Exercise of the Day – Side Plank

I want these posts to give some of you guys who aren’t really sure where to begin in terms of exercising, an idea of what you can do in your own homes to kickstart your goals. These are very basic positions (which is useful if you don’t have a Personal Trainer on standby!) but it doesn’t mean they won’t be effective.

Thanks for the feedback regarding the previous exercises, ‘the plank’ and ‘sit-ups’, I’m glad so many of you attempted them and if you haven’t already, give them a go too. You’ll strengthen your core muscles which will help your balance, as well as your ab muscles and help improve your posture also. 

Today’s exercise is similar to the plank however it focuses on each side of your external obliques which are located just above your hip bone. I love this exercise and continue to use it every other day as it really is so effective for your body.

The goal is to lie on your side with one leg resting on top of the other in a side position with your arms and legs straight. Like the plank, you are basically holding up your upper body but this time on it’s side.

Try to hold the position for as long as you can. I would initially aim for 30 seconds, then a minute and keep going from there.

If you are struggling with this, you can make the exercise a bit easier by going onto your forearm for support instead of fully extending your arm (like how your arms are with the plank position).

You’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain. If you’re watching TV, during every ad break get on the floor and see how long you can do it for, you may just surprise yourself!

Let me know how you get on!
Adam