When performing the plank correctly during yoga or pilates, you should feel your entire body switch on from head to toe; you should feel strong and feel your entire core and glutes engage.
The main cause of plank holds weakening is when the yogi is becoming tired and the body isn’t actively engaging the correct areas. Additionally, when the neck, shoulders or lower back are tight.
A safe plank pose should make you stronger and kick your butt, not cause pain but when fatigue keeps us from doing the full posture, there’s a handy modification which will still ensure the core, arms and glutes are working as they should be!
Lorna Jane’s personal yoga teacher, Patty Perlman of Mana Yoga Retreats demonstrates how with small tweaks, you can still achieve the important benefits from the pose!
Yogi tip:
- After lowering your knees to the ground for the alternate plank pose, ensure the top half of your body remains in a straight line from head to tailbone
- Tense your glutes and imagine you’re bringing your belly button to your spine to create a strong core
- Don’t let your shoulders and shoulder blades sink down, keep these areas lifted to maintain a strong hold from your elbows to shoulder caps
Watch now
Learn more about Patty here and here, at Mana Yoga Retreats.