Plank Challenge

 Runners will see many benefits from adding planks to their strengthening routine. Building a strong core is the foundation for your body.  It’s like a house:  If you build a house on a weak foundation, it will not be stable and may come crashing down.  During running, your core stabilizes your body as one foot is on the ground, and the other is in the air.  With a strong foundation, you reduce the risk of injury and create endurance.

There are several ways to do a plank, it's best to start out with these first 2 methods:

Hands Straight Out

On Elbows

Once you can hold these poses up to 60 seconds, it's time to move onto more challenging methods.

One Hand Up

One Leg Up

One Sided on Elbow

Whichever approach you use, you need to keep your back straight, pull your bellybutton in toward your spine, and squeeze your butt tight; otherwise, you will start feeling pain in your back and will undermine the exercise.

How do I get started?  Using a training plan, like the 30 day challenge, will jump start your core strengthening and give you the push to create a better you.

What are you waiting for? It’s never too late to begin building your foundation and be the runner you want to be!