Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to attend an amazing writers' course in SW France at Mickey & Janie Wilson's fabulous Chez Castillon (www.chez-castillon.com), run by Wannabe A Writer author, Jane Wenham-Jones (http://youtu.be/1kJWTbsjbR4). Accompanying Jane were the fabulously accomplished authors Katie Fforde, Catherine Jones and Judy Astley, who graced us with their knowledge and worldly advice.
But learning from the greats wasn't all I came away with. I made new friends and shared personal experiences (and bad attempts at short story writing) with some up-and-coming authors, whose work I cannot wait to see published - look out for soon-to-be-on-the-shelves writers Jo Thomas, Marie MacNeill, Nicola Burggraf and Clare Mackintosh.
Clare's writes a particularly amusing blog (see www.claremackintosh.com, More Than Just A Mother) and her post of 4 November - Planking - prompted me to post the challenge below. Yes, I know it's already out there (courtesy, more plugs, SkinnyWraps4All), but I think this is a great way to ease (if that's the right word) yourself into exercise, whatever level you're at.
It's a great strengthening and toning posture, highly applicable to yoga, and one that takes minimal time, but with maximum effect.
My advice, give it a go and let's spur each other on with the 30 Day Plank Challenge.
I managed 90 seconds this morning - how many can you do?!?
Benefits of Plank Exercise:
*It strengthens your lower back
*It develops your core muscles – which include the abs, back, hips and the butt.
*Helps you to avoid injuries and encourage good posture
*Can be done anywhere
*Develops your abdominals by targeting the rectus abdominis
The 30 Day Plank Challenge will send your core strength through the roof! Yes, all you have to do is HOLD this position, nothing else! It looks pretty easy, but it isn't! You want the same form as shown in the picture - you don't want your bottom up in the air, and tighten your abdominal muscles. You can start with once a day, but do a few reps if you can
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
Day 10 - 60 seconds
Day 11 - 60 seconds
Day 12 - 90 seconds
Day 13 - REST
Day 14 - 90 seconds
Day 15 - 90 seconds
Day 16 - 120 seconds
Day 17 - 120 seconds
Day 18 - 150 seconds
Day 19 - REST
Day 20 - 150 seconds
Day 21 - 150 seconds
Day 22 - 180 seconds
Day 23 - 180 seconds
Day 24 - 210 seconds
Day 25 - 210 seconds
Day 26 - REST
Day 27 - 240 seconds
Day 28 - 240 seconds
Day 29 - 270 seconds
Day 30 - PLANK FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE!!
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
Day 10 - 60 seconds
Day 11 - 60 seconds
Day 12 - 90 seconds
Day 13 - REST
Day 14 - 90 seconds
Day 15 - 90 seconds
Day 16 - 120 seconds
Day 17 - 120 seconds
Day 18 - 150 seconds
Day 19 - REST
Day 20 - 150 seconds
Day 21 - 150 seconds
Day 22 - 180 seconds
Day 23 - 180 seconds
Day 24 - 210 seconds
Day 25 - 210 seconds
Day 26 - REST
Day 27 - 240 seconds
Day 28 - 240 seconds
Day 29 - 270 seconds
Day 30 - PLANK FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE!!
Great write up Sally. I did in fact get down and try the plank - but I completely planked! Will have to try again tomorrow. Thanks for the tasty recipe. I will definitely try that out. Need all the inspiration and help I can get at the moment. My novel is driving me scatty.
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