If there is any exercise that makes you realize the actual length of a minute, it is a plank. It may seem like a simple and easy workout, but it needs a lot of endurance and core strength. If done right, it affects the core muscles as well as sculpts your entire body. One thing you must remember while doing a plank is that it's not just about how long you did it for, it's also about your form. If you have the correct posture and clock a lesser time than other seasoned plank doers, you are on the right path. There are many other small mistakes that you may be making, which could make your plank ineffective. Common Plank Mistakes to AvoidThe key to a good plank is maintaining proper form, not just holding it for a long time. Balance on your palms and toes, keeping your body in a straight line from head to heels. Wrists should be under shoulders, elbows and knees locked, hips square, and neck neutral. Forearm planks follow the same principles. However, many things can go wrong. Here’s how.Dropping HipsLetting your hips sag during a plank puts unnecessary pressure on your lower back. This reduces the effectiveness of the exercise for your core and glutes. To maximize benefits and avoid injury, keep your hips in a straight line with your head and heels.Piking HipsRaising your butt into the air makes the plank significantly easier, but it also diminishes its effectiveness. To truly engage your core and glutes, lower your hips until your body forms a straight line. This ensures you're working the correct muscles and building strength.Tilting HipsIt's common for one side of your body to be stronger than the other, which can cause your hips to tilt. To prevent uneven muscle development and avoid back strain, consciously keep your hips level and equidistant from the ground throughout the plank.Dropping Head and NeckAllowing your head and neck to droop forward disrupts the proper alignment of your spine. This can lead to neck pain and reduce core engagement. To maintain correct form, keep your gaze forward and your neck relaxed, ensuring it's in a neutral position.Craning Head UpLifting your head and neck upward creates excessive tension in your neck and upper spine, making it impossible to maintain proper plank form. To avoid this strain, keep your neck in a neutral alignment, looking slightly forward or down, and avoid lifting your head.Rounding ShouldersAllowing your shoulders to round forward puts undue stress on your neck and shoulders. To alleviate this, actively pull your shoulder blades down your back and open up your chest. This will improve your posture and reduce strain during the plank.Forgetting to Engage AbsA plank is far more effective when you actively engage your abdominal muscles. Tighten your stomach muscles throughout the exercise to support your spine and maximize the core-strengthening benefits. This turns a simple hold into a powerful core workout.Ignoring GlutesMany people overlook the role of the glutes in a plank. Squeezing your glute muscles not only helps lift your hips but also allows you to hold the plank position for a longer duration. This maximizes the exercise’s overall benefits.Incorrect Hand PlacementPlacing your wrists and elbows too far apart or in a staggered position can lead to wrist pain. To prevent this, ensure your wrists and elbows are stacked directly underneath your shoulders. Also, align your fingers evenly to distribute weight and work both sides of your body equally.