Exercises that involve clenching abdominal muscles and planks are examples of which type of exercise?

Exercises that involve clenching abdominal muscles and holding a plank primarily fall into the category of isometric exercises. Isometric exercises are characterized by muscle contractions that occur without any significant change in the muscle length or the joint angle. In the case of clenching the abdominal muscles, the muscles are tensed, but they do not shorten or lengthen during this contraction. Likewise, during a plank, the core muscles are engaged in a static position, holding the body in a straight line without moving.

This type of exercise is particularly effective for building endurance and strength in specific muscle groups while also improving stability and posture. Isometric exercises are often used in rehabilitation settings and are beneficial for maintaining muscle strength without putting additional strain on the joints. In contrast, aerobic exercise typically involves continuous and rhythmic activities that elevate heart rate, isotonic exercises involve muscle shortening and lengthening (such as lifting weights), and concentric contractions refer specifically to the shortening phase of muscle contraction during movement.