Who here has heard of...

R

rmp5s

0
...planks? It's supposed to be a core exercise. For those unfamiliar, it's basically a push up minus the "push" and the "up". You get on your toes and elbows and keep your body straight for 30 sec...45 sec...1 min...2 min...however long.

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My question is, what does this actually do for you? Anything? You're not lifting any weight...you're not even moving. If this actually DOES do something for you, couldn't you just lay on the floor or sit in a chair or something, tense up and just sit there and accomplish the same thing? I can't for the life of me think of what this would do for you.

Also, oorah first post! Hello everyone! I'm Brent. Love the forums! I'm a US Marine and this is one of those pt workouts we do all the time. Most of the stuff (like push ups, pull ups, crunches, whatever) are all fine and dandy but, ever since my first run in with these "planks", I've thought to my self "what is this supposed to do?" We've all done the "jeez...I did WAY too many curls at the gym yesterday" or "damn my shoulders are killing me from all those pullups this morning" but I've never once heard anyone say " oh man...I'm WAY sore from those planks yesterday..."

I kinda just left well enough alone until today when my roommate and I were talking so I decided to find out more about these things. So...what's everyone think or know about this type of workout!?
 
Planks are an awesome core exercise. Lower back and abs specifically. If you are not sure what it does for you then just give it a shot. Go for 60 seconds. Right now....on the floor soldier!
 
holding the position of a plank, does work your core. of course if you feel you have to move you can do side planks with a twist:
 
Ahhhhh!!! We aren't soldiers!!...soldiers are the Army! We are MARINES!!! Lol...but I'll let it slide this time...:-D

Anyway...very interesting. I'm DEFINATELY doing them as depicted from now on. Now THAT is what I'm talkin about! It's just hard for me to consider something a workout when you're not even moving I guess.

Core and lower back, huh? Guess that's why it always makes my lower back hurt like a bitch...and not in an excercise kinda way...in an OWW kinda way...lol

There's another goofy thing we do called sun gods. Ever do them? You put your arms out to your sides, out in front of you or over your head and make little circles with your palms. This one makes your shoulders sore as hell!...you just looke kinda retarded in the meantime...lol
 
rmp5s said:
Ahhhhh!!! We aren't soldiers!!...soldiers are the Army! We are MARINES!!! Lol...but I'll let it slide this time...:-D
Click to expand...

Trust me I know. I heard about it everytime one of your buddies from Camp Lejuene invaded Wilmington for a night of drinking and shooting their guns. Amazing how quickly some pepper spray and handcuffs can get a Marine to say yes sir again. :) Lucky for most of them the Provost Marshal would respond and keep them out of the city jail.
 
Lol...yup...CS ("tear gas" and is in some police pepper sprays) is very good at the old "pain compliance" game. That's for sure.
 
Real Marines don't do crunches or planks! Back in my days in the Corps we did real situps, before some sissy Medical Officer decided they were bad for your back.

I think the plank thing came from pilates and some researcher's theory that abs are only for stabalization and not movement. If you are a 300 pound couch potatoe then planks might be a challenge, bit if your are a young, healthy individual you need a lot more stimulation to get any real benefit to your abs. I think weighted situps and weighted hanging leg raises are the best possible ab exercises.

If you are really into the stabalization not movement thing maybe try what we used to do in karate classes: stationary lying leg raises while the instructor jumps up and down on your abs, or hold your arms over your head while the instructor uses your abs as a punching bag. At least after that you know you can take a hit and keep on ticking.

Semper Fi.
 
Dswithers: A lot of perfectly healthy young people have problems with regular planks. Also, planks can easily be made more difficult.
The concept of stabilization isn't that bad, most people need to learn how to stabilize better.

I'm willing to bet that the plank didn't come from pilates.. pilates probably took it from somewhere ;)
 
Planks is one of those exercises that is great for beginners but can be modified to be great for people of all levels of fitness.
 
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