Which of the following is NOT a core benefit associated with plank exercises?

The core benefits of plank exercises primarily revolve around enhancing core strength, stability, balance, and posture. Planks engage various muscles across the body, particularly in the trunk, which supports these benefits.

Improving posture is a direct result of strengthening the core, as a strong core helps to support the spine properly. Core stability is enhanced through planks as they target the deep abdominal muscles, which are essential for maintaining stability and preventing back injuries. Furthermore, performing planks enhances balance because they require the engagement of various muscle groups simultaneously, promoting coordination and stability.

On the other hand, while plank exercises do contribute to overall muscle strength, they do not specifically focus on increasing ligament strength. Ligaments are connective tissues that connect bones to other bones; they do not respond to exercise in the same way that muscles do. Strengthening ligaments is more related to activities that involve resistance and joint stabilization rather than isometric holds like the plank. Therefore, this distinction makes it clear why increasing ligament strength is not considered a core benefit of plank exercises.