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I know what planking can do for my body, but I still struggled with motivation along the way.
Call me a masochist, but I love a good plank.
Forearm planks were part of my 30-day plank challenge.Shape/Kara Cutruzzula
For a while, I lost sight of the obvious benefits of planking, so we went on hiatus.
And, of course, I never planked again that entire season.
That’s what happens.
Forearm planks were part of my 30-day plank challenge.Shape/Kara Cutruzzula
Youthinkthese movements are so small they don’t matter, but they totally do.
So, what does planking do for your body?
So yeah, there are plenty of reasons why planks are good for the body.
So, I told myself it was time to re-plank my way to fitness.
Then I got started.
Then suddenly, one timer dings.
I move from a forearm plank to a side plank.
Three tiny beads of sweat form on my forehead.
I make a run at focus on the thought, “What does planking do for you?”
I do not recommend this.
Day 3:Yep, more planks.
Day 4:Oops, I forgot to plank today, but I think I’ve discovered the problem.
Habits get locked in when they’re instituted by a trigger action.
(Changing into pajamas signals it’s time to brush your teeth, etc.)
Day 5:Aha!
Here’s my trigger action running.
Sleepy arms don’t like planks, but I do find one new trick.
There are no breaks, but I’m finished much faster.
Day 7:Now I’m really getting creative.
Full plank, forearm plank, side planks, and a bicycle plank.
(OK, maybe I made this exercise up, but I felt like moving my legs.).
Plank Challenge: Week 2
Day 8:Time to check up on proper plank form.
Day 10:Five solid planks before showering in the morning.
I forget to plank.
Day 12:I forgot to plankagain.
I think about how finding time for exercise can feel like a luxury.
In the hierarchy of daily priorities, something’s always gotta give.
Day 13:I remember to plank but don’t feel like it.
I’m not going to lie; I feel pretty guilty.
Day 14:Why do we self-sabotage our exercise habits?
This is a real question.
There are 1,440 minutes in a day, and this activity only takes upfive.
I get down on the floor, set my timer, and planking is hard again.
I feel like I’ve gone backward, and the struggle is real.
Day 16:I don’t…feel…like…planking.
Day 17:I don’t plank, and in the process, I learn something new about myself.
When I feel forced to do something, I can quickly grow to resent it.
And right now doing five minutes of planks no longer feels like a choice.
It feels like a chore.
Day 18:Planking today feels like doing the dishes or remembering to take out the trash.
I decided to stick to my original plan and opt for that challenge another day.
Day 19:Suddenly, another big problem with this challenge dawns on me.
Toward the beginning of the 30-day sprint, I got injured and stopped my marathon training.
It’s all a matter of asking yourself, “What does planking do for you?”
Day 20:Feeling positive, I do a plank with a leg lift.
Then, a high plank with a shoulder touch and a high plank with an arm raise.
I’m a planking machine!
Day 21:After a busy day of meetings and deadlines, I forget to plank again.
$#@$#.
Plank Challenge: Week 4
Day 22:Planks done.
Day 23:Done again!
Day 24:Today, they’re easier than ever, and I feel stronger.
Or rather, I avoided it.
I think I dream of planks.
I was missing that motivation.
Day 27:I have a go at do aplank with a push-up.
They’re fun but hard.
I miss running, but I remember this will help me run.
Day 29:Finally, I’m done and done.
Day 30:I have planked my way to victory!
Plank Challenge: Lessons Learned
Not every day was successful.
Treating each day like a short chance to accomplish micro goals was helpful.
The point was to challenge myself mentally and physically.
I might give it another spin tomorrow.
Tips for Getting Started With a Plank Challenge
Want to get started with planks yourself?
A good place to begin isThe Ultimate 30-Day Plank Challenge for Your Strongest Core Ever.
(Just be sure to consult a doctor before beginning any new exercise.)
If holding a plank for a minute (or less!)
is challenging, try distracting yourself with music or a podcast.
To keep the challenge interesting, switch things up by trying different types of planks.
