Planks (and abs)

[DEADn]

Does anyone perform these? I just began to perform them. I actually thought they were an ab and lower back routine because I felt most of the stress in my lower back then I found out I am supposed to contract the abs. OOPS but my lower back seems to be getting stronger.

I can go 1:30 right now doing this and that is after doing it 4 times so far. I have seem some variations of this as well which I might try.

Do you do planks?

What other ab exercises do you do to strength your core. I need to strengthen my core ALOT as well as pull in my belly. My jeans are getting too tight around the waist and they are 36.

 

[OutToLunch]

Currently not doing planks but used to do them. Regular and side planks.
Now abs are heavy machine crunches, leg raises and knee ups, decline bench leg raises and reverse crunches.

 

[DEADn]

Currently not doing planks but used to do them. Regular and side planks.
Now abs are heavy machine crunches, leg raises and knee ups, decline bench leg raises and reverse crunches.

I do my stuff at home so I don't have a machine for abs. I have done some leg raises but they get boring. I don't know about knee ups. I don't have a decline bench either.

 

[Davin_fitness]

Good for stability and average for shaping

Planks are more of a movement for core strength and stability. I think they are not particularly ideal for shaping and toning abs. They are great if you are someone who wants to back squat and Deadlift heavy as it will help strengthen your core for heavy movements. I would recommend planks for a powerlifter. And would say to focus on different core movements for a body builder.