Fitness is very important when it comes to living a healthy and positive life. By taking care of our bodies, we will have the stamina and strength to do things that we want to do and have to do. It has also been proven scientifically that exercise has benefits for the brain cells which make us feel good and when we feel good about ourselves, we will be inclined to take up challenges and opportunities that are presented to us. However, it can at times be difficult to find time for exercises. Also, as we age, there are certain things which we are no longer able to do and this is the reason it is essential to take care of our bodies.
If you lead a busy life and hardly find time to hit the gym, or you feel weak for demanding workouts there is one type of simple and easy exercises that you can do to strengthen every part of the body such as the arms, legs, back, abs, shoulders, hips and butt. These exercises known as planks (or isometric exercises) involve maintaining a difficult position for extended periods of time. Here are 5 reasons to do planks every day.
Easy and convenient
It is possible to do planks anywhere where there is enough room to stretch out your body. There is no need for any gym membership or equipment. Even if you have a couple of minutes, you can do planks or you can also incorporate it into your daily exercise routine.
Strengthens core muscles
The plank is better than any other form of exercise including crunches and sit ups when it comes to strengthening your core muscles. The core consists of a range of different muscles that work together to stabilize the pelvis and spine. Strengthening of core muscles improves effectiveness and allows you to perform better.
Prevents backache
Those who sit for long hours such as in offices exert too much pressure on their muscles and tendons in the lower back. The strain can cause injury to the lower back if you maintain a poor posture. By doing planks, you can strengthen the muscles in your lower back and enable it to support the spine better. It can also help improve posture and prevent headaches, neck and shoulder pain.
Prevents osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a common problem among elderly people in the US. The problem is mainly diagnosed following a fracture and there are no warning signs. In order to build strong bones, experts recommend doing planks. Aside from boosting bone strength, the exercise also improves coordination, balance and stamina.
Reduces risk of injury
Planks are the safest way to build muscles and prevent spinal injury. It also enables the body to perform movements in different motions.
