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

Officially in the Limelight!

I had an interesting experience this evening. Without divulging more than I should, let's just say that I was told that people in my area are concerned that I have not kept my information about the stake changes private until the appropriate time. They were concerned that because I dated my blog post for the date of my writing some people thought that I had said something before the stake split announcement. Let me assure you that this isn't the case. I date my posts for the day that I write them but I didn't post them until Nov. 9th, the afternoon of the day of Stake conference. With that being said, this experience brought to my attention how much being a bishop's wife really is somewhat like being on show for everyone. Sometimes you are scrutinized and it is good, and sometimes it isn't so good.  I felt truly inspired to write and keep this blog so that people can get an idea of what a normal bishop's family is like. This however can be difficult because I ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Pushed to the Limits Sometimes

I have been pretty overwhelmed lately. Actually it seems to be a recurring theme in my life that I am not very pleased about. I tend to wonder why it is that I get into situations where I feel overwhelmed. I question my ability to put my life in the right perspective. So, next week in particular is going to be beastly! My larger roles will include....teacher, preschool teacher, employee (24 hours next week), mother, maid, and cook. The problem is that I don't feel like I am excelling at any of them. For instance Zach. He needs me to be a great teacher, to give him my best and most undivided attention. Instead I am giving my all to stay awake and the rest goes to him and Jillian.
Post a Comment
Read more

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