Plank Work after 16 weeks

L

lynn

Guest
Hi Sheila or Cathe-
I am entering into my 16th week of pregnancy and know that standard crunch/ab work flat on your back is a no no at this point. Is the plank work (like what is done in the CTX series) OK ?
I have been doing it consistently until now, and while I can't hold the positions as long as before I was pregnant, it seems like it would be a good alternative to reg. ab work.
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Lynn
 
Hi Lynn! At this point in your pregnancy I would recommend staying away from planks. I don't actually know that it has been stated anywhere officially that you should not do prone plank work when pregnant, but my gut feeling is to say no. I personally find these exercises to be very advanced and as you get into the later stages of pregnancy, your lower back becomes more stressed and takes on almost a swayback appearance due to the baby's growth. This swayback position makes it almost impossible for the pregnant exerciser to keep correct form and technique while doing the plank exercise, therefore, defeating the purpose of the exercise anyway.

As it already stands for the non-pregnant exerciser, plank positions require a large amount of lower back and abdominal strength to keep the trunk from swaying in this prone position. I think putting a pregnant exerciser in this advanced position is just inviting unnecessary risk and potential for injury to your relaxin induced joints and ligaments. That is just my take on it. Perhaps others may disagree.
 
Thanks for the reply and advice!
Will definitely delete that type of work from my routine.

Take care,
Lynn
 
RE: Good to know!

Hi Leela--
I am impressed... Could you do the ones that Cathe does in the CTX series?? -- You must have a "core of steel!!"

Lynn
 
RE: Good to know!

Ah no! Don't be so impressed! I just did the basic plank pose - no leg lifting, etc - for as long as I could hold it. Core of steel is my plan for the future though! By 40, I want abs you can bounce a quarter off :)
 
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