Work Out With Denise Austin: Plank Series

Try This Today

• Watch the video above to learn the proper way to perform the Plank Series of exercises from Denise Austin.
• Get in plank position (on hands and toes), and hold for 10 seconds. Get in low plank position (on elbows and toes), and hold for 10 seconds.
• Keep your abs strong and tightened with your back straight.
• Shoulders should be directly above the hands/elbows.
• Adapt the exercise to suit your level of fitness. For example, beginners may only be able to hold the position for a few seconds, or may do only the low plank until strength builds.

Why

Planks are a challenging but powerful exercise to help strengthen and tone your core, especially your ab muscles. This kind of static isometric exercise, in which you hold a position until your muscles tire, may help keep blood pressure in check, an important goal for supporting brain health.