Ryan Hall can only plank for 2 minutes

How long can he twerk?

Why would he need to plank for any length of time? That sort of strength is completely unnecessary for a runner.

A runner balances with the back muscles supporting a slight forward tilt. The front part of the trunk could practically be left at home.

You might be speaking about the recrus abdominus, which runs along the front of the abs. It holds you up a bit, but isn't that important. What planks do work which is important for runners is the transverse abdoininus, or the "inner abs" which are under the rectus abdoinis. These are responsible for stabalizing the spine, which is crucial.

No, people with gigantic pot bellies can remain upright. Runners are very good at requiring minimal strength to balance upright.

A plank has absolutely zero relevance to running.

SMJO wrote:

No, people with gigantic pot bellies can remain upright.

Having a pot belly doesn't mean you have a weak core.

Why do gymnasts run like a marionette with unequal string lengths?

Core is meaningless when it comes to running. You could test top runners and they would look embarrassingly weak by any standards.

"Core" is the most recent excuse to get away from training hard by running.

SMJO wrote:

"Core" is the most recent excuse to get away from training hard by running.

Once you're hitting 120 mpw and still have some extra energy and time, I see nothing really wrong with doing a little core work.

Definitely not a runner.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1w-uD-uPCBQ

a place and time wrote:

SMJO wrote:

"Core" is the most recent excuse to get away from training hard by running.

Once you're hitting 120 mpw and still have some extra energy and time, I see nothing really wrong with doing a little core work.

I'm not sure it's an excuse, but the peer-reviewed studies have shown a "benefit" so small they can barely even measure it, if there's a benefit at all. And that is why we have deleted all of the new-fangled core routines. Nothing wrong with a runner doing some straight, diagonal, and twisting crunches as part of a gym routine, but there's no reason at all to have planks and such part of mandatory training. Plyos, yes, squats, yes for a few weeks at the right time.

Core is the new static stretching.

SMJO wrote:

Why do gymnasts run like a marionette with unequal string lengths?

Core is meaningless when it comes to running. You could test top runners and they would look embarrassingly weak by any standards.

"Core" is the most recent excuse to get away from training hard by running.

Those of us who have girlfriends and bang girls on a regular basis actually like to look good while in the nude. But you skinny losers keep not doing sit ups. More poon for me.

Core doesn't help runners? I want to see peer-reviewed academic journals posted on here to believe that.

I include the lower back and hips in the term "core". Not just your beach abs.

x_fit_douche_the_real_douche wrote:

Those of us who have girlfriends and bang girls on a regular basis actually like to look good while in the nude. But you skinny losers keep not doing sit ups. More poon for me.

Where did I say I didn't look like I work out?

I'm not a top runner and have to have a strong upper body for my "real life".

Doesn't make me run any better.

SMJO wrote:

You could test top runners and they would look embarrassingly weak by any standards.

You don't need a test for this. Top runners ARE embarrassingly weak by any standards.

But he planks w/ Sara Hall.

2 minutes is pretty good actually.

I was done at 1 min 15 sec. Wife 55 seconds.

Is core important for a distance runner? Yes.

Are planks a good core exercise or indicative of running ability? NO

I see little use for holding the plank position for more than 1 minute and really see little use for it at all. There are much better options.

ray wrote:

Is core important for a distance runner? Yes.

Are planks a good core exercise or indicative of running ability? NO

I see little use for holding the plank position for more than 1 minute and really see little use for it at all. There are much better options.

^ This.

Runners are not trying to hold their posture standing still. Runners need "core stability" in a more dynamic context. Once you can hold the plank position for a minute with ease, it's time to move on to a more dynamic exercise.

bolier wrote:

I was done at 1 min 15 sec. Wife 55 seconds.

Not bad for a women. But 1:15 for you is pretty pathetic. Not surprising for a runner tho.

Xfit_guy_the_real_1 wrote:

bolier wrote:

I was done at 1 min 15 sec. Wife 55 seconds.

Not bad for a women. But 1:15 for you is pretty pathetic

Yeah I know. I'll add this exercise to my routine. My back started hurting after 45 seconds.

What's your time?