In this HOW TO I will be showing you the basics for proper planking technique. We will go over both the high plank and forearm plank.

Props Needed: Just your mat!

Why I love Side Planks? They are fantastic way to teach people proper control of our shoulders and scapulas, and of course work our core. Being able to properly control your shoulders will allow for proper upper body strength building. This why you will often see some variation of a plank before we do upper body work like rows, and push-ups. I tend to program in side planks more for our shoulders than our core ;)

What to Keep in mind: A key factor in maintaining a strong, and safe plank is paying attention to where either your hands (in a high plank), or elbows (in a forearm plank) are in relation to your shoulders. You always want to maintain that pushing away sensation into the floor, while thinking about how your shoulders are feeling on your back.

HOT TIP ALERT: Always pick the variation you can hold with the most amount of activation. Feel like you lose the shoulder control once you lift your hips? Lower them down. Can't maintain a comfortable position with your legs extended out straight? Keep the bottom knee bent :)

Workouts to practice your planking:
https://afewfunmoves.vhx.tv/videos/12min-all-core-support
https://afewfunmoves.vhx.tv/videos/24min-full-bod-bodyweight-strength

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