This weekly workout is brought to you by Tanya Bennett, a fitness specialist, at the Woman’s Center for Wellness.

The plank is one of the absolute best exercises you can do to enhance your core as it helps strenthen and shape your waistline and improves your posture. Also, depending on the plank you choose, you can engage your back, arms, shoulders, glutes and hamstrings!

As a great beginner exercise, the modified plank is an excellent way to tone and strengthen the core.

We recommend doing three sets of 8 to 10 reps per side with rests in between. For a more advanced workout, look below.

By simply adding weight, the modified plank increases in difficulty and calorie burn. Engage the core, keep the neck straight and inline with the spine, and go!

We recommend doing three sets of 8 to 10 reps per side with rests in between. For a more advanced workout, look below.

For the most advanced workout, curl your toes under and lift your knees to full plank position. To intensify this workout, increase weight and repetition.

We recommend doing three set of 8 to 10 reps per side with rests in between.

Remember to engage your core by tighten the abs and squeezing the glutes. Be sure to keep your neck straight and inline with your spine. If you experience extreme arthritis, have carpel tunnel syndrome or have shoulder issues, this exercise may not be for you. Be sure to consult your doctor before attempting.  For more information, feel free to contact one of our personal trainers at the Woman’s Center for Wellness.