Side plank - can it be modified?

karensoxfan

For reference, I'm a beginner when it comes to exercise. In my whole adult life, I've never done any activity more than 1-2 months, and I've never done any circuit training or other strength-building routine that long. So I decided to tackle the 10 Pound Slimdown on Exercise TV, and I committed to completing the whole 30-day plan. Day 1 was yesterday - upper body. Today was Day 2 - lower body & core. Here's a blog post detailing how awful I felt during and afterwards: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/karensoxfan/view/what-was-i-thinking-129129

So my question is about side planks. I can't do them. (Yet.) Even on my elbow instead of arm extended. I struggled HARD to even hold a modified classic plank (knees down) instead.

Are there any other modifications I could try until I'm able to get the side plank? Or should I just keep trying to hold the modified classic plank while the video does the side plank moves?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

mspix

You might start with the Kneeling Side Plank - this video gives a great example/explanation

http://www.ehow.com/video_4946828_yoga-kneeling-side-plank-pose.html

rybo

Assuming you are doing a side plank on your right arm

Bring you left leg up by bending your knee and placing your foot on the ground around mid-thigh of your straight leg. This may help you hold the position longer.

karensoxfan

Thanks - I'm @ work, but I'll have to watch the video @ home.

I actually tried balancing on my left arm this morning, but maybe balancing on my right arm might be easier? If not, I'll definitely try putting the foot attached to my "top" leg down in front of me. Thanks for the tip!