Skip to main content

For the Loathe Errr, Ummmmm, I mean Love of Planks!

I have such a love hate relationship with planks! I wondered for years why they were always on the list of todos for my personal trainers and now that I'm a personal trainer, I get to be the bearer of bad ahem, I mean good news. The good news is that planks can be one of the best full body core strengthening, shoulder strengthening, mvp's of the game. So as much as we love to hate them or hate to love them, they are part of my fitness plans as well.  

I have only recently advanced from knee planks to elbow planks. After carrying 6 children on my 5 foot 1 1/2 inch frame, and not understanding the importance of core and stability, my back and core are so weak and it has taken me months to be able to do a plank without back strain. So my motto and the motto I now give to you is Form over fashion!!! It doesn’t matter how “cool” you look, if you aren’t ready for the exercise you will injure yourself and then set your progress back!

If you have a weak back please modify until you have strengthened your core enough to do more advanced moves.

We are in this for the long haul so let’s take it slow and steady for long term success!!!

Correct form for a plank.
1. Shoulders dropped and back
2. Elbows underneath shoulders
3. Engage core, hamstrings and glutes
4. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat 2-5 times.

You don’t need fancy equipment for this and it is a powerful full body exercise that will give you huge results!

Do planks before you hop in the shower a few times a week and in 4 weeks you will be amazed at your newfound core strength!

*If this exercise puts any strain on your back or pelvic floor in any way, if you have a new baby, or really weak core from having babies then there are better exercises for you to start with to build up your core and your pelvic floor before attempting the plank. We will go over those soon.

Make sure you sign up for our Healthy Eating Guide for busy women and keep watching because announcements and giveaways will be happening soon!!!

♥ Becky

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Broccoli Salad

My children have this thing for broccoli salad and they beg me to make it weekly. Every time I make it I become mom of the week around here which I happen to like! One would think that it might be odd for kids to love broccoli salad, and I am not necessarily thinking it is normal, but I do know it is pretty tasty. I decided for today's post to share my recipe. Beware, I am all about easy so don't expect something elaborate, and I cook for a crowd so if you want to make this adjust to your size of family. 1/2 package of broccoli florets from Costco (chopped) 1/2 red cabbage (shredded) 2 handfuls (or add to desired preference) of Craisins 2 handfuls (or add to desired preference) of real bacon bits 2 handfuls (or add to desired preference) of unsalted sunflower seeds 1/2 a bottle of Kraft Creamy Poppyseed Dressing Mix Seriously, if my kids scarf this salad down I promise most kids will.
2 comments
Read more

Loving Moments

I had one of the most tender moments as a mother the other day. Somehow, as our family was sitting around the kitchen table talking, we got on the subject of who we would like to meet when we die. We all felt like there isn't anybody famous that we would even care to meet. We then started talking about biblical people. I said I would like to meet Noah, or Captain Moroni. I was sure that I am not the only one that wants to meet them, I'm sure they will be inundated with people wanting to meet them! Then Andrew got very solemn. He got very emotional as he said he would like to meet his Heavenly Mother. He then looked at me and said, if she was more amazing and glorious than me that he couldn't even imagine how incredible meeting her would be. He cried, I cried and we hugged a gentle, loving, mom and son hug.
Post a Comment
Read more

day one.down for the count.

So in my typical fashion, I put a plan into action and then immediately have to deal with the changing of said plan. I went to bed dizzy last night hoping it was nothing and that it would pass as I slept. No such luck, this morning I got up and didn't stay up. So, three movies later I sit here on the couch with the best laid plans laid to rest. I was going to get up early, make breakfast, get dressed before 10, and send my honey off with a kiss and looks of devotion. Instead...Mark got up and I slept in, finally got up in time to stumble down the stairs, see the first set of kids off to school, and plant myself on the couch for the rest of the day. Mark gave me a kiss on his way out the door and instead of looks of devotion I had eyes welling with tears. Great day huh? Luckily I don't have any plans for today. Tomorrow isn't too bad, I don't have many responsibilities, but Friday I have an important photo shoot. This dizzy thing better go away!!!
Post a Comment
Read more