What are the Benefits of Plank Walkouts?
Plank walkouts offer numerous benefits for your body and overall fitness. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Full-body workout: Plank walkouts engage your entire body, including your core, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs. By targeting multiple muscle groups simultaneously, they provide a comprehensive workout that helps you build strength and endurance.
- Improved core strength: The core muscles play a crucial role in stabilizing your body. Plank walkouts help you strengthen your core by challenging it from different angles, leading to enhanced stability and balance.
- Increased upper body strength: As you transition between high and low plank positions, your shoulders, chest, and arms are actively engaged. This exercise can help you develop upper body strength and tone your muscles.
- Better posture: Plank walkouts require you to maintain a neutral spine and engage your abdominal muscles. Regular practice can improve your posture by strengthening the muscles that support your spine.
- Enhanced flexibility: The dynamic movement involved in plank walkouts can contribute to increased flexibility in your hamstrings, hip flexors, and shoulders. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who have sedentary lifestyles or sit at a desk for prolonged periods.
How to Properly Perform Plank Walkouts?
Follow these steps to ensure you perform plank walkouts correctly:
- Starting position: Begin in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your feet hip-width apart.
- Walking forward: Engage your core and start walking your hands forward one by one, extending your arms as far as possible without losing form. Keep your body in a straight line throughout the movement.
- Reaching the low plank position: Once you have walked your hands forward, you will reach a low plank position with your forearms resting on the ground. Maintain a neutral spine and avoid sagging or arching your back.
- Walking backward: Reverse the movement by walking your hands back toward the starting position while keeping your core engaged and body aligned.
- Repeat: Aim for 8-10 repetitions per set and gradually increase the number as you become more comfortable with the exercise.
Who can Benefit from Plank Walkouts?
Plank walkouts are suitable for individuals of different fitness levels and can be modified to accommodate varying abilities. Beginners can start by performing the exercise with their knees on the ground or by reducing the range of motion. As you become more advanced, you can increase the difficulty by adding a push-up when in the low plank position or by incorporating sliders or towels under your feet for a greater challenge.
Plank walkouts can be incorporated into various workout routines, such as circuit training, HIIT (high-intensity interval training), or as part of your warm-up before other exercises. If you have any underlying health conditions or injuries, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a certified trainer before adding new exercises to your routine.
In conclusion, plank walkouts provide a multitude of benefits, including a full-body workout, improved core strength, increased upper body strength, better posture, and enhanced flexibility. By incorporating this exercise into your fitness regimen, you can unleash your potential and take your fitness journey to new heights.