Common mistakes to avoid when doing a plank

The plank is an excellent exercise for strengthening the core muscles, but it’s important to perform it correctly to avoid injury and get the most benefit from the exercise. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when doing a plank:

• Sagging hips
• Holding your breath
• Rounding your shoulders
• Placing your hands too far apart
• Lifting your head

Sagging hips

One of the most common mistakes people make when doing a plank is allowing their hips to sag towards the ground. This puts pressure on the lower back and reduces the effectiveness of the exercise. To avoid this, engage your core muscles and keep your hips in line with your shoulders and feet.

Holding your breath

Another common mistake people make when doing a plank is holding their breath. This can cause tension in the body and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Instead, focus on breathing deeply and evenly throughout the exercise.

Rounding your shoulders

When performing a plank, it’s important to keep your shoulders down and back. Rounding your shoulders can put stress on the neck and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise.

Placing your hands too far apart

Placing your hands too far apart during a plank can put excessive stress on the shoulders and wrists. To avoid this, place your hands directly under your shoulders, and spread your fingers wide for stability.

Lifting your head

Lifting your head during a plank can cause tension in the neck and reduce the effectiveness of the exercise. Instead, keep your gaze focused on the ground a few inches in front of you.

Overall, performing a plank correctly is essential to getting the most benefit from the exercise and avoiding injury. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are getting the most out of your plank workout.