Those of you who follow me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram probably know that I’ve been on a quest for the elusive 10-minute plank. Last week that dream was realized.
Don’t be fooled. It’s not all sweaty, ripped unicorns and rainbows. Many valuable life lessons were learned and/or reinforced along the way:
- Most things worth doing are HARD! Shortly after I started the planking odyssey, I noticed a deep inner core soreness and immediately wondered if I’d been beaten up or had a long bout of stomach flu I’d blocked out. Then I realized it was due to an innocent but very effective plank.
- You can always do a little (or maybe even alot) more. The mind is usually the first to want to give up. Recognize that and you’ve won the battle. Mind over matter.
- Variety adds spice, consistency is key. Although I plank most days, I only go for the gusto (mega plank) once a week or so. Sometimes I’ll do a few shorter planks, sometimes a mix, sometimes I’ll plank before and after pushups. Just like every run is not a long one, every length of plank has it’s place. Practice makes perfect.
- Passion is contagious. There’s a certain something about a plank position that compels pets to lick your face and kids to want to ride on you, or better yet, shimmy underneath.
- Find what works for you. There’s no shame in distractions. Music, internet, books, practicing an aria, pondering Usher’s neck tattoos, threatening that child on your back, all’s fair in love and planking.
(source)
- Never look back. More specifically when planking, never look back and down unless you enjoy the sight of gravity-induced fleshy stalactites….wait maybe that’s just me.
- Keep your eyes on your own paper. Use others for inspiration but not comparison. Their performance neither elevates nor diminishes your own. Take pride in your accomplishments, wherever you are on your journey.
Do you plank? What life lessons have you learned from exercise?
Hey lady! I nominated you for a Liebster award-details on my blog! Enjoy!
I can’t believe you planked for 10 whole minutes! You rock! Abs of steel:)
You are superwoman. 10 minutes is crazy! I’ll be happy to reach 5! 🙂 Yes- you’re so right about the mind… I should have added that to best advice I learned this year in my running recap. Don’t listen to the voice that wants to quit!
Love this new look. You are plank mastered. Inspiring.
Congrats on getting to that very badass number! Great advice–mind over matter is the truth, through and through.
AWESOME…. 10 minutes is incredible. I cannot imagine!
This is incredible! Thanks for sharing. Good tip to have something to distract you, I think I need to try that!
Wow! That is awesome. I enjoyed reading through your tips- very practical!
Ha ha ha – gravity induced fleshy stalactites. I know exactly what you mean, unfortunately. But the way you’ve described it just cracks me up.
And I also get the pet/child part of the planking experience. If you’re on the floor you’re fair game. My stretching and yoga sessions are often like that.
I may add to wear shoes that don’t slide all over the place, as mine do on the wood floor. Or do on carpet! 🙂
Congrats, girl – I am truly impressed. I can’t even make it a full minute.
WooHoo!!! You totally rock!!! 10 minutes!
Love the lessons!!
When I saw your instagram pic, I almost dropped my phone! Nice job rockstar!
I love this post! Especially “Keep your eyes on your own paper.” True so true. You are bad ass. I could never plank for 10 minutes. (Well, I have never aspired to – maybe I should try!)
I’m really impressed with your 10 minute plank! That is awesome.
you are so right the mind gives out before the body!
10 minutes is insane! Your incredible!
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