Planks may feel brutal if they’re included at the end of a challenging workout, but whether you do them alongside other exercises or alone, there are so many benefits to performing a plank.

Strengthening your entire core

“The core has multiple layers,” explains Fildes. “There is the internal core, the side muscles called the obliques and your rectus abdominals, which are the top layer.” All of these muscles work together for stable movement.

Unlike many other ab exercises, like crunches, the plank works each of these muscles. And it doesn’t stop there: you’ll also be using your chest, shoulders and glutes to hold yourself in the move.

The benefits of planks: try this four-week plank challenge