Last Updated on December 28, 2024 by Francis
Planking is one of the most beneficial exercises you can do. It strengthens your core, helps you balance, and increases your overall fitness. But, is there something that’s even better than planking? In this article, we’ll explore what other exercises can provide more benefits than the classic plank. We’ll look at the best alternatives, and examine the benefits of each one. So, let’s get started and find out what exercise is better than the plank!
The Mountain Climber exercise is an effective core strengthening exercise that is often recommended as an alternative to the traditional plank. It is a compound exercise that engages the abs, obliques, back and glutes. Mountain climbers also work the hip flexors and help to increase hip mobility. The added benefit of mountain climbers is that they are a dynamic exercise that can help to improve cardiovascular endurance. The mountain climber is a great full body exercise that can help build strength and endurance.
To perform the mountain climber exercise, start in a high plank position with your hands directly below your shoulders on the floor. Bring your right knee to your chest, then quickly switch your leg position, bringing your left knee to your chest. Continue to alternate legs and bring each knee up to your chest as quickly as possible. Keep your core tight and don’t let your hips drop or rise. Perform the exercise for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Pushups: A Great Exercise for Building Upper Body Strength
Pushups are a great exercise for building upper body strength and toning the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps. This simple exercise requires no equipment, making it an easy and convenient way to work out. Pushups are especially beneficial for those who are looking to strengthen and tone the arms and shoulders. Pushups also help to improve posture and balance. They can be modified to accommodate different levels of fitness, making them a great exercise for everyone.
When doing pushups, it’s important to focus on proper form. Begin by lying on the floor with your chest and stomach facing the ground, and your hands placed slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Keep your back and legs straight, and your head in line with your spine. As you lower yourself down, be sure to keep your elbows at a 45-degree angle. Push yourself back up to the starting position, and repeat for as many reps as desired.
It’s important to maintain proper form when doing pushups, as this will help to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise and reduce the risk of injury. Pushups can be modified in a variety of ways to accommodate different fitness levels. Beginners can start by doing wall pushups with their feet on the ground. Experienced exercisers may want to try doing pushups on an elevated surface, or with one foot elevated for added difficulty.
Reverse Pushups: An Advanced Exercise for Building Upper Body Strength
Reverse pushups are an advanced exercise for building upper body strength. This exercise requires you to begin in a seated position with your back against a wall. Place your feet flat on the ground and your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart on the wall. Push your body up away from the wall and hold the position for a few seconds before lowering yourself back down.
Reverse pushups are a great way to target the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps. This exercise can also help to improve posture and balance. It can be modified to accommodate different levels of fitness, making it a great exercise for everyone. Beginners can start by doing wall pushups with their feet on the ground. Experienced exercisers may want to try doing reverse pushups on an elevated surface, or with one foot elevated for added difficulty.
Burpees: An Excellent Exercise for Cardio and Strength Training
Burpees are an excellent exercise for cardio and strength training. This exercise requires you to begin in a standing position. Lower your body into a squat position and then place your hands on the ground. Jump your feet back into a plank position and then jump them back into the squat position. Finally, jump up into the air and repeat the sequence for as many reps as desired.
Burpees are a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your endurance. This exercise can also help to strengthen the muscles of the chest, shoulders, and triceps, as well as improve posture and balance. It can be modified to accommodate different levels of fitness, making it a great exercise for everyone. Beginners can start by doing wall pushups with their feet on the ground. Experienced exercisers may want to try doing burpees on an elevated surface, or with one foot elevated for added difficulty.
Mountain Climbers: An Effective Exercise for Full-Body Workouts
Mountain climbers are an effective exercise for full-body workouts. This exercise requires you to begin in a plank position. Bring one leg forward and then back to the starting position. Then bring the other leg forward and back to the starting position. Continue alternating legs for as many reps as desired.
Mountain climbers are a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your endurance. This exercise can also help to strengthen the muscles of the core and legs, as well as improve posture and balance. It can be modified to accommodate different levels of fitness, making it a great exercise for everyone. Beginners can start by doing wall pushups with their feet on the ground. Experienced exercisers may want to try doing mountain climbers on an elevated surface, or with one foot elevated for added difficulty.
Jumping Lunges: A Challenging Exercise for Building Lower Body Strength
Jumping lunges are a challenging exercise for building lower body strength. This exercise requires you to begin in a standing position. Step one foot forward into a lunge position and then jump up, switching your feet in the air. Land with your other foot in a lunge position and repeat the sequence for as many reps as desired.
Jumping lunges are a great way to get your heart rate up and improve your endurance. This exercise can also help to strengthen the muscles of the legs, as well as improve posture and balance. It can be modified to accommodate different levels of fitness, making it a great exercise for everyone. Beginners can start by doing wall pushups with their feet on the ground. Experienced exercisers may want to try doing jumping lunges on an elevated surface, or with one foot elevated for added difficulty.
Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is a Plank Exercise?
Answer: Plank exercise is a type of core exercise that involves maintaining a position similar to a push-up for an extended period of time. This exercise primarily works the abdominal muscles, but it also engages the muscles in the back, chest, arms, and legs. Plank exercises can be done either on the floor or a raised surface such as a fitness ball or bench.
Q2. What are the Benefits of Plank Exercise?
Answer: Plank exercise provides many benefits, including improved posture, core strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. It also helps to reduce back pain, strengthen the abdominal muscles, and improve overall stability. Additionally, plank exercise is an effective way to burn calories while toning your muscles.
Q3. What Exercise is Better Than Plank?
Answer: There are several exercises that can be done to replace or supplement plank exercises. These include mountain climbers, glute bridges, bird-dogs, single-leg deadlifts, and burpees. Mountain climbers and glute bridges can help to strengthen the core and build stability, while bird-dogs and single-leg deadlifts help to target the muscles in the back, arms, and legs. Burpees are a full-body exercise that can help to build strength, endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
Q4. How Can I Make Plank Exercise More Challenging?
Answer: Plank exercises can be made more challenging by increasing the duration of each hold, adding weight, or changing the position of the hands and feet. For example, instead of placing your hands and feet on the floor, try elevating your feet on a fitness ball to increase the difficulty. Additionally, you can add weight to your plank exercises by wearing a weighted vest, holding a weight plate, or using a weighted exercise ball.
Q5. Are Plank Exercises Safe?
Answer: Plank exercises are generally considered safe for people of all fitness levels. However, it is important to be mindful of your form when completing plank exercises, as incorrect form can lead to injuries. Additionally, it is important to start off with shorter holds and increase the duration of each hold gradually as your core and other muscles become stronger.
Q6. What Should I Avoid When Doing Plank Exercises?
Answer: When doing plank exercises, it is important to avoid arching your back or sagging your hips. Additionally, you should avoid locking your elbows or holding your breath. Breathing should be kept regular and consistent throughout the exercise. Finally, it is important to remember to engage your core muscles to ensure proper form and get the most out of the exercise.
Planks Are Outdated! Best Replacement Exercise (Guaranteed)!!!
Plank is an excellent exercise to strengthen core muscles and improve overall stability, but there are other exercises that can provide similar benefits. Alternatives like burpees, mountain climbers, and push-ups can offer more dynamic and engaging workouts than planks, and help to further strengthen your core and toning your body. Try all of these exercises out and find the one that best fits your lifestyle and goals. With the right exercise and dedication, you can get the results you’re aiming for in no time.
