shutter stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p>\nPlanks train your core so that it can play its primary role in stabilizing your spine while everything else moves. The midsection of your body acts as a link between your upper and lower body, and the stronger that link, the more efficient and controlled your movements will feel.<\/p>\n
Holding a plank also increases muscular endurance through isometric contractions. Muscles remain under constant tension without changing length. This is important because most real-world movements are not single efforts. It repeats and persists. Your core needs to work continuously, rather than firing once and relaxing.<\/p>\n
It also gives you a feel for exactly where problems start to occur. Your hips may start to sag, your shoulders may shift forward, and your hips may try to move forward. These are all signs that your core is losing its ability to maintain its position. Being able to maintain a clean plank for an extended period of time shows that your core can stay focused, organized, and strong even as fatigue accumulates.<\/p>\n
How to fix strong and clean boards<\/h2>\n