1 minute plank is equivalent to how many push-ups?
It is essential to note that planks and push-ups target different muscle groups and provide various types of conditioning, making it difficult to compare them directly in terms of equivalence.
A plank is an isometric exercise that focuses on the core, including the stomach, lower back, and hips, whereas push-ups are more dynamic and focus on the chest, shoulders, and triceps in addition to the core.
Moreover, the intensity of these exercises can vary considerably between individuals based on their fitness levels, body weight, and exercise form. A person in excellent shape, for instance, may find a 1-minute plank relatively easy but push-ups difficult, or vice versa.
The Harvard Medical School estimates that an average push-up can expend approximately 0.29 calories per repetition for a person weighing 57 kilograms. In contrast, planking may expend between 2 and 5 calories per minute, depending on body weight and level of exertion. Using these numbers, one could loosely compare a 1-minute plank to between 7 and 17 push-ups in terms of caloric expenditure.
Again, this should not be construed as a strict comparison or exchange rate between the two exercises, as the actual energy expenditure and muscle activation can vary greatly depending on a number of individual factors. For optimal conditioning, a well-rounded practice should include both dynamic (such as push-ups) and isometric (such as planks) exercises.
