If you’re someone who’s looking to get a six-pack, chances are you’ve heard about the benefits of planking. Planking is a simple, yet effective exercise that targets your core muscles, and when done consistently, can help you achieve a chiseled midsection. But the question that often comes up is, how long does it take to get abs from planks? In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question in more detail.
First things first, let’s talk about what planking is and how it works. Planking is an isometric exercise, which means that you hold a static position for a certain amount of time. In the case of planking, you hold your body in a straight line from your head to your heels, with your elbows and forearms resting on the ground. This position engages your core muscles, including your rectus abdominis (the “six-pack” muscles), obliques, and transverse abdominis.
When you hold a plank, you’re essentially performing a contraction of these core muscles. Over time, as you continue to perform planks and increase the difficulty of the exercise, your muscles will adapt and become stronger. This is what leads to the development of visible abs.
So, how long does it take to get abs from planks? The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple one. The amount of time it takes to see visible results will depend on a number of factors, including your starting point, your diet, and how often you perform planks.
If you’re starting from scratch and have never worked out before, it will likely take longer to see visible results. On the other hand, if you already have a relatively low body fat percentage and have been working out consistently, you may see results more quickly.
In terms of diet, it’s important to remember that visible abs are not just about building muscle. You also need to reduce your body fat percentage in order to see the muscles that are underneath. This means following a balanced diet that’s low in processed foods and high in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
In terms of how often you should perform planks, it’s generally recommended to do them 3-5 times per week, with each session lasting 30-60 seconds. As you become stronger, you can increase the length of time you hold each plank, or add in variations such as side planks or plank jacks to increase the difficulty.
It’s also worth noting that planking alone may not be enough to get visible abs. It’s important to incorporate other exercises that target your core muscles, such as crunches, bicycle crunches, and Russian twists. Additionally, incorporating cardio and full-body strength training into your routine can help reduce your body fat percentage and reveal your abs.
So, to sum up, how long does it take to get abs from planks? The answer is that it depends on a variety of factors. If you’re starting from scratch and have a higher body fat percentage, it may take several months of consistent planking and healthy eating to see visible results. If you’re already relatively lean and have been working out consistently, you may see results more quickly. Remember to be patient, stay consistent, and focus on building a healthy, balanced lifestyle that includes regular exercise and a nutritious diet.
