Life Lessons I Learned By Planking

Categories: Corework, Crosstraining, Plank

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.

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• 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?