The full plank

Exercise Challenge – The Plank

The plank is a great exercise for your abs and your whole body.  Unlike a lot of other ab exercises the plank works your legs, shoulder stabilisers, back and arms.

My challenge for you, is to start with a plank today and time how long you can stay up for. Then tomorrow try and beat your time, and then next day try and beat that time and see what you can hold by the end of the week.

An easier option for the plank is to drop the knees to the floor but still maintain a straight line from your knees to your shoulders.

DON’T let your back sink in the middle or stick your bum up in the air. Always opt for an easier option if you start to lose your form as a sinking back can cause back injury.

Next week I will be advancing the plank and giving you an even harder option!

Good luck and let me know how many seconds/,minutes/hours you manage to hold it for.

If you want some inspiration then watch the world champion who managed to hold a plank for 5 hours and 15 minutes. He is 57 years old, so it just goes to show that age has no barrier!