Planks

[samanthac]

I just can't do them. No matter how I adjust I cannot seem to find the right position for planks...I taught step/strength training in the 90's so I am a real stickler for form. Even if I don't feel it during the exercise, the next day I have pretty sharp lower back pains. One time it was so bad I could hardly move for two or three days.

Is it possible that some exercises are just not meant for some people?

Any suggestions?

 

[wutherhi]

I couldn't do them at first, either. The back pain was so bad, I could barely walk. But someone here suggested doing just a few seconds, then pausing, then a few more seconds, etc. Doing that, I'm building up to longer and longer times between pauses.

Good luck,
Shari

 

[francesca]

Are you keeping everything tight? I mean abs - p[articularly lower abs - suck in below your navel - cough to get the feeling!, butt, arms, lifting up from your shoulders and not sinking and so on? Also you could try for the beginning doing them on your knees, then building up. I now do yoga planks - on straight arms - but built up from forearms/bent knees SLOWLY.

 

[kathryn]

You can build up to full planks in stages. First, start out on your elbows (forearm on floor), with your knees on the floor,as Cathe shows in some videos. Then you can take it up to your toes for as long as comfortable before going to the knees. Then you can go to your hands (if you want, I stay on elbows to avoid irritatiing my wrists).

 

[Terri1222]

If this is something you'd really like to conquer, another thought might be to try a beginner Pilates workout.

I've noticed that planks are much easier for me now that I've been doing Pilates workouts a few times a week (and trust me, I'm still in the beginner/intermediate stage!)

The other suggestion of doing them on your knees is also a good idea.

Terri