Sometimes despite our best intentions, finding the time to get a workout in can just be too much. Between work, family and life, finding time for us can be challenging.
For years, I worked as a dorm parent at a boarding school and would find myself stuck inside every couple of weekends watching the students and taking them on trips, which meant I wouldn’t have time for a solid weekend workout. So, I would sneak in exercises around the day. One weekend, I decided to mix up the day and have a little fun. I picked one exercise and decided to perform it every hour on the hour for the duration of my day.
The exercise: the plank
Benefits of Planking
• It strengthens your lower back
• It develops your core muscles — which include the abs, back, hips and the butt
• Helps you to avoid injuries and encourage good posture
• Can be done anywhere
• Develops your abdominals by targeting the rectus abdominus
I challenged myself and anyone who wanted to participate to plank all day as a fun and creative way to pass the day. Every hour on the hour, we would plank for two minutes. I challenge you to take the challenge as well. A day of planking, whether home or in the office, can encourage people around you to join, break up the day and mentally stimulate your senses. It is great for the mother who is home with her children, as everyone can participate. By the end of the day, you are sure to get a great workout in and be physically and mentally more prepared for your next race!
Have you planked before? Are you up for the challenge?
That’s the dirt for this week. Next week, the topic is animal movements and the ways kids move and teach us as adults how to move better.
Here is a video of the first planking day in 2011:
