Just over a month ago, a friend shared on Facebook a 30 day plank challenge. It consisted of doing elbow plank exercises on a specified schedule for a month. It included an illustration showing the ab, shoulder, back and arm muscles that are strengthened by doing planks, and said it is so easy that anyone can do it. Since midlife has not been kind to my midsection, I decided to take the challenge. It started out okay, with slow increases in time to hold the position, but quickly accelerated at a pace I was not able to keep up with. My husband (a very patient man) kept saying to just proceed at the pace I could and not worry about keeping up with the now unattainable goal. I kept falling further behind the goal, but kept trying daily to improve. I actually started feeling stronger in my side muscles! Then, nearing the end of the 30 days, my bad shoulder started causing pain while doing the plank exercise. I was now having trouble with sore elbows from the hard floor and slight rub burn as well. I tried doing planks on pillows, blankets, even a foam pad. One day I realized that I had calluses on the sides of my elbows, most likely from the planks. The 30 days has now ended. I am still trying to do planks most days of the week. Was I successful in the challenge? With a sore shoulder, callused elbows and not accomplishing the desired outcome, I am tempted to say no. But then I remember the (only) day I was able to hold the position for 3 whole minutes, when before the challenge I could hardly hold it for 90 seconds. I feel my sides and know there is more muscle there, hidden under the layer of fat, and I feel like maybe I am a midlife success. But PLEASE don't send me any exercise challenges any time soon.
~Gayle
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