My 5 Minute Plank Story

I wasn't going to post today but I feel compelled to due to the awesome input I received on yesterday's post. Seriously. You all rock my socks, and I am NOT just saying that. Every comment that I received made me smile to no end. Never underestimate what a little comment can do--because every comment I receive makes this girl right here's entire world.

Okay, I am done with the mushiness. :)

I'm going to talk about the core. I have talked about it here not too long ago and I have changed the integration of core exercises that I have been doing in my routine. 

I never did core exercises, because as I have mentioned before, I find that almost every exercise (especially with free weights and standing) works the core in some way. If you're squatting, doing cable chest flyes, etc. and NOT feeling like your core is tight and 'letting it go,' I find you are much more prone to injury and you are able to lift better if the core is tight.

I'm not trying to sound like an expert. I have experienced this myself. So you can take my word for it... or not? Haha well that's pretty obvious!

I basically have been doing a lot more core work for a few reasons... one is that my gym just got the new TRX system and that suspension training stuff... man does it do WONDERS for the core. Sure, it looks easy to do some of the exercises but when you strap your feet in there and get to work, you will be sorry for thinking so, LOL! Another reason is because I have wanted something to 'spice up' my training and I figured that adding more core would be the perfect challenge.

I saw this video by the incredibly fit and inspiring Brad Gouthro. I am pretty good at planks and I figured doing the 5:00 plank would be quite the challenge for me. ...oh it was. 

PROOF. (Well I suppose that I could have just let my timer run until 5 minutes came along, but once again, just take my word for it!)

Here were my incoherent thoughts...

"Okay, 30 seconds in and this is easy peasy lemon SQUEEZY psh."

"1 minute down. Alright, so I'm a little sore but it's nothing. I got this."

"Hmm. I'm kind of hungry. I'm thinking a post-workout sweet potato smoothie would hit the spot?"

"Okay 2 minutes. Happy thoughts. Puppies. Flowers. Nut butter."

"3 minutes down. 2 more to go. This is the longest 5 minutes of my life..."

"4 minutes. Did I REALLY just make it this far?! Wow, I underestimate my (epic) abilities."

"10... 9... 8... 7... 6... 5... 4... 3... 2... 1... DONE. OH MY GOSH THANK YOU BABY JESUS."

Brad, you made it look easy, LOL! Truth me told, I am very proud of holding it for that long and did not at all think I could do it. My core is stronger that I thought!

Basically, here's what I hope you get from this post... include some core work. Even if it is for 10 minutes once per week. The core is the foundation of the body, so make it strong or see your form fail. And in these little core workouts, add some planks. Oh, you think they look easy? Well, planks involve the transverse abdominals, which is like a corset covering your abs. It's hard to hit those, and planks are the best at doing so while also hitting almost every other muscle in the body.

Oh, they're still too easy? Try them for five minutes. ;)

Don't underestimate the mighty plank!

Questions: Do you do planks? What's your longest time? EVERY SECOND COUNTS!

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