If There Could Be Only One!

If you just had time for only one powerhouse strength move, I would advise the plank. All too often, this great exercise is forgotten or missed. Clients will asked for Pilates routines to do at home before they can even remember what the hundred is. However, it seems almost everyone knows what a plank is. The plank builds a sturdy foundation for your body much like a cement foundation for your home. Sturdy foundations seem to be overlooked in this fast passed, I want it now age. The plank can be done in many different ways and for many different levels. Just like any exercise, good form is necessary. It is so simple yet challenging enough that you could continue to improve your ability and form for quite some time. As many of you know, it takes little space. If you are somewhere with no equipment do the plank to keep your foundation strong. If you travel for work or play this can be done every day in your hotel room. If you are working at home or in the office, you can probably get creative in finding just enough space to perform the plank. The strength and uniform balance that the plank can provide for your body is very similar to many exercises in Pilates. I recommend new clients practice the plank with a pulled taught or knitted in abdominal wall. Rule of thumb, no protruding stomach, no hanging or arching into your low back! Clients are so motivated and willing to try to do some Pilates at home in between sessions I think they get surprised when I advise them to practice the plank. All to often I hear yes my physical therapist told me to do that. The plank really is the one that can help all your other strength moves without sacrificing flexibility to perform.You can practice it with one arm extended away from your body or even one leg. As you get stronger extend one leg and the opposite arm. So many possibilities for one exercise.