Scope of the challenge: A plank a day for 3 weeks. Minimum 90 seconds each though I will attempt to build up by 10 seconds every few days
Challenge started: 26/3/14 Current status: complete (and being repeated)
Jones and I met over a plank......at a boot camp....many years ago now. We were both trying to outdo one another. He won - annoyingly. Obviously he has never let it be forgotten.
As a time-poor individual, I've taken up meditation in the hope that a few minutes every day is a time-efficient way to relax and get some headspace. Planking fits into the same category for my body. I love exercising, getting out there and putting myself through my paces but it's not always logistically possible between kids & work. I need something I can do every day, at home, even with the kids right there that will make me feel like I am doing something good for my body.
...not to mention, 2 kids in 3 years - body needs some serious strengthening and tightening.
Lastly, half of this challenge we will be on a family holiday where I intend to relax & indulge so a mere 90 seconds per day will help mentally offset all the baking and eating I plan on doing :)
So......anyone with me?
Ok, well it's now far more than 3 weeks since I began this challenge - more like 5. I shot out of the starting gate - enthusiastically planking away.....getting friends, kids, relatives to join me (all surprisingly voluntary and willing). 90 seconds is actually a lot harder than you'd think but it is, after all, only 90 seconds so most people are up for giving it a go - ultimately it's doable, bearable and over before you know it.
I planked away conscientiously and happily for I'd say two weeks solid and then, lost in a wonderful haze of holiday.....I just sort of forgot one day. Then forgot the next and then......just forgot. My planking commitment and momentum temporarily repurposed behind long lazy holiday meals, late nights, cheese, wine, cheese....oh the cheese!! ( we were in France.....come on....who could blame me?)
On leaving la France and returning to a more routine world, I'm back on the planks and intend to keep them up. I'll do another 3 weeks solid to make up for my half-arsed attempt this time.
While I'm disappointed I didn't do my 21 days straight, I probably wouldn't do anything differently again - holidays are meant for indulging and it was totally worth it. It's good to throw off the discipline and virtuousness every now and again in the name of cheeeeesssse!!!
Findings:
Once my 90 seconds of daily planking was done I enjoyed a keen sense of exhilaration, achievement and motivation for whatever is next in the day.
I do think I can see some subtle difference in terms of "tightening" body parts but need to keep it up to really know
Even if the "tightening" is imaginary, I feel better about myself for having done something (anything!) on a planking day so it has its positive mental upside too.
Now for the rating for this challenge....
I definitely rate planking as an all round quick daily physical and mental buzz. Not to mention the very real physical benefits it can deliver if done regularly. I'm giving it a 7.
ZEN-giving-properties = 7 out of 10
10 reasons to plank
it develops "functional" core strength for everyday activities
improves your posture
it makes you a more efficient runner or walker
improves stability
increases upper body strength
strengthens hips and pelvic floor
there is always a modification for starting for any fitness level
increases low back strength and reduces risk of injury