I'm a personal trainer — I replaced standard planks with this gymnastics exercise for clients over 50 for 3 reasons
I've been teaching weightlifting for years, and this is one of the most effective plank variations you can do for strength.
For individuals over 50 looking to enhance core stability, endurance, and strength, personal trainer Tom's preferred exercise is the gymnastics plank. This alternative to traditional planks engages multiple muscle groups including shoulders, arms, wrists, quads, hips, and glutes. To perform a gymnastics plank, start in a high plank position with shoulders over wrists and hips aligned, brace the core, and push through hands to broaden the upper back.
Roll forward onto the tops of your feet, keeping arms straight and shoulders in front of fingertips. Maintain this hollow shape while breathing, aiming for a 20-second hold as you gradually build strength. This exercise not only strengthens core muscles but also enhances grip, which can contribute to longevity as muscle loss accelerates in the 50s.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
