activating the core muscles, the plank helps to ensure that the spine is kept in an upright and neutral position, rather than slouching. This can help to reduce back pain, as well as improve overall posture.

Some people also argue that the plank is also beneficial for balance. By engaging multiple muscle groups, the plank helps to improve the body’s ability to react to uneven surfaces and maintain balance, which can help to reduce the risk of injury.

At Surrey Physio, the plank is just one of a number of exercises we use to strengthen the core. We always start with easier variations first, progressing to the more challenging versions.

Here are Our Top 5 Plank Exercises:

1. Kneeling Plank: Rest on your forearms and your knees. Hold this position. Keep good straight posture, and do not let your back arch too much. This is a core strengthening exercise. Hold the position for 30 seconds, and repeat three times.

2. Plank: Rest on your forearms and your toes. Hold this position. Keep good straight posture, and do not let your back arch too much. This is a core strengthening exercise. Hold the position for 30 seconds, and repeat three times.

3. One-Arm Plank: Rest on your forearms and your toes. Lift one forearm off the ground. Hold this position. Keep good straight posture, and do not let your back arch too much. This is a core strengthening exercise. Hold the position for 30 seconds, and repeat three times.

4. Plank on Swiss Ball: Rest your forearms on a Swiss ball and hold this position. Keep good straight posture, and do not let your back arch too much. This is a core strengthening exercise. Hold the position for 30 seconds, and repeat three times.

5. Plank on BOSU with Opposite Knee to Shoulder: Place a BOSU with the flat side up. Rest your hands on the side of the BOSU in a plank position. Bend one knee up and rotate towards your opposite elbow, and then back to the start position. Repeat both sides. This is a core and shoulder strengthening exercise. Hold the position for 30 seconds, and repeat three times.

The plank is a great exercise because it works multiple muscle groups simultaneously, increases core strength, and helps to improve posture. It also helps to improve balance and stability, and can be modified to accommodate different fitness levels. Additionally, it takes very little time and equipment and can be done almost anywhere.

(Physios and Therapists: these videos are provided by Rehab My Patient – the best exercise prescription software for therapists to prescribe exercises www.rehabmypatient.com. Patients: if you are a patient needing advice, call Surrey Physio to book a telephone/video consultation with one of our expert physios or osteopaths, or book in face-to-face for an appointment. You can call us on 0208 685 6930 or book online by clicking the link at the top of the page).