Can planking help with weight loss?

Plank exercises can usually assist with weight loss, but one should not rely solely on this method. Without dietary control or other forms of physical activity, weight loss may still be difficult to achieve.

The plank primarily targets the core muscle groups, including the abdomen, back, and waist. By strengthening these muscles' power and stability, the basal metabolic rate (BMR) can be increased. An improved BMR means the body will burn more energy even at rest, thus contributing to weight loss.

However, it's important to note that relying solely on planks for weight loss is insufficient. This is because planks mainly build muscle rather than directly burning fat. If an individual does not control their diet or engage in other aerobic exercises to increase calorie expenditure, achieving weight loss through planks alone may be difficult. Additionally, if an individual has excessive body weight or existing conditions such as lumbar or cervical spine issues, overdoing planks might cause physical harm.

While planks have an indirect promoting effect on weight loss, one should not overly rely on this single form of exercise. Instead, a comprehensive approach involving multiple strategies should be adopted to achieve effective weight loss.