Fit Challenge: 30 Day Plank Challenge

I'm checking in to see how your planks are going! Can you believe we made it to three minutes? Five minutes isn't that far away.

The first time I did three minutes, I had to take a break for a few before getting back into it, but yesterday I did the three minutes straight through! That was TOUGH, but I really do think my core is getting stronger. I never would have thought that I would make it to 3 minutes! How about you? How is it going?

Today, we're up to 3 1/2 minutes. Remember, you can modify and go to your knees for a few seconds if you need to, I don't want you to compromise your form.

Good luck, and let me know how it goes!

Fit Challenge: 30 Days of Planks and a Weekly Recap

By Jess in Minneapolis

I did my 90 second plank this morning after a very snowy morning run. 

Matilda and I joined two girlfriends for an easy run in a winter wonderland this morning. It would have been quite nice if not for the wind! None of the trails were plowed yet either. There were definitely some slick spots, but overall, the footing wasn't too bad.

Here's how Fitness wrapped up last week:
Lots of planking, right? 90 seconds for today. The schedule is down below again for your reference. I am starting to think 90 seconds of planking might be my max...it was tough at the end! Did you do yours?

Monday: treadmill run: 5 miles, 30/30 class at Pilates ProWorks- 30 minutes of barre, 30 minutes on the reformer
Tuesday: treadmill run: 8 miles
Wednesday: Speed workout at the downtown Y track: 6 miles with three 5-minute tempo intervals, 1 minute rest in between. The downtown Y has a track that is 10 laps to a mile. It actually wasn't so bad, and I think I'll use this option again for speed workouts during the winter.
Thursday: treadmill run: 5 miles, volunteer event at Meals for Minds <-- more on that later, great event!
Friday: 55 minute reformer class at Pilates ProWorks
Saturday: 14.5 mile long run (longer than intended, but felt pretty good, despite some slushy footing)
Sunday: Basically a rest day, except for my attempt at skate skiing- failed fit! 

I really enjoyed the reformer classes that I took at Pilates ProWorks this week. I don't have a lot of experience with reformer classes, but they reminded me a little bit of the Surfset fitness class we took a few weeks ago, where you're working your whole body at the same time. Its a little like barre, where its not big weights and big movements, but rather small moves that engage your core at all times.

I did run 5 days this week, rather than my planned 4, but I think that's okay now that I'm into training for the Flying Pig Marathon. I'm still sticking with 2 non-running days. Unfortunately, I didn't squeeze in any yoga. Hopefully this week will be better in that area.

In Fitness Fashion, Gap Fit has a lot of fun new athletic wear! Have you tried any of it? Any idea how it fits? I have been eying a lot of fun stuff online, and I am throwing a fit for a few of their bright capris.

In Fashion, I have also been throwing a fit for the killer monogrammed clutch that "Life with Emily" often carries:

source

Its $130, and probably not that functional, but I just love it! 

Find it HERE in multiple colors

And here's your plank schedule again. Let me know if you're still on track!

Fit Challenge: 30 Day Plank Challenge

By Jess in Minneapolis

Did you get your plank in today? 90 seconds was pretty tough for me.

Tomorrow is supposed to be a rest day, but if you hopped onto the challenge a little late, feel free to do 60 seconds again today, and 90 tomorrow.

For those of you who are right on schedule, go for the 90 seconds today, and rest tomorrow. You can do it!

Dustin and I did our 90 seconds this morning after a cross country "skate" ski lesson (Unfortunately the skate ski lesson was a huge failed fit for me- more about that in another post). During my 90 seconds, I kept asking Dustin "How much longer? How much longer?" I'm scared about the jump to 120 seconds on Day 16, but hopefully with 2 days at 90, it won't feel so bad.

Let me know if you complete the challenge today.

Good luck!

Fit Challenge: 30 Day Plank Challenge

By Jess in Minneapolis

I'm participating in Athleta's 30 Day Plank Challenge. I can't believe I forgot to tell you! 

But don't worry, its not too late for you to jump on board. I really want you to do it with me!

We're only on day 10, so we can call it a 20 Day Plank Challenge! Let's do it together. In fact, I'll even post a before and after picture of my "core" to see if there is any difference...I'm doubtful there will be a visible difference in 20 days, but I guarantee that ours cores will be stronger by the end of this challenge. Let's do it!

Also, going forward every month in 2014, I'm going to do a 30 day challenge (next month will be a sit-up challenge) to keep us all motivated and strong this year.

Now as you can see below, we’re already on 1 full minute, but I know you can do it! You can do anything for 60 seconds. 

Don’t worry if you miss a day. You can make it up the following day with two planks that day.

Okay, here I am doing my 60 second plank...in my work clothes. And yes, Tilda follows me around every where I go. I love that dog.

Let me know that you are in by joining in by stating "IN" in the comments here. We'll keep each other accountable.

There are even rest days built in. Let's strengthen our cores!  

60 seconds again tomorrow, let's do it!