Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here. Movement is an integral part of exercise, whether you're flowing through Vinyasa or running a 5K. But some of the most challenging exercises involve practically no movement at all. Case in point: the plank.
A plank is what’s called an isometric exercise, and it gets harder (and more effective) the longer you keep your body steady and the less you shift about. If you’re planking properly, you may not be able to hold the position for much longer than 30 seconds, which makes the idea of a 10-minute plank sound just about impossible.
Advertisement
Advertisement
But a stronger, longer plank may not be too far out of reach. With barely any breaks between exercises, this 10-minute Pilates core workout might become the longest plank you've ever held.
Led by Amy Jordan, founder of Wundabar Pilates, this series will strengthen and lengthen your abs, helping improve your core stability. You can perform this equipment-free sequence on its own or after any other workout, like a sweaty sprint session or boxing class.
Advertisement
"This is a great way to engage your core and condition your body to function better in any exercise you choose to do," Jordan says.
Grab a mat (or a large towel) for cushion and keep some water nearby — you won’t be moving much, but don’t be surprised if you break a sweat. The Workout You’ll work through 10 ab-igniting movements for about a minute (or less) each, finishing with a relaxing Cat-Cow stretch for a quick core cooldown.
Advertisement
Although Jordan doesn't rest as she moves from one exercise to the next, remember it's totally OK to hit pause as needed.
Advertisement
Plank: Lengthen, lift and reach the whole time, Jordan says. “We can feel the heat burning up already.” Side Plank With Flexion (Left): Think about the top ribs fanning open as you inhale. The goal here — like in many Pilates movements — is to create length. Hinge Plank: “We want to create a beautiful diagonal from your knees, up through the hips, shoulders and through the crown of the head,” Jordan says. Reverse Plank With Step Out: Keep the neck long and hips stable to help engage the deep abdominals. Side Plank With Flexion (Right): “We don’t want to hang into that [shoulder] joint, that’s really not so great for the body,” Jordan explains. Downhill Ski Jump: Hold the pelvis steady and maintain the length in your core as you rotate and extend your legs. Forearm Plank With Knee Taps: “Really reach the heel long from the sitting bone, and reach the crown of your head long from your tailbone,” she says. Mini Wundatwist (Left): Jordan says this move is one of her favorites for sculpting abs. Plank: Keep your collarbones wide as you hold the position. Mini Wundatwist (Right): Swivel the pelvis in the opposite direction and pike up and back with length. Cat-Cow Stretch: As you exhale, draw your bellybutton into your spine. As you inhale, open your chest.
Tip Congratulate yourself once the workout is complete, Jordan says. “You’ve finished the plank party!” The best way to celebrate? Taking time to cool down properly. More Pilates Workouts We Love
Sculpt Your Arms, Shoulders and Abs With This 10-Minute At-Home Pilates Workout
by
Bojana Galic
The Best Pilates Workouts for Every Body Part
by
Amanda Loudin
A Pilates Instructor's Secrets to Long, Lean Legs
by
Andrea Speir
Sculpt Your Glutes and Tone All Over With This 10-Minute Pilates Butt Workout
by
Bojana Galic
This 10-Minute Pilates Routine Is Proof You Can Tone All Over With a Low-Impact Workout
by
Bojana Galic
Advertisement
Advertisement
Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here.
Stay active and accountable during one of the busiest times of the year with a fun, quick video workout to do every day this month. Get all the details on the challenge here.
Congratulate yourself once the workout is complete, Jordan says. “You’ve finished the plank party!” The best way to celebrate? Taking time to cool down properly.
Sculpt Your Arms, Shoulders and Abs With This 10-Minute At-Home Pilates Workout
by
Bojana Galic
The Best Pilates Workouts for Every Body Part
by
Amanda Loudin
A Pilates Instructor's Secrets to Long, Lean Legs
by
Andrea Speir
Sculpt Your Glutes and Tone All Over With This 10-Minute Pilates Butt Workout
by
Bojana Galic
This 10-Minute Pilates Routine Is Proof You Can Tone All Over With a Low-Impact Workout
by
Bojana Galic
