Plank is a great exercise to build shoulder, core and low back stability. Our bodies move as co-ordinated, communicating beings, not individual segments that act independently. Therefore the practice of plank, which is typically seen as a core-strength exercise, can be more widely understood as an exercise that co-ordinates, fine-tunes and stabilizes the relationship between our shoulder, spine, abdomen/low back and hips.
I practice this regularly to assess and stabilize my upper and lower body connection. When appropriate I also use this posture as an assessment and rehab tool in my clinic.
If you’re a climber or a yogi, your wrists and hands may experience tenderness from time to time. This article explains how to perform plank on your forearms, without stressing your wrists.
http://www.dailybandha.com/2016/04/connect-your-cuff-to-your-core-in.
Alison Coolican BSc RMT 