Boring as hell and extremely time-consuming. Necessary I guess, but I just can't get into them unless I'm pre-fatigued. I do understand the value, I just wish they didn't involve being motionless for minutes at a time. Arms always seem to get tired before the abs.
So they are good for core strength and stability, how about for developing the abs? Can't help feeling as there is no movement (ala sit ups) that they are doing nothing to develop the size and definition of abs compared to sit ups..?
planks are more for stability for the muscles deep inside your core. on their own, they wont give you a six pack.
Good way to tell if you have a decent gym or not. I've been to two, one didn't use planks much at all, one will have you go down at many times. Even more when gassed out.
beat me to it. planks are a great core exercise. i tend to focus less on ab work these days and more on core work. still do the odd hi rep sit ups and ab exercises but iv found a quality core workout 3-4 times a week has made me feel all round stronger, seem to not pick up injuries and my posture just walking around normally has improved! ..oh and if vanity is your thing i have a better 6 pack definition now than i ever did before doing 100s of sit ups , leg raises ect ect :thumbsup
How are you doing your planks? If you are just on your toes and hands, drop down to your elbows. If you already do it on your toes and elbows raise your right arm off the ground and stick it out the front of you, and lift your left leg as well, then switch (right leg, left arm). Do them with your arms on a stability ball too to make it even harder. That won't take as long to get a burn going.
I've done them every way imaginable. Sides on hands, sides on elbows, hip bridges, one leg bridges, pushup position, elbow pushup position (probably the best for me), one arm elbow position ('watching tv'/'changing the channel'). Elbows are definitely more challenging but my arm/pec/lat gives out before my abs. Going to try the stability ball, I've heard that works best.
