What are plank walkouts?
Plank walkouts are a variation of the traditional plank exercise. To perform this exercise, start in a high plank position with your hands directly under your shoulders and your body in a straight line. From here, begin walking your hands forward, one at a time, until your body is extended in a straight line. Once you reach the desired distance, walk your hands back towards your body to return to the starting position.
Why should you incorporate plank walkouts into your routine?
Plank walkouts offer a range of benefits that can contribute to your overall fitness and well-being. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding them to your workout routine:
- Strengthening your core: Plank walkouts primarily target your core muscles, including your abs and obliques. By extending your body and holding a plank position, you engage your core muscles to stabilize and support your body throughout the exercise. This can help to improve your core strength and stability over time.
- Toning your upper body: In addition to working your core, plank walkouts also engage your upper body muscles. As you walk your hands forward and back, you’ll feel your chest, shoulders, and arms working to move and support your body. Regularly performing plank walkouts can lead to improved upper body strength and muscle definition.
- Improving posture and stability: Good posture and stability are essential for overall physical health and well-being. Plank walkouts involve holding a straight body position, which can help to improve your posture and enhance your overall stability. This can be particularly beneficial for those who spend a lot of time sitting or have jobs that require prolonged periods of sitting.
- Including variation in your routine: Incorporating variety into your workout routine is essential for avoiding plateaus and keeping your fitness journey interesting. Plank walkouts can add a new and challenging element to your routine, helping you break through any stagnant phases and continue making progress towards your goals.
How can you incorporate plank walkouts into your routine?
Plank walkouts can be performed as part of a full-body or core-focused workout routine. Here’s a simple way to incorporate them into your routine:
- Start with a 5-minute warm-up, such as jogging or jumping jacks, to prepare your muscles for exercise.
- Perform 3 sets of plank walkouts, with each set consisting of 10-12 repetitions.
- Rest for 30 seconds to 1 minute between each set to allow your muscles to recover.
- Finish your workout with a cool-down, which can be stretching exercises or light cardio.
Remember to listen to your body and adjust the intensity and number of repetitions to match your fitness level. Progress gradually by increasing the duration or intensity of the exercise as you become stronger and more comfortable with the movement.
Plank walkouts offer numerous benefits for strengthening your core and upper body. By incorporating this exercise into your routine, you can enhance your overall fitness, improve your posture and stability, and add variation to your workouts. Start incorporating plank walkouts into your routine today and experience the difference it can make!