As a general guideline, Doug Sklar, a certified personal trainer and founder of PhilanthroFIT in New York City, recommends striving to do three sets of up to 60 seconds. “It's OK to start with shorter sets and work up to 60 seconds,” he says. Plus, shorter planks can still give you a solid workout, Sklar says.

Are 10 second planks good?

Most experts suggest anywhere from 10 up to 30 seconds is plenty. “Focus on doing multiple sets of smaller amounts of time,” says L'Italien. As you progress, you can extend your plank for up to one or even two minutes, but don't go beyond that.

How long is a good plank?

Planking can be incredible for your core - but just how long do you have to hold the muscle-blasting pose for it to be effective? According to professor and spine specialist Stuart McGill, PhD, the answer is just 10 seconds.