We have been hearing recently haven’t we that practicing the plank or wall squat helps reduce blood pressure.
Yesterday I thought I would give the plank a try and surprised myself by managing 10 seconds without collapsing ! Oxygen at 5 litres a minute is a big help and support for this too.
Heartened by small goal of the 10 seconds of success am planning to build up to one minute of plank by the end of the month!
Anyone else planking ?
Well done you! Very impressed. Xxx
Excellent! Keep at it and let us know how you’ve improved after a few weeks. Little by little you’ll make an improvement. But don’t rush it; that’s important. I expect you’ll look back and see real benefits as you begin to strengthen your muscles.
Thanks, looking forward to a stronger back.
Ha 😭, I used to do the one on elbows but now so stiff, achy & unfit since giving up pilates last year I think I'd need a chiropractor for weeks after giving it a go. I do admire you self discipline P, you're amazing 👏 😇
At weekend I gave myself a mental slap to sort myself out, have started Zoe's 30 plants per week, keeping list found I'd consumed 72 in 4 days .....yay!
Have ordered a set of weights like those in Alex's class also upping daily steps so it won't be long before back to floor & wall planks in the not too distant future so will answer you question then 💪! ×× P
used to be able to plank , but have osteoporosis and worried about my arms …can use forearms though .
Do it gradually , my daughter is a Pilates teacher and advises me.
Well done. I'm an elbows lady myself, when I'm sure it won't affect my balance.
Photos required as I'm intrigued but without a barely a clue as to what you are referring to as plank. Is it just lying flat on something or a headstand with head off ground raised so by arms and legs up straight in air, possibly against a wall? Or arms bent/arms straight lifting whole upper and lower body off the ground like a plank over a moat or drawbridge over a moat that requires incredible arm and upper body strength? Can do the headstand/arm stand legs up towards sky one, but doubt the last.
Mijmijkey74 just Google 'Pilates plank' & you'll see lots of photos. There are also several short videos of beginners Pilates, even chair based Pilates & Pilates for seniors (a gentle start for any age). Important to listen carefully to instructions so you get do the exercises properly with no risk ie you can't just get on the floor to do the plank from cold & without the right core hold
Thanks. I'm kind of fortunate that I already can get my legs around my neck naturally and get my feet resting on the backs of my arms above the elbow in like a crab type style/move. Yet despite that flexibility I can't do the splits which I find highly frustrating as to be able to do that would further increase my flexibility. My back is also board stiff with little give in it for backwards bends. I get terrible back problems because it is so ram rod straight and stiff. So will definitely look up what you have suggested. Thanks x
Sounds as though you have hypermobility.
So sorry PaulineHM to highjack your post 🤸♂️
Pauline you are fantastic - so pleased you are doing this. And with regular practice you will soon build up your time.This is all inspiring me to start the plank again.
I used to be able to do the floor plank on elbows for 30 seconds - that was at PR but covid got in the way and PR stopped. When Ive done it recently I can just about get to 20 seconds.
You need to be careful starting out if you've not done such exercises before. I have osteoporosis but work from the position that stressing your bones helps them build stronger but what Peege says about using your core with the plank particularly is very important. So go gradually.
I read that too. I have started with the wall sit and managed 20s think you’re meant to do 30 break for 40 then another 30. I’ve also ordered a hand grip to do the 30% grip for two mins .. meant to reduce bp as well. I hope something works as meds aren’t. Good luck with building up plank time 👍
Well done! And the getting down on to the floor and up again!
Well done! We do squats and the plank in yoga and pilates but I'm not very good at the plank. Haven't been to classes this week as a kidney infection has affected me badly!
WoW well done! Good for you to try & succeed, then set yourself a goal, good luck 🤞🏻 to you 😊💐🌷🌹
Well done Pauline that’s really good, I think that I will have a go, I used to do it years ago up to 2 mins when I was fitter & smaller!!!
👏👏🥰
Thanks everyone for your thoughts and good wishes,
Will let you know how it goes!!
great work. X
If I try to do either, I won't get up again!
I'm pleased ta hear you're trying and in time it will improve pleased for you I have high blood preasure think I stick with me pills but think you have done well
Hi, I tried planking yesterday, managed 10 seconds, also on oxygen @ 4 ltr. Just tried again and managed 15 seconds !!
You have started something. Suddenly this site is a hive of activity.🙆♀️🙋♀️🙇♀️🧘♀️ I'm making lots of good resolutions. 👼Whether I'll keep them is another matter.😈xxx
Hooray!!!!
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