Has anyone ever tried one of those “30 day plank challenges”, which reckons to help you hold a plank for 5 minutes by the end of the month? I did once and found myself giving up because after a certain point, I just couldn’t keep up with the programme. Later, I discovered a much better strategy was to plank just 2-3 times per week and using that method, I was able to build up to 5 minutes. Since I have been neglecting my upper body strength recently I decided to start to plank again so I started by doing 2 minutes a couple of weeks ago and I have now done 3 on two occasions (including at the gym today) so while being constant at the moment, I hope to increase the time soon.
It reminds me of the legend of Milo of Croton, an ancient Greek wrestler who supposedly started by lifting a young calf every day and then carried on doing so until it was a 4 year old bull. I have a feeling that although he was undoubtedly a great athlete, this story is probably “bull”. I think that in any journey of athletic improvement you have to be patient, take rests and increase what you do ever so gradually.
Next time I do a plank, I hopefully will be able to increase the time but I’ll be happy to do 3 again.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” Ephesians 6:10 NIVUK
Marathon Mann 