How long should you really hold a plank?

Can you hold a plank longer than 8 hours and 1 minute?

I didn’t think so. Neither can I, but that is the world record set by Mao Weidong, a Chinese policeman in May 2016. Check him out here! http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/longest-time-in-an-abd...

You actually don’t need to hold a plank for longer than 10 seconds.

Recent research from Stuart McGill, University Professor and Director of the Spine Biomechanics Laboratory at the University of Waterloo says that 10 seconds is enough. In fact, holding it longer may be detrimental to your back health and physical performance.

If you want to improve your back health and be achieve optimal athletic ability, try doing multiple repetitions of 10 second planks!

Next month, I will tell you how to improve the flexibility of your back.

Check out Lifemark.ca to find a physiotherapist near you that can help decrease your pain, improve your flexibility and get you back to your normal self!