To Plank or not to Plank!

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coretemp
coretemp Posts: 1,796 Member
It's never dawned on me to try Planking before but this looks like a great way to start the morning, starting well... this morning! lol - What say you? Are you a Planker? : )

The 30 Day Plank Challenge will send your core strength through the roof! Yes, all you have to do is HOLD this position, nothing else! It looks pretty easy, but it isn't!

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Day 1 - 20 seconds
Day 2 - 20 seconds
Day 3 - 30 seconds
Day 4 - 30 seconds
Day 5 - 40 seconds
Day 6 - REST
Day 7 - 45 seconds
Day 8 - 45 seconds
Day 9 - 60 seconds
Day 10 - 60 seconds
Day 11 - 60 seconds
Day 12 - 90 seconds
Day 13 - REST
Day 14 - 90 seconds
Day 15 - 90 seconds
Day 16 - 120 seconds
Day 17 - 120 seconds
Day 18 - 150 seconds
Day 19 - REST
Day 20 - 150 seconds
Day 21 - 150 seconds
Day 22 - 180 seconds
Day 23 - 180 seconds
Day 24 - 210 seconds
Day 25 - 210 seconds
Day 26 - REST
Day 27 - 240 seconds
Day 28 - 240 seconds
Day 29 - 270 seconds
Day 30 - PLANK FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE!!

Benefits of Plank Exercise:

It strengthens your lower back
It develops your core muscles – which include the abs, back, hips and the butt.
Helps you to avoid injuries and encourage good posture
Can be done anywhere
Develops your abdominals by targeting the rectus abdominis
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Replies

  • Nicola1944
    Nicola1944 Posts: 348 Member
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    Bump for later - Thank you for sharing this!!!!!!
  • coretemp
    coretemp Posts: 1,796 Member
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    Bump for later - Thank you for sharing this!!!!!!

    No problem!
  • tiddles_yeah
    tiddles_yeah Posts: 117 Member
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    You can also do weighted planks, i do those. You place a weight on your back to make the plank more difficult

    Or you can extend you elbows further upwards, away from your head which also makes the planks more difficult

    Tis fun though!
  • rnctipton
    rnctipton Posts: 134 Member
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    I actually just printed this the other day...did it for about 3 days, then slacked off. Now is a good time to get back to it!
  • mockchoc
    mockchoc Posts: 6,573 Member
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    I wish you'd asked this earlier! I would have done it since I've wanted to try planking and not done it but now I'm booked into a new gym to learn to strength train I'm worried it might be too much for me. I'm only really use to cardio and I'm a bit older than you so not sure I can do both.
  • ann121212
    ann121212 Posts: 290 Member
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    I plank regularly (my elbows gave way to age for push ups) but i had not thought to time them. Thanks for the info and idea :happy:
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
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    Mockchoc, a minute's plank a day is not going to interfere with a gym routine!
  • Nilasaurus
    Nilasaurus Posts: 68 Member
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    bump
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,400 Member
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    Just started planking at 58 yrs 3 weeks ago. I started out at 25 sec and am now at 40. I can already see a tightening in the crucial abdominal area. I hope to get to 60 sec before Christmas. It's great and doesn't take much time at home. anyone can find a minute!
  • MisterDerpington
    MisterDerpington Posts: 604 Member
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    I'd hope those seconds were a total and not just one plank because I'm not so sure you gain muscle endurance in your abs that quickly if you're trying to do it with one plank.
  • Patrick0321
    Patrick0321 Posts: 102 Member
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    I'm doing this not sure my technique is quite right, but hoping that comes as the days go on and I get stronger doing it. Finish Christmas Eve if I stay on it
  • whizzlers
    whizzlers Posts: 101 Member
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    bump
  • Louttie
    Louttie Posts: 139 Member
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    bump! thanks for the share this is great :)
  • melaniecheeks
    melaniecheeks Posts: 6,349 Member
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    Technique wise, that's how I do it, but I've also seen versions where you lean on your palms, not your elbows.
  • snowflake954
    snowflake954 Posts: 8,400 Member
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    It was one plank--however I've been doing 45 min of stretching exercises and 40 min swimming plus 30 min aqua-gym 3 times a week for 18 yrs. I also had "only" 30 lbs to lose and I'm halfway. So, I'm not depending only on planking. I just decided to add it to my stretching routine and after 3 weeks can see a difference with only "one" plank. So I will definately keep going and hope to increase that plank. I just wanted older folks to know they don't have to be afraid to try it if they're used to exercising.
  • blably
    blably Posts: 490 Member
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    im in!

    the core seems like the weakest part of my body!
  • Thanks for sharing....it will help alot of people..especially me
  • Fit_Lean_Priya
    Fit_Lean_Priya Posts: 164 Member
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    Bookmarked
  • cbroadberry
    cbroadberry Posts: 130 Member
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    im in! thanks for sharing :)
  • LauraElectric
    LauraElectric Posts: 51 Member
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    Bump to print later, thanks :)