{"id":44920,"date":"2023-08-09T01:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-09T01:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolineci-08283ad4cf-hfd4hchkb6g4gudz.a01.azurefd.net\/?p=44920"},"modified":"2023-08-09T01:00:00","modified_gmt":"2023-08-09T01:00:00","slug":"the-power-of-the-plank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carolinescircuits.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/09\/the-power-of-the-plank\/","title":{"rendered":"The Power of the Plank!\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A new piece of research has been released which reveals that isometric exercises are more effective at preventing high blood pressure than a run, a walk or a cycle. This sounds great but what does it actually mean? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, what is an isometric exercise? These are exercises which involve holding the body in a fixed position with no muscle or joint movement at all. So, examples would include a plank, a wall sit, a squat hold or box plank. One of the best things about isometric exercises is that they require no equipment and you really can do them anywhere, at any time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study from Canterbury Christchurch University in Kent suggests that doing 4 sets of 2 minute isometric exercises 3 times per week is effective, provided the exercises are performed with good form. Of course, the benefits of resistance training like this go much further than just blood pressure, they include improved bone health, strengthening muscles, boosting immunity and of course the mood enhancing bonus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, whilst these exercises are very beneficial when performed with good form they are also some of the moves most commonly performed incorrectly. So, let\u2019s have a quick look at how to access the power of the plank and what you need to do to create the perfect wall sit! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plank \u2013 this can be either a forearm plank or a high plank, the principle of both is the same. The key is to have a nice, straight, strong back and core without your hips in the air! So the key steps to perfect this are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n