How Many Calories are Burned Doing Planks?

Are you curious about how many calories are burned doing planks? If you've incorporated this popular exercise into your fitness routine, understanding its calorie-burning potential can help you track your progress and achieve your health goals more effectively. Planks are a fantastic full-body workout that engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them an efficient way to burn calories and build core strength. However, it's important to note that the exact number of calories burned during planks varies based on several factors, including your weight, duration of the exercise, and intensity level. By maintaining proper form and gradually increasing the amount of time you hold each plank, you can maximize the calorie-burning benefits. While planks alone may not generate a significant caloric burn, when combined with a well-rounded fitness routine and a healthy diet, they can contribute to overall weight loss and improved fitness. So, if you're looking for a challenging exercise that engages your core and helps you burn calories, incorporating planks into your workout routine may be a great option.

To understand how many calories are burned during planks, it's essential to have a basic understanding of calories and how they are burned in the body. Calories are a unit of energy that our bodies use to perform various functions, including physical activity. When we engage in exercise, our bodies burn calories to fuel the movement. The number of calories burned depends on factors such as body weight, exercise intensity, and duration.

During planks, your body is in a static position, which means you're not moving much. As a result, the calorie burn during planks may not be as high as during dynamic exercises like running or cycling. However, planks engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, including your core, shoulders, back, and legs. This means that even though the calorie burn might not be as high, planks provide a great opportunity to strengthen and tone these muscles.

Several factors influence the number of calories burned during planks. Understanding these factors can help you estimate the calorie burn more accurately and make adjustments to your workout routine as needed.

1. Body weight

Your body weight plays a significant role in determining the number of calories burned during planks. Generally, the more you weigh, the more calories you burn during exercise. This is because it takes more energy to move a heavier body. Therefore, if you weigh more, you can expect to burn more calories during planks compared to someone who weighs less.

2. Duration of the exercise

The duration for which you hold a plank also affects the calorie burn. The longer you hold the plank, the more calories you will burn. Initially, you might find it challenging to hold a plank for an extended period. However, with consistent practice, you can gradually increase your plank time, leading to more calories burned.

3. Intensity level

The intensity at which you perform planks can impact the calorie burn. Increasing the difficulty level of the plank, such as by elevating your feet or adding a stability ball, can increase the intensity and, in turn, the calorie burn. Additionally, incorporating variations like side planks or plank jacks can also intensify the exercise and increase the number of calories burned.

While it's difficult to provide an exact number of calories burned during planks due to the individual variations mentioned above, there are ways to estimate the calorie burn. One method is to use a calorie calculator that takes into account your body weight and the duration of the exercise. These calculators provide an estimate of the calories burned based on average metabolic rates.

Another way to estimate calorie burn is by using the MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value. MET values represent the energy cost of different activities relative to an individual's resting metabolic rate. The MET value for planks is approximately 2-3, depending on the intensity level. To calculate the calories burned, you can multiply your body weight in kilograms by the MET value and the duration of the exercise in hours.

Keep in mind that these calculations provide rough estimates, and the actual calorie burn may vary from person to person. The most accurate way to determine your individual calorie burn during planks is through indirect calorimetry, which measures oxygen consumption during exercise. However, this method is not readily available to everyone.

The number of calories burned during planks can also vary depending on the specific variation you perform. Here is an estimate of the average calorie burn for some common plank variations based on a person weighing 155 pounds (70 kilograms):

- Traditional plank: Approximately 4-5 calories per minute- Side plank: Approximately 4-5 calories per minute- Plank with leg lift: Approximately 5-6 calories per minute- Plank jacks: Approximately 6-7 calories per minute- Plank with knee taps: Approximately 5-6 calories per minute

Keep in mind that these are average estimates and can vary based on individual factors. The intensity at which you perform each variation and the duration of the exercise will also impact the calorie burn.

If you're looking to maximize the calorie burn during planks, here are some tips to consider:

1. Maintain proper form: Focus on keeping your body in a straight line from head to toe. Avoid sagging or arching your back, as this can reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and potentially lead to injury.

2. Gradually increase duration: Start with holding the plank for as long as you can with proper form and gradually increase the time as you get stronger. Aim for at least 30 seconds to start and work your way up to a minute or longer.

3. Increase intensity: As you become more comfortable with planks, try incorporating variations or adding challenges like elevating your feet or using a stability ball. These modifications can increase the intensity and calorie burn.

4. Combine with other exercises: While planks engage multiple muscle groups, incorporating other exercises into your routine can further enhance calorie burn. Consider adding cardio exercises like jumping jacks or high knees, as well as strength training exercises for a well-rounded workout.

5. Stay consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results. Aim to incorporate planks into your fitness routine at least 2-3 times per week, gradually increasing the intensity and duration over time.

While planks alone may not generate a significant caloric burn, they can still contribute to weight loss when combined with a well-rounded fitness routine. Planks help build strength and muscle tone, which can increase your overall metabolic rate. This means that even when you're not exercising, your body will burn more calories at rest.

To optimize weight loss, it's important to combine planks with other forms of exercise, such as cardiovascular activities and strength training. Cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming can help burn calories and improve cardiovascular health, while strength training exercises can increase muscle mass and further boost metabolism.

Additionally, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is crucial for weight loss. While planks can contribute to calorie burn, it's essential to create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than you burn. Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay hydrated and avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks and processed foods.

To enhance calorie burn and overall fitness, consider incorporating other exercises that complement plank workouts into your fitness routine. Here are a few examples:

1. High-intensity interval training (HIIT): HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense exercise followed by brief recovery periods. Combining planks with HIIT exercises like burpees, mountain climbers, or squat jumps can significantly increase calorie burn.

2. Pilates: Pilates exercises focus on core strength, stability, and flexibility. Combining plank variations with Pilates movements can provide a well-rounded workout that targets multiple muscle groups and aids in calorie burn.

3. Yoga: Yoga poses and flows can be excellent additions to your plank routine. Yoga not only improves flexibility and balance but also helps with stress reduction and relaxation.

4. Cardiovascular exercises: To increase calorie burn, incorporate cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming into your routine. These activities elevate your heart rate and burn calories effectively.

5. All Fours Belly Lift - It's important to incorporate different core exercises into your routine.  This will ensure that you are working your full core from different angles.

6. Sauna - If you are looking to maximize the calorie burning potential of your fitness routine, consider adding the sauna. In addition to calorie burning, adding sauna sessions has many benefits.

Remember to listen to your body and choose exercises that you enjoy and feel comfortable with. Varying your workout routine can prevent boredom and help you stay motivated.

To track your calorie burn during planks, you can use fitness trackers or smartphone apps that provide estimates based on your body weight and exercise duration. These tools can give you a general idea of the calories burned during your workout. However, keep in mind that these estimates are not always 100% accurate.

Another way to monitor your calorie burn is by wearing a heart rate monitor during your workout. This device measures your heart rate, which can be an indicator of the intensity of your exercise. While heart rate alone doesn't provide a direct measure of calorie burn, it can give you a better understanding of your workout's intensity and potential calorie expenditure.

It's important to remember that calorie burn is just one aspect of your overall fitness journey. Focus on how you feel, your strength gains, and improvements in your overall health and well-being. Consistency, dedication, and a balanced approach to exercise and nutrition are key to achieving your fitness goals.

Planks are a versatile and challenging exercise that can help you burn calories and improve your overall fitness. While the exact number of calories burned during planks varies based on factors such as body weight, duration, and intensity, incorporating planks into your fitness routine can contribute to weight loss and increased muscle tone.

To maximize the calorie burn during planks, maintain proper form, gradually increase duration and intensity, and combine with other exercises that complement plank workouts. Remember to stay consistent, track your progress, and prioritize a healthy and balanced diet for optimal results.

So, if you're looking for an exercise that engages your core, builds strength, and helps burn calories, planks are definitely worth incorporating into your workout routine. Challenge yourself, stay committed, and enjoy the benefits of this effective full-body exercise.