No Pain No Gain

If there is one core exercise that I could do without it would be planks. I love how it makes you feel at the end but while you are doing it, you want to just plop down on your belly and pass out. But if it isn't hard then it isn't really helping in the long run. 

Some benefits from this exercise are:

A toned belly: Planking will help build your deep inner core muscles that lay the groundwork for that six-pack. As your abs become stronger, your mid-section will tighten. 

Reduces back pain: planks work for back pain because they strengthen your core, which has the good "side effect" of reducing the back pain. 

Flexibility: The muscles around your shoulders, collarbone, and shoulder blades will expand and stretch as will your hamstrings and the arches of your feet and toes.

Improve your mood: Planks help stretch and ultimately relax muscle groups that become stiff and tense from sitting. The tension release that planks provide uplifts your spirit. 

Improve your balance and posture: Planking works all the muscles you need to maintain good posture like: your back, chest, shoulders, abs, and neck.