Manu Prats / Stocksy
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Both planks and push-ups are hall-of-fame workout moves.
Planks and push-ups are part of many people’s workout routines.
But is one move better than the other?
Manu Prats / Stocksy
Ellis agrees, noting that “it is [beneficial] to include both moves in workouts.
What Are Planks?
From their starting position, planks may look similar to push-ups.
That’s because they are also performed facing downward.
However, there’s no movement with a plank.
Rather, you simply hold the position you begin in.
“Planks are an isometric core strength exercise that engages the entire body,” says Cote.
“The position is essentially the starting position of a push-up,” explains Cote.
“They also target our serratus anterior; Weak serratus can cause shoulder impingement pain.
What Are Push-Ups?
“Push-ups are essentially a moving plank,” Ellis tells us.
That makes push-ups harder than planks, as more upper-body strength is required.
Accordingly, push-ups can do more to build upper body strength than planks can.
To achieve the best level of fitness, you’ll benefit from doing both exercises.
Based on everything we learned from our trainers, planks are a better place to start for beginners.
Of course, there’s no need to pick just one.
