Fifty Plus (50+) - Do you do planks for core strength?

Planks are frequently mentioned as a good technique to develop that necessary core strength

Answer as many as is appropriate - multiple response poll.

Straight planks? How long?

Side planks? How long

How many?

How often?

And just why do you want to know? ;)

And just why do you want to know? ;)

And just why do you want to know why I want to know?? :)

When my sciatica clears up more, I'm going to start doing planks.

I do these for core something-else.

http://www.budsbestcookies.com/flash/flow/stage-planks/stage-planks_ua.jpg

Just curious, DF, does "Pther" mean the same thing as "pshaw" or "ptooey?" ;):)

I do straight planks starting at a minute and working up to 3 minutes. I can't do side planks very well because of shoulder rotator cuff issues.

Don't get me wrong I think planks are good for core strength and I used to do them but I've found the rowing machines at the Y to be better. With them I can do less intensity for much longer time periods. IMO it builds endurance, balance and flexibility.

I have no idea what this means.

Three to 5 days a week--straight planks, straight plank leg lifts, leg lifts while in a bridge, hyper extension on a balance ball, crunches, reverse sit up on a balance ball, bent over rowing with light weights, bridge with feet on a balance ball, ab sled, and across body pulldowns for core strength.

These are fit in between sets of my other weight training exercises.

Side planks are also not that good for your knees.

I ride my bike for overall fitness/endurance. I do a weekly brief, quick, high intensity weight set (Body by Science (http://www.amazon.com/Body-Science-Research-Program-ebook/dp/B001NLL38S) regimine) for muscle tone and I throw in planks a few times a week for the stomach. I do 2 minute straight planks and 1 minute side planks.

On the rare occasions when I do the strength exercises my coach has assigned, they include planks. I do everything she assigns on the bike, but struggle with the gym stuff.

Just curious, DF, does "Pther" mean the same thing as "pshaw" or "ptooey?" ;):)
It means pheck with this pnonsense!!

Planking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planking_%28fad%29)

I do them for a minute, supported on my elbows on a BOSU ball. I shake like a leaf.

Planking (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planking_%28fad%29)
Thanks, I didn't know.

I think my wife and I do team planking, does that count?

Just curious, DF, does "Pther" mean the same thing as "pshaw" or "ptooey?" ;):)

Pfffft.

(that was an internet fart)

Pfffft.

(that was an internet fart)

:twitchy: This forum is such a man's world. I feel so alone.

Thanks, I didn't know.

I think my wife and I do team planking, does that count?

cccorlew is punking you.
Plank:
http://www.yogatg.com/images/Positions/yoga-plank.jpg
Side Plank:
http://www.yogakaivalya.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/side-plank-2-400.jpg

Or:

http://www.bloomtofit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/plank22.jpg

and

http://www.bloomtofit.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/side-plank1.jpg

which is how I do them.





"The Plank Exercise – Most Effective Core Exercise (http://www.bloomtofit.com/the-plank-exercise-most-effective-core-exercise)"

"The plank exercise is by far the most effective core building exercise. Start including it in your workouts immediately and get rid of those spine-damaging crunches. Start slowly. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t hold the plank for long periods. Keep working and try different variations. You’ll build great abdominal strength with this exercise."

:twitchy: This forum is such a man's world. I feel so alone.

Ladies don't pfffft ?????????????

Why don't we call them pushups anymore?

Ladies don't pfffft ?????????????
If we did, and I''m not suggesting we do, we never discuss it. Nor do we sweat; we glow.

Why don't we call them pushups anymore?

Because this is not a push-up. It is a stationary position.

I have no idea what this means.

Discussion revolves around wooden planks?

241831

I think I do planks to an extent. My coach has me do pushups with each foot and hands on medicine balls and I have to balance on the balls during the task. A set goes like this: 6 pushups then hold a plank position for 6 counts, right to 5 pushups with a 5 count plank, then 4 pushups with 4 count plank... To one rep plus 1 count plank. I have to do 5 hand positions from narrow to very wide and do 3 sets of each except the narrow position that is assigned 2 sets. Usually I reach failure on the 3rd set after the 4 or 3 counts. I need to HTFU:D. It takes around 1:30 to do a set.

cccorlew is punking you.
Plank:
http://www.yogatg.com/images/Positions/yoga-plank.jpg
Side Plank:
http://www.yogakaivalya.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/side-plank-2-400.jpg
Thank you!

I'll need to read up on the benefits of holding a static position versus regular sit-ups or push-ups.

I do Dnvr planks with elbows bent.

Did something similar to this years ago when I was in martial arts. I don't remember it being called planking but it did work the core. So far, the weight loss and daily riding has increased my core strength to the point that I am good to go on long rides without any problems.

I agree. My opinion is if you do frequent riding that includes out-of-saddle time, climbs that include both long as well as steep, sprints, and varying tempo, you build strength and additional work like planks aren't needed. But if you riding doesn't include a lot of standing and pushing hills, then supplemental work is needed

I do planks as part of my yoga practice.

Note to DnvrFox: Guessing what, you're doing yoga.

Not only do I not do planks but I have no idea what they are. Is this one of those latest fad things. Pilates, Zoomba, Cross whatever, this, that, the other thing?

Oh, now I remember. All the pics on Facebook of "planking".....by the girls that were always into "the latest craze, I have to fit in". Got it.

Not only do I not do planks but I have no idea what they are. Is this one of those latest fad things. Pilates, Zoomba, Cross whatever, this, that, the other thing?

Oh, now I remember. All the pics on Facebook of "planking".....by the girls that were always into "the latest craze, I have to fit in". Got it.
Planks are traditional yoga positions. Yoga has been described in documents from ancient India. This leads me to conclude that if you consider anything globally recognized and practiced after 400 BC "a fad," you must be lying about your age on this forum. :rolleyes:

I was doing them then went to the bird dog.

http://www.acefitness.org/exerciselibrary/14/bird-dog

Been thinking about doing them again. But they are so boring! Even if I have difficulty holding the position for 60 sec. Yah, I know the bird dog is boring too.

I do planks as part of my yoga practice.

Note to DnvrFox: Guessing what, you're doing yoga.Or, perhaps, Yoga is copying (stealing?) good weight and resistance training practices? You never know! :)

Not only do I not do planks but I have no idea what they are. Is this one of those latest fad things. Pilates, Zoomba, Cross whatever, this, that, the other thing?

Oh, now I remember. All the pics on Facebook of "planking".....by the girls that were always into "the latest craze, I have to fit in". Got it.


Planks a fad????

I don't think so.

Since I've hated doing situps my whole life, I doubt I'll ever "plank". My Concept II rowing machine and a bicycle gives my body most of what it needs.

It's a fad. It might have been done a long time ago but it certainly is a fad. Anything that people do all of sudden "en mass" is a fad. If fashion-trendy girls post it on Facebook, it's a fad. The posing for a photo op....FAD! The exercise, maybe not a fad but certainly gaining popularity because of the photo fad.
With that said, I see it would be a good "core" exercise. Even using the term "core" is a fad.

Oh, look at this: Google search of "planking fad". Seems to turn up a lot for something that isn't a fad.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPlanking_(fad)&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNHld0Y7ZJ0wKcDnoZvhOKbgDkrLog

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDoQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fscitech%2F2011%2F05%2F20%2Fdespite-deaths-injuries-internet-planking-fad-continues%2F&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNGddlPqxiZiPHZwpqKnXkrWwN0ovQ

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CD0QtwIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DsM6lMST_PwY&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNEFU7offLg16jwDinWs5JdcLEWqLg

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CEgQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petapixel.com%2F2011%2F05%2F16%2Fplanking-photos-becoming-a-major-fad%2F&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNFKOgG1eBsd386-tyZFGxFZTnmmHw

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CE4QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.philly.com%2F2011-05-18%2Fnews%2F29556434_1_planking-escalator-website&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNEmHOwOj-g0LXA9PebcJi67Hh0ySw

If you have done:
-Pilates
-P90 whatever the heck it is.
-any hollywood diet
-any diet period
-worn high boots lately
-wanted to be "green"
You are a fad person.

Because this is not a push-up. It is a stationary position.
OK, then it's an isometric. I did lots of them fifty years ago, when I was on the wrestling team. They worked quite well.

My wife took these video clips today from inside the pain cave. My variations of planks. Sorry about the quality, we both are new at using iPhone cameras.:D And posting videos.

http://s489.photobucket.com/albums/rr256/sru75/?action=view&current=c5aa55ee.mp4

http://s489.photobucket.com/albums/rr256/sru75/?action=view&current=9a58f4f0.mp4

Planks a fad????

I don't think so.

No way planks are a fad. I've heard that pirates have been walking planks for centuries. :)

It's a fad. It might have been done a long time ago but it certainly is a fad. Anything that people do all of sudden "en mass" is a fad. If fashion-trendy girls post it on Facebook, it's a fad. The posing for a photo op....FAD! The exercise, maybe not a fad but certainly gaining popularity because of the photo fad.
With that said, I see it would be a good "core" exercise. Even using the term "core" is a fad.

Oh, look at this: Google search of "planking fad". Seems to turn up a lot for something that isn't a fad.
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC8QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FPlanking_(fad)&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNHld0Y7ZJ0wKcDnoZvhOKbgDkrLog

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CDoQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foxnews.com%2Fscitech%2F2011%2F05%2F20%2Fdespite-deaths-injuries-internet-planking-fad-continues%2F&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNGddlPqxiZiPHZwpqKnXkrWwN0ovQ

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CD0QtwIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DsM6lMST_PwY&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNEFU7offLg16jwDinWs5JdcLEWqLg

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&ved=0CEgQFjAD&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.petapixel.com%2F2011%2F05%2F16%2Fplanking-photos-becoming-a-major-fad%2F&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNFKOgG1eBsd386-tyZFGxFZTnmmHw

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&ved=0CE4QFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticles.philly.com%2F2011-05-18%2Fnews%2F29556434_1_planking-escalator-website&ei=o4pnT42sD4r1sQLmkOi2Dw&usg=AFQjCNEmHOwOj-g0LXA9PebcJi67Hh0ySw

If you have done:
-Pilates
-P90 whatever the heck it is.
-any hollywood diet
-any diet period
-worn high boots lately
-wanted to be "green"
You are a fad person.

:roflmao2::roflmao2::roflmao2: You are confusing "planking" (a fad) with "planks" (a strength building yoga position). You might want to look at the whole thread, including the photographs, to help you understand the difference. Understanding a topic before dismissing others' activities as childish usually prevents one from making embarrassingly incorrect judgments.

Doing planks and planking are 2 quite different things. I remember planks in PE when I was a teen in the '70s

Planks are for chicks who can't do more than a few push-ups.

Plank all that ****.

Planks are for chicks who can't do more than a few push-ups. A set of 25 regular old push-ups takes a minute or so.

Plank all that ****.

I can do 72 pushups in a row. Planks use different muscle groups. I do planks, also.

I can do 72 pushups in a row. Planks use different muscle groups. I do planks, also.

So, when you're doing push-ups, you're not holding a basic plank? You don't get the same core benefit as planks while you're pounding out the P-ups?

Planks are for chicks who can't do more than a few push-ups.

Plank all that ****.

I am sure you're right. I'll just bet this delicate flower does planks because could never manage a big ol' manly push-up or two.

http://www.kellyolexa.com/storage/tumblr_loh7b2m65w1qf6pyeo1_500.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1311203871641

Planks are for chicks who can't do more than a few push-ups.

Plank all that ****.

http://www.mensfitness.com/sites/mensfitness.com/files/images/mf/209726/14465.jpg

:roflmao2::roflmao2::roflmao2: You are confusing "planking" (a fad) with "planks" (a strength building yoga position). You might want to look at the whole thread, including the photographs, to help you understand the difference. Understanding a topic before dismissing others' activities as childish usually prevents one from making embarrassingly incorrect judgments.

Pwned!

My wife took these video clips today from inside the pain cave. My variations of planks. Sorry about the quality, we both are new at using iPhone cameras.:D And posting videos.

http://s489.photobucket.com/albums/rr256/sru75/?action=view&current=c5aa55ee.mp4

http://s489.photobucket.com/albums/rr256/sru75/?action=view&current=9a58f4f0.mp4

No wonder you weigh so much, Jet, working your upper body like that. It's gonna get you dropped on the climbs! :D