Anyone here do planks?

I have a habit of getting too ambitious in increasing the amount of time I hold a plank, then I can't do it and it really throws off my routine. I'm just wondering how often you guys increase your time and by how much.

* I do 2 sets of 5 four times a week, so if I crap out in the middle of a set it's frustrating. I'm having a hard time figuring out what is a reasonable increment to increase my time for each rep by, and how often I should increase. Right now I'm doing 50 seconds each.

Why does it throw off your routine? Just hold it for as long as you can.

I agree, just hold the plank as long as you can.

I think that over time you will see the tim go up, but realize that it liely wont' go up avery single time.  If you are having a bad day, -- low energy, too little sleep, or just "off", then it might go down, but over the long haul you should improve. 

But then, I am horrible at them... and hate them.... but I do them when they are called for in a program. 

If you want to eventually increase your plank time, try doing more sets with less time in each set. Then, even after a week of this your max hold time will increase.

there are also plank variations.  one is an elevated plank, where your elbows rest on a swiss ball and your feet are on an hard surface level with the ball.  i have not tried this one myself, but am about to embark on it this week!

Original Post by dramafreak111888:

I have a habit of getting too ambitious in increasing the amount of time I hold a plank, then I can't do it and it really throws off my routine. I'm just wondering how often you guys increase your time and by how much.

* I do 2 sets of 5 four times a week, so if I crap out in the middle of a set it's frustrating. I'm having a hard time figuring out what is a reasonable increment to increase my time for each rep by, and how often I should increase. Right now I'm doing 50 seconds each.

I do planks several ways and hold to the count of 100. I do them 4-5 days a week. Very good strengthening exercise.

YES!!!...I 'm beginning to hate them...I could hold a plank for about 8 minutes when I'm fresh...(meaning no prior exercise).  BUT NOW... since I'm training for a fight...my trainers have people sit on my back while I'm in the plank position and while huge rubber bands are attached to my legs and arms while someone tries to pull me back...try that for 45 seconds....hardest thing, but it gets my core in shape...and I scream like a girl while I'm doing it....a very manly girl.  :)

Original Post by eddiepotter:

YES!!!...I 'm beginning to hate them...I could hold a plank for about 8 minutes when I'm fresh...(meaning no prior exercise).  BUT NOW... since I'm training for a fight...my trainers have people sit on my back while I'm in the plank position and while huge rubber bands are attached to my legs and arms while someone tries to pull me back...try that for 45 seconds....hardest thing, but it gets my core in shape...and I scream like a girl while I'm doing it....a very manly girl.  :)

 Funny

Original Post by eddiepotter:

YES!!!...I 'm beginning to hate them...I could hold a plank for about 8 minutes when I'm fresh...(meaning no prior exercise).  BUT NOW... since I'm training for a fight...my trainers have people sit on my back while I'm in the plank position and while huge rubber bands are attached to my legs and arms while someone tries to pull me back...try that for 45 seconds....hardest thing, but it gets my core in shape...and I scream like a girl while I'm doing it....a very manly girl.  :)

   ^^ lol :P

to the OP: side planks are awesome for the obliques too. it's a nice variety to throw in there.

Original Post by eddiepotter:

YES!!!...I 'm beginning to hate them...I could hold a plank for about 8 minutes when I'm fresh...(meaning no prior exercise).  BUT NOW... since I'm training for a fight...my trainers have people sit on my back while I'm in the plank position and while huge rubber bands are attached to my legs and arms while someone tries to pull me back...try that for 45 seconds....hardest thing, but it gets my core in shape...and I scream like a girl while I'm doing it....a very manly girl.  :)

After watching that YouTube video of you working out I have no doubt that it is very intense.  And yes you do scream like a manly girl.

I'm in a cardio/bootcamp class and we do planks in a few ways for 30 seconds or longer. Full, low, changing from full to low for a minute straight and few times in class...about 2, 30sec - 1 min at a time. They suck, but when I'm taking another class that  does them for less time, I feel awesome bc I can hold it longer than most others, with better form too. It's okay to feel like a showoff sometimes, right?

I just started them about 8 weeks ago.  They were tough at first but as my time increased from 30 seconds to a minute and beyond, I thought to myself, "Nice that you're improving Johnny but you've gotta speed this up you don't want to be in the gym all day".  So I looked around and found some 5, 10, 25 lb plates on the floor near me and threw a 5 pounder on my back and did the plank.  Voila!!!  Now I do a warm up set of planks for 30 seconds then add whatever weights I can so that I can only hold them 20-30 seconds...much tougher and saves time...

Original Post by trhawley:

Original Post by eddiepotter:

YES!!!...I 'm beginning to hate them...I could hold a plank for about 8 minutes when I'm fresh...(meaning no prior exercise).  BUT NOW... since I'm training for a fight...my trainers have people sit on my back while I'm in the plank position and while huge rubber bands are attached to my legs and arms while someone tries to pull me back...try that for 45 seconds....hardest thing, but it gets my core in shape...and I scream like a girl while I'm doing it....a very manly girl.  :)

After watching that YouTube video of you working out I have no doubt that it is very intense.  And yes you do scream like a manly girl.

lol...VERY VERY manly girl...get it right...hehehehe

Just a quick plank question-is this something you could/should do everyday? 

Would it hurt to do every day?

I think you would still need a break for your back and triceps

What type of break-every other day? Or more?

I do planks as often as I can - every workout.  Who cares how long you can hold it - just hold it as long as you can.  I don't get the "it throws off my routine" thing.

i'd say give a day of rest should suffice.

I do some variations with a trainer that may be up your alley. Put a step in front of you so the 15 inch side at you chest. Put you hands on the edges to start then step down each hand and then back up, when you get back up on it lift one hand and twist you torso so your hand is reaching to the ceiling. Then repeat bringing up the other hand the nest time. It really kicks ass and i usually can only do ten at a time. Having to concentrate on the movements and what not keep you from watching the clock.