Get more out of your plank with proper technique

Planking technique - Your body will thank you for it.

The plank is a classic exercise in both Pilates and many other forms of exercise - and for good reason.

It challenges the whole body, strengthens the core and improves your body control. But it doesn't matter how you hold a plank. In fact, improper technique can cause you to hang in your joints instead of activating your muscles - and in the worst case scenario, do more harm than good.

The plank requires technique, focus and understanding. And a side plank in particular requires the body to work together - from head to toe.

Here are some of the most important focus points when working with the sidebar:

• Actively press your lower arm into the ground - this creates stability around the shoulder joint and activates the upper body.
• Lift from the lower waist - this helps you engage the oblique abdominal muscles and avoid “hanging” at the hip.
• Activate your inner thighs by pressing them together - this connects the lower and upper body and supports the pelvis.
• Stretch in opposite directions - from the top of your head all the way through your feet - this creates length and direction in your body.

When you use your body this way, the muscles work together as a team. You get better stability, greater control and a much more effective workout - for your core, shoulders and legs.
It might feel hard - and yes, it should. Because once the technique is in place, it becomes the right one Kind of hard: strengthening, building and developing.

So next time you plank, think about quality over time. With proper technique, you'll get more out of the exercise.

Your body will thank you for it.