60 Minutes per Month Plank Challenge - March 2018!

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  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
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    MegaMooseEsq wrote: »
    At the halfway point for March, I'm feeling pretty good about hitting 60 minutes, so I'm going to up my goal to 90 minutes and see how that flies. I've also decided to take a day off at least every four days, hopefully avoiding any further foot shenanigans.

    Excellent! I take 2 days off a week minimum, and unless it's a short month or I have something interfering with my normal schedule (Vacation/etc.) I take a third as well. That third day I'll sometimes walk or run 3 miles if the weather is nice but I generally don't do any planks. Your core needs time to recover just like any other muscle.

    Keep up the good work!
  • blackburn23
    blackburn23 Posts: 385 Member
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    March 8: 1 min (4x15 sec intervals)
    March 9: 1 min (4x15 sec intervals)
    March 10: 1 min (2x15 sec intervals; 3x10 sec intervals)
    March 11: 1 min (1x20 sec interval; 2x15 sec intervals) I pushed for the extra 5 secs on the first interval. I have to be honest and admit that I had no idea planks were so hard! Thanks Alzzi76 for the support!
    **Just realized I forgot my 1x10 sec interval on March 11th.**
    March 12: 1 min 20 sec (2x10 sec intervals; 3x20 sec intervals) That extra 20 secs were killer, but I know I am going to have to pick it up in order to make my 30 mins for the month.
    March 13: 1 min 40 sec (4x10 sec intervals; 3x20 sec intervals) **7 mins total so far.
    March 14: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **9 mins total.
    March 15: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **11 mins total.
    March 16: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **13 mins total.
  • wagenuka
    wagenuka Posts: 7 Member
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    Ok. I'm failing badly towards my goal. I've been struggling with pain (i have fibro) since i started with doing planks. I have made adjustments to my diet and to my meds that i think were contributing problems. But i think the planks are also a problem. Since i don't want to give up without a fight does anyone have suggestions for building up towards planks. My weak spot is my neck/spine between my shoulder blades. Any ideas on building strength or stretches for that area that will help?

    I've rested a few days and now the pain there is much reduced. I am adding cow face pose and eagle to my yoga routine. I am thinking i may step back further than i have and try for only 1 15sec plank a day. Any other tips or thoughts on this approach?
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
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    wagenuka wrote: »
    Ok. I'm failing badly towards my goal. I've been struggling with pain (i have fibro) since i started with doing planks. I have made adjustments to my diet and to my meds that i think were contributing problems. But i think the planks are also a problem. Since i don't want to give up without a fight does anyone have suggestions for building up towards planks. My weak spot is my neck/spine between my shoulder blades. Any ideas on building strength or stretches for that area that will help?

    I've rested a few days and now the pain there is much reduced. I am adding cow face pose and eagle to my yoga routine. I am thinking i may step back further than i have and try for only 1 15sec plank a day. Any other tips or thoughts on this approach?

    I have problems in those areas also. I mostly do elbow planks...then switch to one side...one arm plank..I rest on my stomach and stetch arms out...do the superman....relax...then I do more elbow and to the other side. I can only go for 30 seconds each...best to watch your form...keep your head down and only hold until it starts to effect your form...Hope that helps a little! :)
  • GrandmaJackie
    GrandmaJackie Posts: 36,308 Member
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    3x9p34zjzspc.jpeg
    Day 1 ✅
    Day 2 ✅
    Day 3 ✅
    Day 4 ✅
    Day 5 ✅
    Day 6 rest
    Day 7 ✅
    Day 8 ✅
    Day 9 ✅
    Day 10 ✅
    Day 11 ✅
    Day 12 ✅
    Day 13 rest
    Day 14 ✅
    Day 15 ✅
    Day 16 ✅
    Day 17
    Day 18
    Day 19
    Day 20 rest
  • wagenuka
    wagenuka Posts: 7 Member
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    Thanks MaryBeth. I'll keep those suggestions in mind and see if they help.
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
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    I am in again for March....doing mixed 30 second planks...120 minutes
    March 1=4 Minutes
    3/2; 3 min=7
    3/3; 8 min=15 done so far
    3/4; 5 min=20 done
    3/5; 8= 28 done
    3/6; 5=33
    3/7; 5=38
    3/8; rest
    3/9; rest
    3/10; 5=43
    3/11; rest
    3/12; 3=46 I have been a little under the weather.....starting to feel better and doing more today.
    3/13 rest
    3/14; 5...51
    3/15; 8...59 I am on track to get to 120...about half way there...
    3/16---rest..
    317; 8...67
  • brightresolve
    brightresolve Posts: 1,024 Member
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    @wagenuka, great suggestions from @MaryBethHempel -

    I have noted an increase in incidence of headache pain associated with doing too much planking or other upper body work - one thing I have started to try to do is make sure I am breathing in a relaxed way the whole time, and trying to be aware of tightening the core (good form) instead of letting myself hang like a hammock between tight shoulders and toes, bad form! Meanwhile, as my upper body slowly gets stronger the problems appear to be releasing.
  • blackburn23
    blackburn23 Posts: 385 Member
    Options
    March 8: 1 min (4x15 sec intervals)
    March 9: 1 min (4x15 sec intervals)
    March 10: 1 min (2x15 sec intervals; 3x10 sec intervals)
    March 11: 1 min (1x20 sec interval; 2x15 sec intervals) I pushed for the extra 5 secs on the first interval. I have to be honest and admit that I had no idea planks were so hard! Thanks Alzzi76 for the support!
    **Just realized I forgot my 1x10 sec interval on March 11th.**
    March 12: 1 min 20 sec (2x10 sec intervals; 3x20 sec intervals) That extra 20 secs were killer, but I know I am going to have to pick it up in order to make my 30 mins for the month.
    March 13: 1 min 40 sec (4x10 sec intervals; 3x20 sec intervals) **7 mins total so far.
    March 14: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **9 mins total.
    March 15: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **11 mins total.
    March 16: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **13 mins total.
    March 17: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **15 mins total.
  • blackburn23
    blackburn23 Posts: 385 Member
    Options
    wagenuka: I also have fibro. Have had it for years and I am just a beginner on the planks. I do the forearm planks because I recently had carpal tunnel release and can't put much weight on my right wrist. I also don't do them all at one time, which seems to help reduce some of the muscle tension in my neck and shoulders.

    MaryBeth: Your suggestions were great ones!
  • klkc2005
    klkc2005 Posts: 41 Member
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    I’ve been planking every day. I don’t really know how many minutes I do every day but it’s anywhere from 2 min to 6 Mina day. Not at once. I’m now also doing extreme planks. We have a new puppy who tries to bite my ears, nose, hair, or whatever he can get ahold of. Makes planking a lot more interesting. Lol
  • blackburn23
    blackburn23 Posts: 385 Member
    Options
    March 8: 1 min (4x15 sec intervals)
    March 9: 1 min (4x15 sec intervals)
    March 10: 1 min (2x15 sec intervals; 3x10 sec intervals)
    March 11: 1 min (1x20 sec interval; 2x15 sec intervals) I pushed for the extra 5 secs on the first interval. I have to be honest and admit that I had no idea planks were so hard! Thanks Alzzi76 for the support!
    **Just realized I forgot my 1x10 sec interval on March 11th.**
    March 12: 1 min 20 sec (2x10 sec intervals; 3x20 sec intervals) That extra 20 secs were killer, but I know I am going to have to pick it up in order to make my 30 mins for the month.
    March 13: 1 min 40 sec (4x10 sec intervals; 3x20 sec intervals) **7 mins total so far.
    March 14: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **9 mins total.
    March 15: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **11 mins total.
    March 16: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **13 mins total.
    March 17: 2 mins (6x20 sec intervals) **15 mins total.
    March 18: NCAA tourney rest day...(Go Heels!)
  • GrandmaJackie
    GrandmaJackie Posts: 36,308 Member
    edited March 2018
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    GrandmaJackie wrote: »
    3x9p34zjzspc.jpeg
    Day 1 ✅
    Day 2 ✅
    Day 3 ✅
    Day 4 ✅
    Day 5 ✅
    Day 6 rest
    Day 7 ✅
    Day 8 ✅
    Day 9 ✅
    Day 10 ✅
    Day 11 ✅
    Day 12 ✅
    Day 13 rest
    Day 14 ✅
    Day 15 ✅
    Day 16 ✅
    Day 17 ✅
    Day 18 ✅
    Day 19
    Day 20 rest

  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    Options
    March 1, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 2, Planned Rest Day
    March 3, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 4, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 5, Planned Rest Day
    March 6, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 7, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 8, Planned Rest Day
    March 9, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 10, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 11, Planned Rest Day
    March 12, Planned Rest Day
    March 13, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 14, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 15, Planned Rest Day
    March 16, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 17, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 18, Planned Rest Day
    March 19, Planned Rest Day

    Total for March 110 minutes, 70 left to goal!
  • MaryBethHempel
    MaryBethHempel Posts: 513 Member
    Options
    I am in again for March....doing mixed 30 second planks...120 minutes
    March 1=4 Minutes
    3/2; 3 min=7
    3/3; 8 min=15 done so far
    3/4; 5 min=20 done
    3/5; 8= 28 done
    3/6; 5=33
    3/7; 5=38
    3/8; rest
    3/9; rest
    3/10; 5=43
    3/11; rest
    3/12; 3=46 I have been a little under the weather.....starting to feel better and doing more today.
    3/13 rest
    3/14; 5...51
    3/15; 8...59 I am on track to get to 120...about half way there...
    3/16---rest..
    3/17; 8...67
    3/18; 3...69
    3/19; 3...72
  • MegaMooseEsq
    MegaMooseEsq Posts: 3,118 Member
    edited March 2018
    Options
    3/1: 4 minutes mixed
    3/2: 5 minutes mixed
    3/3: 5 minutes mixed
    3/4: 1 minute mixed
    3/5: 2 minutes mixed (knee)
    3/6: 2 minutes mixed (knee)
    3/7: -
    3/8: 5 minutes mixed (knee)
    3/9: -
    3/10: 5 minutes mixed (knee and full extension)
    3/11: 2 minutes mixed (full extension)
    3/12: 1 minute mixed
    3/13: -
    3/14: 5 minutes mixed (first time trying rotating and reverse planks - fun!)
    3/15: 4:40 minutes mixed
    3/16: 4 minutes mixed
    3/17: -
    3/18: 5 minutes mixed (3 minutes of rotating planks! This might be my new favorite thing. I need to work out a better timing system, though.)

    Total for March: 50 minutes, 40 seconds
    Spliner1969 wrote: »
    MegaMooseEsq wrote: »
    At the halfway point for March, I'm feeling pretty good about hitting 60 minutes, so I'm going to up my goal to 90 minutes and see how that flies. I've also decided to take a day off at least every four days, hopefully avoiding any further foot shenanigans.

    Excellent! I take 2 days off a week minimum, and unless it's a short month or I have something interfering with my normal schedule (Vacation/etc.) I take a third as well. That third day I'll sometimes walk or run 3 miles if the weather is nice but I generally don't do any planks. Your core needs time to recover just like any other muscle.

    Keep up the good work!

    Thanks! I've tried to keep an eye on getting the right amount of rest since I got on this fitness train last year, but I've got to reevaluate every time I add something new. Thank goodness for GoogleSheets and MFP - the secrets to my success.

    I've ordered a yoga mat that should be delivered today so I can do planks in the bedroom instead of down in my basement gym. Should be a good option when I'm watching the dogs while the spouse is cooking. Bare hardwood floor is a no-go for sure.
  • GrandmaJackie
    GrandmaJackie Posts: 36,308 Member
    edited March 2018
    Options
    3x9p34zjzspc.jpeg
    Day 1 ✅
    Day 2 ✅
    Day 3 ✅
    Day 4 ✅
    Day 5 ✅
    Day 6 rest
    Day 7 ✅
    Day 8 ✅
    Day 9 ✅
    Day 10 ✅
    Day 11 ✅
    Day 12 ✅
    Day 13 rest
    Day 14 ✅
    Day 15 ✅
    Day 16 ✅
    Day 17 ✅
    Day 18 ✅
    Day 19 ✅ (5 mins)
    Day 20
    Day 21
    Day 22
  • saragd012
    saragd012 Posts: 693 Member
    Options
    Not doing as well as I had hoped, I honestly just completely forgot about it for nearly 3 full days... Going to try to amp up over the next few days.
    March 8, 3 x 45 second planks
    March 9, 3 x 60 second planks
    March 10, 2 x 60 second planks
    March 11, Rest (Not planned, forgot)
    March 12, 2 x 60 second planks & 1 90 second plank
    March 13, 2 x 60 second planks & 1 90 second plank
    March 14, 2 x 60 second side planks & 1 60 second (regular) plank
    March 15, Rest
    March 16, 2 x 60 second planks & 1 90 second plank
    March 17, Rest
    March 18, Rest
    March 19. 1 X 90 second plank
    =22 minutes and 25 seconds
  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    Options
    March 1, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 2, Planned Rest Day
    March 3, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 4, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 5, Planned Rest Day
    March 6, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 7, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 8, Planned Rest Day
    March 9, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 10, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 11, Planned Rest Day
    March 12, Planned Rest Day
    March 13, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 14, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 15, Planned Rest Day
    March 16, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 17, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 18, Planned Rest Day
    March 19, Planned Rest Day
    March 20, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)

    Total for March 120 minutes, 60 left to goal!
  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    Options
    March 1, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 2, Planned Rest Day
    March 3, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 4, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 5, Planned Rest Day
    March 6, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 7, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 8, Planned Rest Day
    March 9, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 10, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 11, Planned Rest Day
    March 12, Planned Rest Day
    March 13, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 14, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 15, Planned Rest Day
    March 16, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 17, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 18, Planned Rest Day
    March 19, Planned Rest Day
    March 20, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)
    March 21, 2x5 min mixed planks (10 min)

    Total for March 130 minutes, 50 left to goal!

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