How do gymnasts do a plank?
The plank is a very popular exercise. However, its traditional technique is completely unsuitable for gymnasts. This is because every exercise performed by a professional athlete must have a purpose, a specific goal. This is precisely the reason for the gymnasts' plank technique. Its main goal is to train the gymnast's body to automatically maintain the fluid position required for elements on apparatus. This explains the distinctive technical features:
1) Shoulder blades out and a slightly rounded back;
2) Flat lower back and tucked stomach;
3) Straight legs and pointed toes.
Gymnasts rarely hold the plank for longer than one minute, but always in combination with other abdominal and lower back exercises or use more advanced variations.