Abs: Doing the Elbow Plank

Whenever summer comes, I always get questions about exercises to help trim the abs. I think we all know there is no magic formula to get great abs besides controlling your diet, doing cardio to control your weight all over, and then doing strength training to tone the abs. I'll be showing you some basic strength training moves over the summer that you can incorporate into your routine so you're not on the floor doing crunches all day (mostly because that won't get you anywhere). 

The plank is one of these strength training exercises. And I think it is both heavily underestimated and done wrongly at the same time. You can either do the plank on your elbows or your palms. Doing it on your palms gives your upper arms more of a workout than doing it on your elbows. But we'll focus on the elbow plank today.

Here are a few tips to get the elbow plank right:

• Keep your elbows at about a 90 degree angle under your shoulder.
• You should be resting only on your elbows and toes.
• Hold your abs tight tight tight!
• Try to keep your body in a straight line from the back of your head down to your heels.
• Do not stick your butt out or sag our pelvis towards the floor.

I know that probably doesn't mean much without the visual. The video below give a good look at what the elbow plank should look like. Plus, it gives the dudes all something to aspire to :) The instructor is pretty excitable which makes it fun to watch as well.

Cheers Eights & Weights!