How long can you hold a plank?
If you’ve been on social media at all lately, you’ve probably seen plank challenges everywhere. The goal for these challenges is to hold yourself in a plank for as long as possible.
Fitness experts say planks are great because they work your entire core at once and help protect your back, but good form matters way more than the clock.
So, how long should you be able to hold a plank? Here’s a good breakdown by age, according to Evan Williams, the strength and conditioning coach for the Milwaukee Bucks:
Ages 18–39: 45–90+ seconds for the general population; 60–120 seconds for those who are more fit.
Ages 40–59: 30–75 seconds for the general population; 45–90 seconds for those who are more fit
Ages 60+: 20–60 seconds for the general population; 30–75 seconds for those who are more fit.
Getty Images