The number of calories burned during a 1-minute plank can vary based on several factors, including an individual’s weight, age, gender, muscle mass, and overall fitness level. However, on average, a moderate-intensity plank can burn between 2 to 5 calories per minute.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Your body’s resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the number of calories you burn at rest, just to maintain basic bodily functions. When you perform an exercise like the plank, you’re increasing your caloric expenditure above that resting rate. The plank, being a static hold exercise, primarily targets the core muscles but also engages other stabilizing muscles in the body.
Now, while the plank is an effective core strengthening exercise, it isn’t the most intense in terms of calorie burn when compared to dynamic exercises like running or jumping. This is because the plank is an isometric exercise where muscles contract without major movement.
For someone weighing around 70 kg (154.3 lbs), performing a plank might burn around 2 to 3 calories per minute. If you weigh more, you’ll burn slightly more calories, and if you weigh less, you’ll burn slightly fewer calories. Additionally, the intensity of the plank can make a difference. If you’re doing a more challenging variation, like a side plank or incorporating leg lifts, the calorie burn might be slightly higher.
Remember, while the caloric burn from a 1-minute plank might not seem significant, the real benefit of the exercise lies in its ability to strengthen and tone the core muscles. Consistent core training, combined with a balanced diet and overall exercise regimen, will be essential for achieving and maintaining visible six-pack abs. And while planking alone won’t lead to a drastic caloric deficit, it’s an important piece in the larger puzzle of overall fitness and conditioning.