The 30 Day Plank Pose Challenge

Almost two weeks ago, my friend Kristin posted the 30 Day Plank Pose Challenge on her Facebook wall saying she was going to do it and asking if any of her friends wanted to join in. Without stopping to think of all the reasons why I couldn't possibly do it, I immediately said, "I'm in!" And then I posted it to my own wall asking my friends to join me. Six of them did.

Today is Day 10 for me and I'm now holding the Plank Pose for 60 seconds. I started out at 20 seconds and in 10 days, I've tripled it!

If you've never done Plank Pose, it's hard. It burns. My body sometimes shakes afterwards, although that has decreased.

I know you're wondering why anyone would be crazy enough to take this challenge if it was so miserable. The answer is simple: It makes me strong and builds my Core. Just look at all the muscles that are in use when I plank. From upper arm muscles to core muscles to thigh and calf muscles, plank pose has something for most sections of the body.

Care to start your own Plank Pose Challenge? Here's the schedule:

Day 1 = 20 seconds

Day 2 = 20 seconds

Day 3 = 30 seconds

Day 4 = 30 seconds

Day 5 = 40 seconds

Day 6 = REST

Day 7 = 45 seconds

Day 8 = 45 seconds

Day 9 = 60 seconds (1 minute)

Day 10 = 60 seconds

Day 11 = 60 seconds

Day 12 = 90 seconds (1 ½ minutes)

Day 13 = REST

Day 14 = 90 seconds

Day 15 = 90 seconds

Day 16 = 120 seconds (2 minutes)

Day 17 = 120 seconds

Day 18 = 150 seconds (2 ½ minutes)

Day 19 = REST

Day 20 = 150 seconds

Day 21 = 150 seconds

Day 22 = 180 seconds (3 minutes)

Day 23 = 180 seconds

Day 24 = 210 seconds (3 ½ minutes)

Day 25 = 210 seconds

Day 26 = REST

Day 27 = 240 seconds (4 minutes)

Day 28 = 240 seconds

Day 29 = 270 seconds (4 ½ minutes)

Day 30 = PLANK FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE

Day 31 – Forever = Keep Planking to Keep Getting Stronger

Thanks to the Health Matters Facebook Page for creating this awesome challenge.

If you want to get more out of your planks, check out these great tips my friend Wini sent me.