We know they strengthen the core, but are planks cardio?
Here’s how to tell if you’re getting heart health benefits from your plank.
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Planksarent usually associated with heart health.
Ana Snyder has an MS in exercise physiology from Cal State. She’s a fitness coach, model, and entrepreneur who’s written numerous articles, worked with prestigious brands, and trained several high-level executives in physical activity, nutrition, and the science of exercise.
Sure, planks are hard AF… but theyre not cardio, right?
Experts in This Article
Ana Snyder has an MS in exercise physiology from Cal State.
According to the American Heart Association, your maximum heart rate is about 220 minus your age.
Yourtarget heart ratewhile doing moderate activities is 50-70 percent of your maximum heart rate.
(If all that math is too complicated, check out thishandy chart by the AHA.)
Need some ideas?
Snyder has you covered.
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Ana Snyder has an MS in exercise physiology from Cal State. She’s a fitness coach, model, and entrepreneur who’s written numerous articles, worked with prestigious brands, and trained several high-level executives in physical activity, nutrition, and the science of exercise.
Im a Master TrainerHeres Why You Shouldnt Skip Your Post-Run Stretches.
Alternate back and forth as quickly as you’ve got the option to without losing form.
Plank walks
While in your plank, walk your hands and feet sideways for 10 steps.
Then walk back to the other side.
Repeat for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Repeat the movement several times until you reach the 60-second mark (or you feel your form slipping.)
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