Average plank time by age

This is Your Quick Training Tip, a chance to learn how to work smarter in just a few moments so you can get right to your workout.

It’s hard to imagine a more seemingly mundane exercise than the plank.

After all, the move is defined by its lack of movement, requiring you to hold your body rigid, straight, and still for the duration of each set. But it’s also hard to think of a more challenging and effective core builder, which is why you’ll find it in just about every fit test and core workout you’ll do.

The plank’s power comes from its stillness.

How many planks should i do a day to get abs

By holding your body stiff—glutes and core engaged, focused on the squeeze—you maximize your core’s time under tension, a key strength-building stimulus. Indeed, a study by Canadian researchers shows that it’s even more effective than dynamic abs exercises such as the curl-up and Russian twist at strengthening your core at its primary job: Supporting and stabilizing your spine.

So how long should you hold the plank to optimize your results?

Assuming you aren’t going for the worl

how long should you plank everyday

how long should you plank to get abs