Video Showing You Different Types of Plank Exercises

The Plank is an awesome exercise to build core strength and endurance and, when included in an intelligently designed workout program, help you lose stomach fat, but the truth is they can be VERY boring...

By: Ed Scow, NSCA-CPT: Certified Fitness & Nutrition Expert to the True Superheroes - Busy Moms & Dads and author of Fat Loss To Go

Planks are one of the best core exercises around. They're simple to do, you can do them anywhere and can be very effective at helping you build core strength and endurance (when done correctly that is).

Personally I hate doing them (but love making my clients do them!). Even though they are great for strengthening your stomach and back, and can make a great addition to any weight loss workout program, they can get quite boring..

Something inside me screams at the thought of having to hold a Plank position for upwards of 60-90 seconds and you're probably the same way.

If you're like me and love the value of the Plank as an abs exercise, but think they're horribly boring, give this video showing you different types of Planks a watch.

I go over a few of my favorite Plank variations that still give you all the benefit of a regular Plank, but with a few extra twists and increases in intensity...and results.

Different Types Of Plank Exercise

See what I'm saying?

Again, Planks are a great core and abs exercise, but the standard ol' plank is ridiculously boring, and dare I say, overrated.

Simply put, if you're not mixing it up and trying new things in your workout program, you will NOT progress.  You will not see new results, and you may actually regress.

Think about it...

If you can successfully hold a Plank for 60 seconds, what are your only options for progress?

You could hold it longer...to get the same results (similar to the effect of regular cardio) - and that seems horribly twisted and wrong.

Or, you can do different variations to get BETTER results by working your core in a different way.

Side Planks work your obliques a bit more,

Push-up Planks still work your core, but can be a bit easier, which are better for beginners.

1-Leg Planks decrease the number of points touching the floor, which makes your core have to work a bit harder.

Plank Extensions alternate which side has to work harder.

Side Plank Extensions throw some flexion and extension into the side plank.

Plank Up/Downs throw extra stability into your core work, along with more arm/shoulder work.

See what I'm saying?

Throw some excitement (as exciting as Planks can be) into your core workout program and try something new.

Give that video a watch, and then try some of those variations of one of the best abs and core exercises around, the Plank.

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The preceding article was written by Ed Scow, aka "The Fit Dad". To learn more about Ed's story, click here.