Fitness Deconstructed: Planks
That’s excellent Bob, thank you! I have a bit of a love / hate relationship with planks. I know they work but they hurt so much! Will stick with them and power through!
Bob when I’m doing your DVD’s at home do I have to wear shoes or can I go without?
i like the plank and im going away for two weeks camping so wont have equipment so will be making use of whats around me
was reluctant because they look insanely difficult but I believe if it hurts it good:) Thanks BOB
hey Bob – I love planks (did it for 8 min on Monday as part of a challenge at work) but usually do them on my hands instead of elbows (because my sweaty arms tend to slide out from under me) — are elbows better? or does it matter? thanks for the tips!! keep ‘em coming!! xoxo
Bob, try it with this way and see what you notice. On elbows, pulls hands away from each other externally rotating from the shoulder so hands are wider than elbows and hold. Then lift up and focus on collapsing shoulder blades together and hold. What’s different? How do you feel after? Notice how much better your posture is standing up. More thoracic extension. Easier to breathe. Lighter on feet. More efficient gait and movement. Let me know what you think.
Is there a way to modify this on to your knees and still have it be effective?
Thanks Bob… Going to start on those today.. 
Thanks Bob.. Going to start on those today..
Love these. I use them as part of my warm-ups to make sure my core is engaged from the very beginning of my work outs.
Also good at home in front of the TV – do a set during commercial breaks. They can also be more fun if a friend is underneath you
Planks are really good for me! In the beginning i have some trouble to get out the stress from my neck, but when i find the right position i really feel this exercise working. Thank you!
Actually I take that back it does hurt, I must have had my butt too high before.
I have never tried this before and i thought what good is that then I set a timer and tried it OK I hurt in more then one place hope I can work tomorrow
I love planks! Definitely need to do them more. When I was taking a class I was up to holding them for 1 and a half minutes and I felt so good, now I’m back to 30 sec holds. Gotta get up my endurance more!
Love watching your videos, I often see little things I’m doing incorrectly, but changing those things are bringing results! BTW, what is the music on your intro? Would love to add to my iPod for motivation…just sayin.
Hey Bob! Great explanation and video. I’ve found my shoulders really ache in the plank. I’m able to hold for a minute at the end of my routine. What am I doing wrong? I’m focusing my energy to my abs and keeping them tight.
The Plank is an awesome workout and the more you do them, the stronger your abs get. The longer you can hold yourself up. I know this from experience. I too am a personal trainer, right here in Ventura County (Simi Valley). When I first started doing planks, I could barely hold myself up for 30 seconds and now I can hold myself up for a lot longer.
Stick with it and you will be amazed at what your body can do!
I wish that I could borrow Bob Harper to work with me on my running/jogging…
Linda M.
How long would you expect a person that works out 5 days a week at a high intensity to be able to hold a plank? And when counting this, does it matter if you move around or should you hold it in one place?
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