Day 3 is here....
And from my last post I mentioned that I may not be doing planking since I have Food Bank volunteering labour work from our monthly packing, but since I woke up early I have decided to up my challenge just a little bit by doing something I wasn't able to do successfully back in 2015 when I attended Core X training.
And it is none other than side plank
Elevated side plank, just as its title meant, deals with 1 side of your muscles; hence when you are attempting side planks for 1 minute (and you survived), you will have to do it twice.
I was actually thinking that I could only survive for 30 seconds, seeing that my entire posture was shaking trying to keep my muscles working with my hip aligned with my spine on an approximately 15 degrees; but I realised that when you lift up your other arm that is not supporting your body (just as the diagram suggested) you actually could balance better than keeping your other arm relaxed.
This pose is actually a lot harder than the rest of the planking position, so don't beat yourself up if you are unable to hold it for 1 minute. If you are able to hold it for 30 seconds for the first time you should already give yourself a pat on the back and a good clap for your achievements.
So according to the website I referred the diagram, this is what the author says:
I am a big fan of the Side Plank Pose. Others may know this movement as the Iron Cross. The reason this pose is so powerful is that it challenges your balance, your ability to hold up your own weight on one arm at a time, and it targets the external obliques where things like muffin tops can form.
So if you are having serious love handle problems, you should really check this pose out.
How did I (barely) survive this pose after failing almost 4 years ago?
Probably one of the reasons I could hold it this long because I have been occasionally doing vertical leg lifts whenever I head over to the gym, hence my abs are less straining while keeping my hip aligned.
Have you tried this pose before in your 30 days challenge? How was your feeling about it? Do share in the comments below and if you have done it recently do point it out so that I can head over to visit and support you!
So in my previous post, I have added @awesomianist into the invitation list, this round I would like to invite @kchitrah (who's our Yoga Expert) and @heartscally (since she's getting ready for her wedding) for this fun and healthy challenge.
@kaerpediem , don't forget I might hop over your profile to hunt for your Day 3 Plank Contest Vlog haha...
I am still waiting for @zord189 to jio @chloephuan93 , @joannewong and @aaronleang (who must probably find this too easy peasy). Maybe @awesomianist might spur them easier.
@elizacheng I am waiting for your video upload. Let me know you have done so. haha.
Since @ragnarhewins90 has shown interest, I have added him my invitation as well haha
Until Then
Keep Calm and Keep Planking
ps: I almost died in this round, so I didn't do enormous "weight lifting" packing the recipients ingredient bags (namely 5kg rice bags), instead I did the less straining work like packing stationaries for 230 kids who did not manage to travel all the way from the deep inland of Peninsular.
And I had a good time playing the camera effects with one of our adorable little Food Bank recipient cum volunteer. She's our little chilli padi