maintenance

[nsaeolian]

Good morning Cathe and Happy Friday
I am currently in the middle of a Plank challenge where you do a plank for a certain amount of time and increase the time daily. At the end of the 30 days, I should be able to do a plank for 5 minutes ( I'm up to 2.5 minutes and am pretty surprised at myself!) After that time is over, what should I do to maintain the core strength I will have gained? Thanks.

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

You can continue to do the challenge by getting into a 5 minute plank once a week to maintain the ability to hold it. You newly improved core strength will be apparent in many more ways then simply holding a 5 minute plank. Nearly every exercise you do involves core strength and now you will be that much stronger with much more core engagement and improved posture as you execute these moves. You've also put yourself in a much better position to ward off injuries due to poor core mechanics. Stay Strong!

 

[nsaeolian]

Thanks Cathe, I tried the 5 minute plank today and had to stop as I was getting a lot of pain ( not just muscle working discomfort, but sharp pain ) surrounding my upper spine, around the scapular area. I thought I'd best discontinue. I felt like my core could've gone all day but my upper back and sides of my upper arms, not so much. sigh. I'll rest a day and try again.