This Is Exactly How Long You Need to Hold a Plank to Flatten Your Belly

Yes, there's an ideal amount of time to plank. But to max out your results, focus on your form as well as the length of time you hold the position.

The six-pack you want is only a plank (or two) away!

While the act of planking is pretty straightforward, how long you should actually hold one is probably a bit less clear. Thankfully, the experts have you covered. (But before you can get abs, you need to stop believing these seven myths.)

How long you should hold a plank

To reap the most rewards, holding three planks for up to 60 seconds each is ideal, according to Doug Sklar, a certified personal trainer and founder of PhilanthroFIT in New York City.

If you’re new to planking, don’t risk injuring yourself. “It’s OK to start with shorter sets and work up to 60 seconds,” Sklar told Women’s Health. “Forcing yourself to hold a plank for an excessive amount of time can put a lot of strain on your lower back. As fatigue sets in, the lower back may start to arch. This is where you put yourself at risk for injury.”

If one minute is too challenging, try holding a plank for 10 seconds, relaxing for five to 10 seconds, then re-engaging for 10 seconds. Repeat each set three to six times.

Don’t worry about losing out on any gains in the meantime; planking for shorter periods of time can still amount to a solid workout.

“You receive very similar strengthening benefits because you are engaging your muscles for the same amount of total time as if you just held the plank for 30 to 60 seconds without stopping,” said Sklar.

Amp up the intensity of your plank by doing this

On the flip side, holding a plank for one minute might be a breeze for you. If that’s the case, Matheny recommends increasing the difficulty by contracting your abs, as well as squeezing your glutes and quads. (This is the biggest mistake women make with abs exercises.)

Form should always come first, of course.

Although planking can strengthen your entire body, you should only do it for as long as you can hold the correct position, experts say. “Keeping perfect form is goal – only do it as long as you can keep this,” Albert Matheny, R.D., C.S.C.S., co-founder of SoHo Strength Lab and advisor to Promix Nutrition, told Women’s Health.

Tired of planks? Mix up your workout routine with this fusion workout that promises to burn up to 1,000 calories in a single class.

Originally published as This Is Exactly How Long You Need to Hold a Plank to Flatten Your Belly on ReadersDigest.com.