60 Minutes per Month Plank Challenge - November 2019!

jeffrey_ad
jeffrey_ad Posts: 789 Member
edited October 2019 in Challenges
Welcome to November! Let's continue the daily plank challenge and continue the tradition of @Spliner1969:

This is a pretty simple challenge thread for those that want to have some accountability with their plank workouts. This plank challenge thread is meant to be flexible enough that people of various fitness levels should be able to successfully complete it as long as they are consistent with doing their planks regularly. If you find you cannot complete 60 minutes. or want to do more, you are welcome to set your own goals, many of us do.

Original Challenge Goal - 60 minutes of planks for the month. That's about 2 minutes of planks daily, or 3 minutes of planks for 20 days or 5 minutes of planks for 12 days...or...what ever you want to do to reach the challenge goal. I, personally, do mixed planks of up to 10 minutes per day. I split them up throughout my normal workouts or do them in a couple of longer mixed sets at the end of my normal workout routine.

>>If you are already a planking superstar or start to consistently hit the challenge goal, feel free to post your own goal at the beginning of the challenge that is higher than the one for the posted challenge. Or post an updated goal once you hit 60 minutes.
>>If you join us late in the month, feel free to post an alternate goal that is in the spirit of the original challenge (for example, joining around the 15th would be a 30 minute plank challenge to finish out the month).

How many sets? As many as you need. If you can do a 5 minute plank in one set, that is amazing!! If you want to do a few sets of 1 - 2 minute planks, that's amazing too! If you need to break up your planks into multiple sets of 15-30 seconds, that's complete fine! I do a 5-minute set that goes something like this:

30 seconds forearm, 30 seconds straight arm with 15 push ups added in for good measure, 30 seconds left side plank, 30 seconds right side plank, repeat the 30 second side planks until I hit 5 minutes total without stopping. Mixing things up gives me a more rounded workout, and I generally never hold any one position longer than 1 minute. I'll then stop, do some yoga, stretching, maybe a few crunches or leg lifts, inverted bicycles, then I'll go back and do this 5-minute plank again to finish up my 10 minutes for the day. Feel free to create your own or mix things up however you would like.

Types of planks? ALL planks and their variations count! Straight arm planks, forearm/elbow planks, side planks, reverse planks, etc. This allows you to vary your planks depending on your personal workout goals. (See next post for a variety of planking ideas.) I even add push ups during some of my planks as well as leg raises, etc. to push just a bit harder. Remember form is more important than length of the plank. Don't slouch. Make sure your core is tight during each plank, don't put all the pressure on your arms or legs, don't slouch. There are plenty of youtube videos (some examples below) about how to make a plank effective with good form. Take some time and view a few of them. It'll help in the long run. Your times can increase as you get better, no worries if you can only do a few seconds at first. Rest, and do a few more seconds, or switch positions. If any of you find better examples you’d like included in the examples below, please post them and I’ll add them in next month. Want to make your own video? Go for it, I’d be super happy to post it.

How to join / participate? Just post your intended goal, then the total minutes of the planks you did for the day and your running total for the month. Just post either daily or as often as you can with your running totals. Some of us only get time to post on the weekends or get tied up doing other things. Catch up when you can, no pressure. No spreadsheets, no groups. Easy peasy.

Last month's 60 minute plank challenge thread:

https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10766777/60-minutes-per-month-plank-challenge-october-2019

Welcome and get planking!!

I am continuing this challenge for @Spliner1969 who continued it for @b3achy, the original author. All credit goes to her for starting this thing many many moons ago. All original examples, quoted text, and ideas were, and still are, her contribution. She tells me she copied this from another site, well.. it's ours now! I take no credit here, just keeping the torch lit in her absence. Stay tuned for some examples, and happy planking!

I'd like to add (as stated above in bold) that it has long since been a tradition that we accept any goal. If you don't feel you can do 60 minutes, or if you start late in the month, we want you here. So post your personal goal and start planking. You can come back each month and increase your times until you reach the challenge goal or go beyond it. Some of us go way beyond it and that's ok too. There's no need to feel you have to out match someone else. Your goals are just that, yours. We have never been judgmental. Everyone needs a strong core, and we believe this is a good path to that goal!

Some examples:

30 Day Beginner Plank Challenge - builds to a 2 minute plank (total is 26 minutes and 55 seconds for the month, so 33 minutes and 5 seconds short of 60 minutes. Recommend doing multiples earlier in the program when they are shorter to get more minutes for 60):
76aron673gy9.png


30 Day Advanced Plank Workout - building to 5 minute planks (total is 53 minutes and 20 seconds for the month, so 6 minutes and 40 seconds short of 60 minutes unless you do multiples earlier in the program):
jpww9tz9hwpi.png



Here's an Alternate 30 Day Plank Workout (for beginners, intermediate, and advanced) that also builds to 5 minutes of Planks (by doing multiples of no more than 30 sec planks; also 53 minutes and 20 seconds for the month):
lcuynnodi490.png

For details on the variations, here's the full slideshow: https://www.slideshare.net/TodaysFitnessTrainer/30-day-plank-challenge
@b3achy wrote: »
Intermediate Plank Workouts:
These are intermediate level workouts, good to try once you have a good foundation of standard planks and are looking for something more interesting or with more variety.

3 minute Bowflex Plank Workout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynUw0YsrmSg

Rebecca Louise 5 minute Plank Workout (shows nearly proper form (butt's a little too far in the air, IMO), and modified forms):
https://youtu.be/O1Ge7uGpjFY

DareBee 5 minute Plank Workout:
q4bdje7vjjsa.png


DareBee Killer Core Plank Workout:

u8d2v9wdszqb.png


Advanced Workouts:
Do not try these if you have never done a plank before. These are workouts to build up to once you successfully establish a good foundation of standard planks (and probably only once you've managed to do some of the intermediate workouts).

15 Minute Advanced Plank Workout:
8vzt059axsve.png


See details in this article ~ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/plank-abs-workout

FitnessBlender 10 minute Advanced Plank Workout (this looks brutal):

https://youtu.be/3DNN9a5pU2A

Remember, multiple sets of short duration well-executed planks will be better than longer holds:
ejuwn6scldds.png

https://blog.myfitnesspal.com/are-you-holding-planks-too-long/

More excellent tips here. Thanks to @dewit for sharing!
https://youtu.be/lismOShjHnA
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Replies

  • jeffrey_ad
    jeffrey_ad Posts: 789 Member
    Goal 100
    Nov 1 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Total 5
    Remaining 95
  • caloricus
    caloricus Posts: 591 Member
    Okay. I am in but can only try the 30 Day Beginner Plank Challenge as is. So I will be short the 60 if that is okay.

    Goal: complete the 30 Day Beginner Planks
    Nov. 1 15 sec
  • jeffrey_ad
    jeffrey_ad Posts: 789 Member
    caloricus wrote: »
    Okay. I am in but can only try the 30 Day Beginner Plank Challenge as is. So I will be short the 60 if that is okay.

    Goal: complete the 30 Day Beginner Planks
    Nov. 1 15 sec

    Welcome! That’s great. That’s a good program to start with.
  • lesdarts180
    lesdarts180 Posts: 3,053 Member
    I'm in again, will try for 120 minutes.

    Goal 120 minutes. (will see how things pan out)

    01/11 6 mins mixed planks
  • ellie117
    ellie117 Posts: 293 Member
    edited November 2019
    Joining! My core muscles need a serious boost.
    Goal: 60
  • Anabirgite
    Anabirgite Posts: 537 Member
    November 1- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 30 seconds mountain climbers.
  • dewit
    dewit Posts: 1,468 Member
    Thanks for keeping this going, @jeffrey_ad 🌷. Kinda got scared that after achieving my goal I have to reset&repeat, but after starting strong on the 1st, I am happy to try again, setting the same goal, but hoping for more correct planks 🍀 and for overcoming my goal by 15% 😉.

    Goal:60
    Nov 1st: 3:00 Bowflex

    Total so far: 3
    Remaining: 57
  • caloricus
    caloricus Posts: 591 Member
    Goal: Beginner Plank Challenge
    Nov 1 15 sec
    Nov 2 20 sec
  • toysis
    toysis Posts: 8 Member
    Hi 👋🏽 I’m in, Goal 60, thanks for all the wonderful information!
  • dewit
    dewit Posts: 1,468 Member
    Goal:60
    Nov 1: 3:00 Bowflex
    Nov 2: 4:00 within the HIIT workout + extra 2 min of planks at the end
    Nov 3: 5:00 of this below, with breaks!

    This is what I'll be working towards this month. A tough one for me for sure!
    Total so far: 12
    Remaining: 48

  • Anabirgite
    Anabirgite Posts: 537 Member
    November 1- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 30 seconds mountain climbers.
    November 2- pulled muscle in chest, rest day...
    November 3- 60 seconds planks, 60 seconds mountain climbers/ upend down planks

    Running Total: 2:30
  • lesdarts180
    lesdarts180 Posts: 3,053 Member
    Goal 120 minutes.
    01/11 6 mins mixed planks
    02/11 6 mins mixed planks
    03/11 6 mins mixed planks

    Total 18 minutes
    Remaining 102 minutes
  • caloricus
    caloricus Posts: 591 Member
    Goal: Beginner Plank Challenge
    Nov 1 15 sec
    Nov 2 20 sec
    Nov 3 20 sec
    Nov 4 30 sec

    This was so hard this morning. Not sure if I can do a plank over 20 seconds. Is it okay if I break my daily goal into two smaller planks? I would rather modify than throw in the towel.
  • jeffrey_ad
    jeffrey_ad Posts: 789 Member
    Goal 100
    Nov 1 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Nov 2 rest day
    Nov 3 rest day
    Nov 4 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Total 10
    Remaining 90
  • aklrn
    aklrn Posts: 20 Member
    Oooh. I like that Darebee 5 minute plank workout.
    Will try to do every 2 days. It's a start. Thanks for the challenge!
  • dewit
    dewit Posts: 1,468 Member
    Goal:60
    Nov 1: 3:00 Bowflex
    Nov 2: 4:00 within the HIIT workout + extra 2 min of planks at the end
    Nov 3: 5:00 of this below, with breaks!
    Nov 4: 3:00 Bowflex
    Nov 5: 3:00 Bowflex

    This is what I'll be working towards this month. A tough one for me for sure!
    Total so far: 18
    Remaining: 42

  • Anabirgite
    Anabirgite Posts: 537 Member
    November 1- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 30 seconds mountain climbers.
    November 2- pulled muscle in chest, rest day...
    November 3- 60 seconds planks, 60 seconds mountain climbers/ upend down planks
    November 4- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 60 seconds mountain climbers

    Running Total: 2:30
  • jeffrey_ad
    jeffrey_ad Posts: 789 Member
    Goal 100
    Nov 1 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Nov 2 rest day
    Nov 3 rest day
    Nov 4 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Nov 5 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Total 15
    Remaining 85
  • Anabirgite
    Anabirgite Posts: 537 Member
    November 1- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 30 seconds mountain climbers.
    November 2- pulled muscle in chest, rest day...
    November 3- 60 seconds planks, 60 seconds mountain climbers/ upend down planks
    November 4- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 60 seconds mountain climbers
    November 5- 60 second full arm plank
  • mamabear4ever1177
    mamabear4ever1177 Posts: 20 Member
    This sounds excellent! I'd like to join, but getting a late start. Definitely beginner level for me. Thanks for this. A strong core is a great goal and really need the motivation that accountability can provide.
  • dewit
    dewit Posts: 1,468 Member
    Goal:60
    Nov 1: 3:00 Bowflex
    Nov 2: 4:00 within the HIIT workout + extra 2 min of planks at the end
    Nov 3: 5:00 of this below, with breaks!
    Nov 4: 3:00 Bowflex
    Nov 5: 3:00 Bowflex
    Nov 6: 3:30 as part of the HIIT workout

    This is what I'll be working towards this month. A tough one for me for sure!
    Total so far: 21:30
    Remaining: 38:30

    Yesterday I noticed for the first time the impact on the core when you adopt the proper position. Lower back should not hurt!

    Also learnt recently that shaking is a good sign, as it means that you engage the muscles!

    Happy to see more people join! Welcome @mamabear4ever1177 :flowerforyou:
  • jeffrey_ad
    jeffrey_ad Posts: 789 Member
    Goal 100
    Nov 1 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Nov 2 rest day
    Nov 3 rest day
    Nov 4 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Nov 5 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Nov 6 5:00 (2x5x30s)
    Total 20
    Remaining 80
  • caloricus
    caloricus Posts: 591 Member
    Goal: Beginner Plank Challenge
    Nov 1 15 sec
    Nov 2 20 sec
    Nov 3 20 sec
    Nov 4 30 sec
    Nov 5 rest
    Nov 6 35 sec
  • Anabirgite
    Anabirgite Posts: 537 Member
    November 1- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 30 seconds mountain climbers.
    November 2- pulled muscle in chest, rest day...
    November 3- 60 seconds planks, 60 seconds mountain climbers/ upend down planks
    November 4- 60 second planks, 60 seconds rotating extensions, 60 seconds mountain climbers
    November 5- 60 second full arm plank
    November 6- 60 second full arm, 30 second elbow, 30 second leg lifts
  • mamabear4ever1177
    mamabear4ever1177 Posts: 20 Member
    Goal: Beginner Plank Challenge
    Nov. 6 90sec (2x15 full plank)(2x15 elbow)
    (2x15 side plank)
  • mamabear4ever1177
    mamabear4ever1177 Posts: 20 Member
    Goal: Beginner Plank Challenge

    Nov. 6 90sec
    2x15sec full plank
    2x15sec elbow plank
    2x15sec side plank

  • mamabear4ever1177
    mamabear4ever1177 Posts: 20 Member
    Can't figure out the editing process on this, either it's unlike any community I've been with or I'm missing something. Helpful hints please?
  • mrsjar5311
    mrsjar5311 Posts: 514 Member
    Joining! Will start today and aim for 1 minute
  • jeffrey_ad
    jeffrey_ad Posts: 789 Member
    Can't figure out the editing process on this, either it's unlike any community I've been with or I'm missing something. Helpful hints please?

    @mamabear4ever1177 you are able to “edit” a post for an hour. There should be a button in upper right for that. For a new post I usually copy my previous post then add to it. Hope this helps.
  • lesdarts180
    lesdarts180 Posts: 3,053 Member
    caloricus wrote: »
    Goal: Beginner Plank Challenge
    Nov 1 15 sec
    Nov 2 20 sec
    Nov 3 20 sec
    Nov 4 30 sec

    This was so hard this morning. Not sure if I can do a plank over 20 seconds. Is it okay if I break my daily goal into two smaller planks? I would rather modify than throw in the towel.

    Definitely don't give up! You've made a great start. There's no judgement here - just do what you can. 2 x 15 seconds is good. You will be suprised how quickly you improve. 3 x 15 seconds then 3 x 20 seconds and that's a minute.