The plank page

[Drlove]

Hey,

About the plank exercise. When I do them I shake quite a lot (from the beginning of the movement), and my elbows hurt (when doing them on the floor). Is that legit or am I doing something wrong?

edit: One more thing, I feel like a lot of blood is rushing to my head, is that legit too?

And in general, are there any good substitutes for the plank?

[counterpuncher]

You're shaking because your stabilizing muscles aren't developed.
Keep at it, and you'll get better at it.
If your elbows hurt, try putting some pillows between your elbows and the floor, or get a set of elbow pads.

[Drlove]

You're shaking because your stabilizing muscles aren't developed.
Keep at it, and you'll get better at it.
If your elbows hurt, try putting some pillows between your elbows and the floor, or get a set of elbow pads.

Thanks!, it's not only my elbow but the whole bone from elbow to wrist, (that thin bone that goes along the side of your hands). I guess a pillow will do the job though.

Oh and one more thing, I feel like a lot of blood is rushing to my head, is that legit too?

[jfreaksho]

Are you breathing while you plank? You should be. Holding your breath might cause that headrush feeling.

[Drlove]

Are you breathing while you plank? You should be. Holding your breath might cause that headrush feeling.

I thought it might be something like that. I do breath but maybe not as regularly as I should (focusing on the form and all), It might just be it. Thanks!

[Cavecloth]

You're shaking because your stabilizing muscles aren't developed.
Keep at it, and you'll get better at it.
If your elbows hurt, try putting some pillows between your elbows and the floor, or get a set of elbow pads.

I agree. You also need to make sure you are using proper form. You don't want your butt high in the air, or too low. Try to keep you back flat and keep at it. Your muscles will strengthen with time and it will become easier

[jakey]

hey, your elbows and arms should get used to it.

you know, i used to think that plank was a critical move. i still consider it far, far more useful than crunches, which are stupid. but i don't think it's critical anymore, if you're training right otherwise.

between deep squats and pull-ups, i think the core is trained totally adequately. if you keep your legs in front of you during pull-ups and keep your abs tensed, i actually consider them to be one of the best ab exercises, period. also, overhead pressing demands a tight mid-section.

i guess the longer i train, the more i question the need for any direct ab work. compound movements really take care of it.

[Drlove]

I agree. You also need to make sure you are using proper form. You don't want your butt high in the air, or too low. Try to keep you back flat and keep at it. Your muscles will strengthen with time and it will become easier

The point is, I barely feel my core, I mostly feel like it's tough to remain on my hands in that position.

hey, your elbows and arms should get used to it.

you know, i used to think that plank was a critical move. i still consider it far, far more useful than crunches, which are stupid. but i don't think it's critical anymore, if you're training right otherwise.

between deep squats and pull-ups, i think the core is trained totally adequately. if you keep your legs in front of you during pull-ups and keep your abs tensed, i actually consider them to be one of the best ab exercises, period. also, overhead pressing demands a tight mid-section.

i guess the longer i train, the more i question the need for any direct ab work. compound movements really take care of it.

I agree, I really feel my core while doing pull-ups.

[reallygravity]

And in general, are there any good substitutes for the plank?

Maybe start here (modified plank), and once you feel better with your form, work yourself to full plank?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoljlUvGZZ0