If you’re tired of using the basic plank, it’s time you tried something new. If you didn’t already guess, we are talking about the weighted plank. Significantly superior to regular planks since the additional weight will help you increase fatigue and difficulty in your core muscles.
Because they come with multiple options and versions, you can always shred your entire body like you want to.
But when do you switch to weighted planks?
When you can successfully continue to hold planks for more than a minute, you’re pretty much ready to up your game.
Just casually start, tweak the game according to your preference, and you can start working on your core almost immediately. If you want to know more about these planks, read on for detailed weighted plank benefits.
What is A Weighted Plank?
Alternatively known as the loaded planks, these are an advanced version of your regular plank because they usually have the arrangement to add weights like dumbbells, resistance bands, and plates, among others. At the same time, if you enjoy working out with a partner, you can take turns, so each person becomes de extra load during a plank.
Related Article: Best Calisthenics Equipment
Unlike regular planks, it doesn’t require any direct or straight jumps. Instead, you can use them after you reach a rut with your regular planks and are looking to try something more challenging. Weighted planks always add more excitement to the game and charge up your muscles immediately.
What Muscles Does The Weighted Plank Work?
Two biggest areas where the weighted plank help would be your core, followed by your shoulder and arms. These planks boost the muscle memory of your entire back.
Other areas that it supports include your hip joints, obliques (both internal and external), rectus, and transverse abdominis among others.
Benefits Of Weighted Plank Exercise
Because we’ve covered quite a bit about weighted plank exercise here, let’s take a closer look at the benefits of these many exercises.
How do they work and boost your agility? Why should you perform these exercises in the first place?
1. Improve Core Strength
One of the biggest benefits of using planks is that they improve your core strength and boost your overall stability. Over time, it improves your core muscle strength. While this exercise may seem intimidating, it is ideal for everyone tired of regular planks. If you don’t like doing sit-ups, this is the best alternative.
2. Easy on The Joints
The next significant benefit of this exercise is its isolated nature. To put it in the simplest terms, this is a static exercise which also makes it low impact. The result? Your joints are solid and unaffected for the longest time.
3. Full Body Workout
The third biggest benefit of this exercise is that it doesn’t focus on a single part and instead involves your entire system. This is one of the best ways for a better and improved posture. So, if you are guilty of long desk hours or suffer from immense lower body pain- this might be the way to go.
4. Emotional And Psychological Boost
Another major benefit of weighted planking is the emotional benefit it comes with. Not only do these exercises make you physically stronger, but they also help you overcome emotional ruts. So, if you are looking for a comprehensive mind and body transformation, this is one of the best exercises.
5. Improve Blood Circulation
Finally, weighted plank exercise improves overall blood circulation, keeping you fit and active.
Related Article: Weighted Calisthenics
What Types Of Weight Should You Use With a Plank?
Now that you have a basic idea of weighted planks, you are probably wondering what weight to use with these planks.
While you will have multiple options to choose from, we would recommend weight plates because they can lie directly on your body. The coolest part about them is that you can position them anywhere, ranging from your lower back to your glutes.
We also recommend weighted vests and bag packs to help you achieve your ideal posture. Just continue to experiment with these different weights until you find the finest.
Bottom Line
Performing weighted planks is easier than you thought. All you need to do is be patient and concentrate throughout the exercise session.
Given the bulky weights and the twisted moves, it might seem intimidating at the outset. However, once you practice, you will certainly get accustomed to it, so much so that you can start to make the most of it.
Don’t forget to experiment with different weights to get the excitement going. Weighed planks are fun and easy to operate.
If you want a quick but comprehensive full-body workout with special emphasis on your back and shoulder area, this is the workout to go for.
