Thursday, July 21, 2011

Planking, But Not in That Cool Way

I'm sometimes very much out of the loop with things. When I first heard the term "planking" the first thing I thought of were the planks I do in PT. This just goes to show you that I spend way too much time at Ortho Assoc. doing PT. For those of you who have no clue what I am talking about, allow me to give you visual representation of the "trendy" planking:



This is apparently some new wacky game people are doing that involves lying totally flat/straight face down and balancing on things. If I tried this version, I would surely fall down. As Chris, my adorable and devoted PT will tell you, my balance is atrocious. I commend those who are able to "plank" and balance. I will never know the feeling.

The planking I do weekly at PT is I think, harder. It involves a lot of muscle groups (most of which I don't use), an element of balance and strength and a lot of forehead sweat (in my case). This is what it looks like:



Now, obviously, I am not a man, or a runner, or strong or have abs like that. But this is the form of it. This dude is killing it and making it look super easy, but let me tell you, this is the HARDEST exercise I have to do at PT. When I first started doing these, Chris had me hold for 10 seconds. Agony. Now, about 4 weeks later, I can hold for 30 seconds. Sometimes I do a modified version (like the "girl" push-ups) where my knees are down, my lower legs are up and my butt is higher in the air. I have to do this sometimes when the pressure in my hips is too much.

So while the dude in the first photo looks like he's having a super fun time, the guy in the second photo is getting a lot more out of it. Personally, I'd choose the guy with the amazing abs and goofy sneakers, but..I have a thing for abs.

**Note, when I Googled "Planking" in images, the first images were of wooden boats. The act of forming wooden planks into boats/boat supports is also called planking.** Less cool, unless you are a boat-enthusiast.

That, boys and girls, is your planking lesson for today.

I'm down from twice a week to once a week. My right hip had been feeling pretty good for the most part. We've been doing a lot of core work and back work, as my back is another problem area. I basically get a mini massage every week at PT, which is less of a massage and more of Chris driving his thumbs or elbows into my problem spots. Its one of those "hurts so good" kind of feelings, though, one time, he did make me cry. I tried to make sure he didn't notice, but he did and then felt wicked bad. He said what I need is deep tissue work. "I could do about 3 hours worth of work on you each time and get you feeling pretty great." YES PLEASE! How much would that set a girl back?

So I am researching inexpensive massage therapists for once PT ends. And in the mean time, I am going to have to keep planking on my own and working out. Its hard in the heat, but thank God for the person who invented air conditioning. The AC is right next to my elliptical, praise Jesus.

Hope you are all having a delightful summer, and feel free to try planking, planking, or planking if you are looking for a summer laugh, exercise, or new hobby!

xo

MK