Planks obviously target your abs, but they do so much more than that, too. Believe it or not, but planks are really a full-body exercise, and can help make your entire body stronger. "Planks strengthen your spine, rhomboids, lats, trapezius, core, quads, glutes, hamstrings, shoulders, and triceps when done properly," celebrity trainer Jillian Michaels told Insider.
Additionally, if you want to strengthen your entire body and be able to excel in other areas of exercise, holding a plank is the way to do it. Fitness coach Tony Gentilcore told Self that, "To lift heavy [weights], you need tension, and the plank is a wonderful way of introducing that to people." Basically, planking builds strength in just about every muscle, so if you plank every day, you'll find yourself able to lift heavier weights than before, and that's pretty impressive.
Of course, in order to reap the benefits of a plank, you have to be holding the position properly. Don't hurt yourself!
