How long can you plank for?
auntstephie321
Posts: 3,586 Member
I'm here trying to do things that won't aggravate my back. I have lots of energy but can't do much yet. It's cold here in the winter, I want to use this time of little sunlight and snowy days stuck inside to get strong and toned for the summer.
So my new thing is going to be planking.
I thought 2 minutes sounded doable. Well, ha, yeah no. I was able to do 1 minute but was shaking after 20 seconds.
If anyone wants to join me I'm going to try to work up to five minutes.
So my new thing is going to be planking.
I thought 2 minutes sounded doable. Well, ha, yeah no. I was able to do 1 minute but was shaking after 20 seconds.
If anyone wants to join me I'm going to try to work up to five minutes.
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Replies
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I'm in....probably just for the 20 seconds for the full length, though! lol0
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Lol, I know, who knew it's so hard, it looks so easy. The first few seconds are like nothing, then all of a sudden it hits you.0
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A long time ago, in a version of me that existed far, far away (what makes you think I went and saw Star Wars today?) I used to be great at pushups. I assume that I probably would have been good at planking too. I used to knock out about 75 in a minute. Last time I tried to do them, I think I got 5 in. My shoulders are shot. I might try this, but I don't see much way for me to make it the 5 minutes.0
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I tried a push up challenge before. It went ok but I started having issues with my neck and shoulders too, that's why I was thinking this might work. I'm gonna follow the chart and see if it works.0
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I'm in. Gonna start tommorrow before breakfast. Keep me posted how u are doing0
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I'm in but the sound of holding a 5 minute plank just kind of makes me nauseated. I can go for almost a minute. I have very little upper body strength, it's all in my legs.0
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@vilenski193 sweet! I will update every so often
@SoosannahK I know 1 minute was a lot. But it's gotta be possible, right? I'm the kind of person that wants everything ask at once, so this is going to be a good challenge for me to see if I can gradually work towards something and achieve it
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I'll do it. Will start when I work out tomorrow.0
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I've been d o ing the ones where you are on your elbows, these look harder. I can only hold them a couple . Of seconds! Working on it.0
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I did it on my elbows too, it was hard enough that way lol0
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Planking actually aggravated my back (and I didn't really have pre-existing back issues) when I tried a plank challenge with friends a year or so ago.
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You can plank from your elbows too as an alternate method. That's how I do it... When I do it...0
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Oh, I'm definitely having to do the elbows form ....no upper strength here!0
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Just looking at the position tells me that it's not for me. Use of my arms like that is a set up for pain and headaches. Best of luck to the new folks, and more power to the seasoned veterans!0
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I suck at planking so much, but I'm in. Reckon day one will be fine, the rest not so much.0
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I find straight arms like that WAY easier than the elbow version.0
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Elbows. 90 secs and I splat like roadkill. Keen to improve. I am in0
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Another alternative is to do it at a slant with forearms resting on something like a bench or even a stability ball. When I could not do it with arms locked or on elbows, this is what my trainer had me do and I am happy to say it worked for me!0
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I'm really feeling it today. Elbows seemed easier since my wrists get sore from push ups, I figured it would be the same with this too. I like that I can feel it already, hopeful that means I'm getting stronger. I read online some people can plank for hours. Since I did a minute yesterday I'm going to build of that and not start at day one.0
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macchiatto wrote: »Planking actually aggravated my back (and I didn't really have pre-existing back issues) when I tried a plank challenge with friends a year or so ago.
that stinks 0 -
macchiatto wrote: »Planking actually aggravated my back (and I didn't really have pre-existing back issues) when I tried a plank challenge with friends a year or so ago.
You want to avoid looking up. Tuck your chin slightly (but don't drop your head either), pull your navel toward your spine as hard as you can to engage the transverse abdominus, and do a little kegel to engage the pelvic floor. There's always an adjustment you can do, if you aren't strong enough in the core, YET, to support a full plank. You can try an elevated plank with your arms on a table, bench, chair, or even the wall.
I have neck issues too, from a car accident. I imagine a string on the back of my neck gently pulling my jaw and head back instead of letting them droop forward. Squeezing your shoulder blades together, without letting your shoulder move upward is another alignment trick. You want to pull your shoulders down away from your head, and tuck your lower ribs inward.0 -
Phew 1:10 done. I decided I'd keep my eyes closed to the time and see how long I could go before I felt like I couldn't do anymore. Opened my eyes it was one 37 seconds. Without timing it I'd give up way before my body needed to.0
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I did it for 90 seconds. I hope I feel like doing 100 seconds tomorrow.0
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@lithezebra nice job! I bet you'll be able to do it!0
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Napier_mum wrote: »I suck at planking so much, but I'm in. Reckon day one will be fine, the rest not so much.
LOL, thanks for that. That's me too, but I'm in. Worst case I stay at day 1 forever!0 -
Thanks for the tips, @lithezebra!0
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Woop woop made it through day two. It was pretty hard though! Bring on day three!0
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@Napier_mum Nice job! I get excited for the next day too. I feel like I've accomplished something after I'm done 0
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I feel like a slug, but 20 seconds today! I will get there!0
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Probably not even 20 seconds for me....lol But ya' Gotta start somewhere.0
