How to plank properly (and no, longer is not better)

Alignment is of utmost importance when doing the plank; the entire body must be kept rigid and form a straight line from head to heel. — Photos: 123rf.com

The plank is one of the simplest exercises you can do to build abdominal strength.

It also targets other muscle groups such as the back, gluteals (buttocks), thighs, shoulders and arms, so a lot of work is being done, even though the exercise may seem easy.