5 Surprising Benefits Of Planking For Your Body
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Planking may appear to be a simple bodyweight exercise, but its benefits go far beyond just building abdominal muscles. With no equipment needed and the ability to do it almost anywhere, planking is one of the most practical and accessible exercises for people of all fitness levels.
Most of us associate planks with core strength—and rightly so. But there’s much more to this humble pose than just sculpting your abs. From improving posture to boosting metabolism, here are five surprising benefits of planking that make it worth adding to your daily routine.
1. Strengthens Core Stability
The primary benefit of planking is enhanced core strength. Planks engage multiple core muscles at once, including the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and obliques. These muscles help stabilise your body, support your spine, and keep your posture aligned during movement.
A strong core isn’t just for show—it’s essential for preventing back pain, improving balance, and supporting everyday movements like bending, lifting, and walking.
2. Improves Posture
Planking helps develop strength in your shoulders, back, and neck—muscle groups that are critical for maintaining good posture. When done consistently, planks train your body to hold a more upright and balanced position, whether you’re sitting at a desk or walking down the street.
Better posture not only boosts your confidence and physical appearance but also reduces joint strain and the risk of chronic aches and pains.
3. Boosts Metabolism
Planking activates several large muscle groups at once, which leads to increased calorie burning even after you’ve finished exercising. This afterburn effect (known as EPOC – excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) helps raise your resting metabolic rate.
As a result, regularly performing planks can support your weight management goals and improve your overall metabolic health—even with short workout sessions.
4. Prevents Injuries
Planks strengthen stabiliser muscles in the shoulders, hips, and core. This helps correct muscle imbalances and enhances joint support, which in turn reduces your risk of common exercise-related injuries.
By reinforcing proper movement mechanics and alignment, planking is a great way to build a solid foundation for safer participation in sports and physical activities.
5. Enhances Flexibility
Many people don’t realise that planking also improves flexibility, especially in the hamstrings, arches, and shoulders. Variations such as side planks or planks with leg lifts stretch out commonly tight areas of the body.
With regular practice, you’ll gain a greater range of motion, experience less stiffness, and move more comfortably throughout your day.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, incorporating planks into your routine can provide a full-body boost. This single pose delivers a wide range of physical benefits without the need for fancy gear or a gym membership.
Most of us associate planks with core strength—and rightly so. But there’s much more to this humble pose than just sculpting your abs. From improving posture to boosting metabolism, here are five surprising benefits of planking that make it worth adding to your daily routine.
1. Strengthens Core Stability
The primary benefit of planking is enhanced core strength. Planks engage multiple core muscles at once, including the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and obliques. These muscles help stabilise your body, support your spine, and keep your posture aligned during movement.
A strong core isn’t just for show—it’s essential for preventing back pain, improving balance, and supporting everyday movements like bending, lifting, and walking.
2. Improves Posture
Planking helps develop strength in your shoulders, back, and neck—muscle groups that are critical for maintaining good posture. When done consistently, planks train your body to hold a more upright and balanced position, whether you’re sitting at a desk or walking down the street.
Better posture not only boosts your confidence and physical appearance but also reduces joint strain and the risk of chronic aches and pains.
3. Boosts Metabolism
Planking activates several large muscle groups at once, which leads to increased calorie burning even after you’ve finished exercising. This afterburn effect (known as EPOC – excess post-exercise oxygen consumption) helps raise your resting metabolic rate.
As a result, regularly performing planks can support your weight management goals and improve your overall metabolic health—even with short workout sessions.
4. Prevents Injuries
Planks strengthen stabiliser muscles in the shoulders, hips, and core. This helps correct muscle imbalances and enhances joint support, which in turn reduces your risk of common exercise-related injuries.
By reinforcing proper movement mechanics and alignment, planking is a great way to build a solid foundation for safer participation in sports and physical activities.
5. Enhances Flexibility
Many people don’t realise that planking also improves flexibility, especially in the hamstrings, arches, and shoulders. Variations such as side planks or planks with leg lifts stretch out commonly tight areas of the body.
With regular practice, you’ll gain a greater range of motion, experience less stiffness, and move more comfortably throughout your day.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned fitness enthusiast, incorporating planks into your routine can provide a full-body boost. This single pose delivers a wide range of physical benefits without the need for fancy gear or a gym membership.
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