The plank exercise has stood the test of time as one of the best ab workouts to strengthen and stabilize your core muscles, but how long do you actually need to hold a plank to get results? Turns out, it's not as long as you think.
This isometric exercise means that multiple muscle groups are contracting without changing length (flexing or extending) like they would during a sit-up or crunches. But despite your body not moving, bracing your core for any period of time is tough.
The plank targets your core, shoulders, chest, lower back, quads, and glutes and requires a considerable amount of strength, which is why it's commonly used in most types of workouts. According to the Guinness World Record, the current record was set in 2021 and stands at a staggering nine hours, 30 minutes, and one second. Ouch.
You'll be relieved to know you don't need to spend your working day doing a plank to benefit, but how long is best? We decided to investigate. If you hate planks, this exercise is just as good as planks at sculpting your core and we've hand-picked the best ab exercises out there for you to try as an alternative.
How long do you need to hold a plank to get results?
According to research by professor and spine specialist Stuart McGill, Ph.D., you only need to hold a plank for 10 seconds to work the core and see results. While some personal trainers disagree, arguing that you should start at 10 seconds and try to build up to 60 seconds, McGill believes that holding three sets of 10-second planks is better for the average person’s back health.
How to do a plank with the correct form
Of course, as well as how long you hold for, your position during the plank is imperative for both the health of your spine and the results in your abs. In order to correctly get into the plank position, start in a press-up position, with your arms slightly wider than your shoulders and your body weight resting on your hands flat against the floor, or your forearms, depending on which variation you opt for. Think about creating a straight line from your heels to the crown of your head, engaging your core.
The common mistakes people make when holding a plank
The easiest way to spot if you’re planking incorrectly is to take a video of yourself in the position, and look out for the following mistakes:
- Your hips are too high. If you’re raising your hips in the plank, you’re making the position easier by putting less strain on the core muscles. The same goes for dropping your hips too low to the ground. When you’re in the plank position, think about sucking your belly button in towards your spine, and engaging your glutes to keep your body in a straight line
- You’re curving your spine. To avoid putting too much pressure on your spine in the plank, keep your eyes focused on the ground to relax your neck. If you look forwards or upwards during a plank, your spine will no longer be in a neutral position
- Your arms aren’t in the right position. Remember, your shoulders should be stacked over your elbows. If your elbows are tucked too close to your body or are too far in front of your shoulders, you won’t be able to fully engage your core correctly.
What are the best plank variations to try?
- Side planks: Lie straight out on one side, legs stacked. Rest your forearm flat on the floor and ensure your elbow is in line with your shoulder. Engage your abs and raise your hips and knees from the floor, keeping a straight line from head to feet. Only your forearm and foot should be in contact with the ground. Don’t allow your hips to sag and keep looking straight ahead for the duration. You can rest your top arm on your hip or, to make the move more challenging, raise it towards the ceiling. Check out what happened when this fitness writer did side planks every day for a week.
- Walking planks: To do a walking plank, also known as an up-down plank, get into the plank position on an exercise mat. Keep your palms flat on the floor, with your arms straight. Think about keeping your hands beneath your shoulders. Brace your core as you drop your left elbow down to the ground, followed by your right. You should still be in a plank position, with your weight on your elbows. Pause here, then press your left palm into the floor, and rise back up to a high plank position. Here's what happened when our fitness editor did walking planks every day for a week.
- Plank jacks: To do a plank jack, start in a plank position, with your arms extended, your hands under your shoulders, your feet together, and so your body is forming a straight line from the crown of your head to the heels of your feet. Keep your core engaged by thinking about sucking your belly button into your spine. Jump both feet out to the side, as you would in a jumping jack. Quickly jump your feet back in, and continue jumping your feet in and out, keeping your core engaged. Read what happened when our fitness editor did plank jacks for a week here.
