While there's no denying that Glowacka's achievement is remarkable, Men's Health's Ebenezer Samuel C.S.C.S says less is more if you really want to work on your core.
"A world-record plank is an exercise in generating as little true core tension as possible so you can sustain the plank longer," he tells us.
"The plank has its greatest value to your actual core strength and functionality when you're forced to apply maximum core tension (thus fatiguing your core incredibly quickly). Do a plank right, and you'll only be able to hold it for 20 to 30 seconds (and ideally, you're tapped in 10 seconds, because you're generating that much more core tension)."
"Once you can hold a plank sturdily for a minute or two, there are better ways to train your abs than to chase a world-record waste of time," he continues. "You should look to add bands or to pull you off-balance, or to work from increasingly unstable plank positions that force your core to create tension against rotation (think of plank shoulder-taps) or lower back extension (think of planks with your hands extended far in front of you, arms off the ground."
Just like any exercise, form is just as important as the numbers. Focusing on full-body tension while maintaining a flat upper body will place a greater emphasis on your core. Squeeze your glutes to help keep that parallel stance while lightly squeezing your shoulders together.
