Working Up to Planks

[MeredithZ]

Hello! I'm an avid Cathe workout DVD exerciser, and I can do most all of the moves, but I just wimp out on the planks. I think it's more of a (lack of) upper body strength issue, rather than a core issue, since I also have a hard time keeping up with all of the full body push-ups. How can I build up to these? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[kathryn]

Hi,Meredith!
I'm not Cathe (obviously), but there are different difficulty levels of planks you can try.

The easiest are on your elbows and knees. Next most difficult is on elbows and toes (going down to knees when you break good form, then continuing after a pause). Next most difficult would be on hands and toes. Then you can increase intensity (which you aren't ready for yet! but maybe some day!) by lift up one leg.

HTH.

 

[JT]

Hi Meredith,
What helped me in doing planks was to be able to do straight leg push ups first and then I gradually moved into the planks where you just freeze and hold the position. They are not easy but do a great job toning the core area.

 

[avgm1972]

Hi - I have a similar problem to you - I can stay in a plank position for a LONG time, but have trouble with the straight leg push-ups ... I can only do eight at a time now, and my January Cathe calendar fitness goal is to be able to do 12 by the end of the month.

I found that part of my problem with push-ups was weight distribution - I was keeping too much weight in my heels and not bracing my core properly. I couldn't work it out for the longest time, because I have a pretty strong upper and core (I thought).

I finally got it when I figured out that I could do push-ups with my feet raised (on the step or the stability ball) easier than I could with them on the floor!

Alex

 

[MeredithZ]

Thanks, everyone! Alex, what do you mean that the weight was in your heels? Sometimes I feel like my hips are dragging me down, but never as far down as my feet. I'm going to try the push-ups with my feet on a riser and see if makes a difference for me.