How Many Calories does Planking Burn?

The plank is a popular exercise that is known for its ability to strengthen and tone the core muscles of the body. But in addition to its many strength-building benefits, the plank can also be an effective way to burn calories and support weight loss.

So, how many calories does planking burn? The number of calories you burn while planking depends on a few different factors, including your weight, the duration of your plank, and the intensity of the exercise. On average, a person weighing 150 pounds (68 kg) will burn about 3.6 calories per minute while planking. This means that if you hold a plank for 10 minutes, you will burn approximately 36 calories. However, this number can vary based on your weight, as heavier people tend to burn more calories during physical activity. For example, a person weighing 200 pounds (91 kg) will burn about 4.8 calories per minute while planking, while someone weighing 120 pounds (54 kg) will burn about 3.0 calories per minute.

So, just how many calories does planking burn? The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including your body weight, the intensity of your plank, and the duration of your plank workout.

To understand how many calories planking burns, it is important to first understand the concept of calories and how they are used in the body. Calories are a unit of energy, and they are essential for maintaining all of the body’s functions, including movement, digestion, and metabolism. When you consume food, your body converts the calories into energy that can be used for various activities. If you consume more calories than your body needs, the excess is stored as fat, leading to weight gain. On the other hand, if you burn more calories than you consume, you will lose weight.

Calories are a unit of energy that are used to measure the energy content of food and drinks. When we consume more calories than we burn, the excess calories can be stored in the body as fat. On the other hand, when we burn more calories than we consume, we can use stored fat as energy, which can help us lose weight.

Now, let’s take a look at how many calories you can burn while planking.

According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), a person who weighs 125 pounds can burn about 4 calories per minute while performing a plank. This means that a 10-minute plank workout would burn about 40 calories.

For someone who weighs 155 pounds, the calorie burn increases to 5 calories per minute, or 50 calories in a 10-minute plank. And for a person who weighs 185 pounds, the calorie burn increases to 6 calories per minute, or 60 calories in a 10-minute plank.

It’s important to note that these calorie estimates are based on a moderate-intensity plank. If you increase the intensity of your plank by adding in movements like plank jacks or plank up-downs, you may be able to burn even more calories.

In addition to the intensity of your plank, the duration of your plank workout can also have an impact on the number of calories you burn. The longer you plank, the more calories you will burn. For example, a 20-minute plank workout would burn twice as many calories as a 10-minute plank workout.

So, if you’re looking to use planking as a way to burn calories and support weight loss, it’s important to vary the intensity and duration of your plank workouts. You can also try incorporating other exercises that target the core, like sit-ups, Russian twists, and mountain climbers, to increase the overall calorie burn of your workout.

It’s also worth noting that burning calories is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to losing weight. To see lasting results, it’s important to also focus on a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine.

Overall, planking can be an effective way to burn calories and support weight loss. By varying the intensity and duration of your plank workouts, you can tailor your workouts to meet your calorie-burning goals. Remember to also pay attention to your diet and incorporate other exercises to support your weight loss efforts.