The Plank Challenge-Towards a Healthy 2017

About a month ago, I realized that a lot of my clothes had begun to get really tight. My tummy began bulging like it had never before-something that had happened only during my pregnancies. I love having a healthy and toned body as much as I can. But it gets difficult to exercise with the kind of responsibilities, duties and time constraint, and the least that could be sneaked in were breathing exercises. But this bulge didn't look like a simple one...this looked odd.

Last month I chose to wear my black trousers. It used to be my favourite pair...until it began to get tight. I began to wear it once in a couple of weeks. Last time, struggling to get into it, putting the button was the next obstacle. Yet, it was done!!! It fit!!! It still fit!!!

As usual, being late, I rushed to the car, quickly got in and right then...pop! I couldn't believe it! Had I put on so much weight that even a button couldn't stay on?! There was no point in even trying to sew that button back...the bulge had gotten so big that even my buttons couldn't contain it :'(

Slowly all my trousers began to agree with the black one. Even my skirts joined the bandwagon. My dresses didn't lag far behind. Just last Sunday, wearing my favourite black shift dress to Church I was so excited that at least this one still fit. Asking Celeste to help close my zip, putting on my precious set of pearls, the feeling of contentment was sooo good. 

Reached Church and the praise and worship was just electrifying. Mimi just rocked it with Victory in Jesus which is still ringing in my head.

Watch and listen to it here if you'd like to imagine how Mimi sounded.

I heard an old, old story,

How a Savior came from glory,

How He gave His life on Calvary

To save a wretch like me;

I heard about His groaning,

Of His precious blood's atoning,

Then I repented of my sins

And won the victory.

Chorus

O victory in Jesus,

My Savior, forever.

He sought me and bought me

With His redeeming blood;

He loved me ere I knew Him

And all my love is due Him,

He plunged me to victory,

Beneath the cleansing flood.

I heard about His healing,

Of His cleansing pow'r revealing.

How He made the lame to walk again

And caused the blind to see;

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus,

Come and heal my broken spirit,"

And somehow Jesus came and bro't

To me the victory.

Chorus

I heard about a mansion

He has built for me in glory.

And I heard about the streets of gold

Beyond the crystal sea;

About the angels singing,

And the old redemption story,

And some sweet day I'll sing up there

The song of victory.

Chorus

Read more: Various Artists - Victory In Jesus Lyrics | MetroLyrics 

Ok...back to my story. A couple of songs into Praise and Worship, a friend came and whispered, "your zip is undone." 

"Oh, Celeste didn't seem to have zipped it right," I said, "Could you please zip it for me?" 

"I'm trying...but it's too tight..."

No!!! Not this dress too! But my kind friend did her best and zipped it. 

You'd think that's where it ends. Nope. 

We decided to go for lunch with friends. And just as I went to sit in the back seat of the car...the cut on the back of my dress...came apart :'(

This was way beyond what my little mind could take. Remedial steps had to be taken. Soon. That's when the thought of the 'Plank' came to mind. And to make it easier, there was an article on it in the Sunday Times.

A Plank a Day

Hands down, this seems to be the easiest, quickest and probably the most effective exercise. Only people with lower back issues needed to be mindful of trying the plank. Nothing was going to stop me now. The Plank had to be done. 

Here's my how-to-plank

-  Find a stable surface where your foot doesn't slip/slide.

-  With your stomach facing the floor, your elbows should be directly under your shoulders, and your wrists in line with your elbows, shoulder width apart.

-  Do not contract your shoulder muscles.

-  Push your body up, letting your neck be in line with your spine. DO NOT arch your back.

-  Contract your abdominals if you can while continuing to breathe normally.

-  Hold for about 20-30 seconds. Rest for a minute or two and repeat a couple of times. You can slowly increase the time once you get more comfortable.

Here's a video from youtube that could help:

Basic Plank Techniques

So this 2017 I'm looking forward to a toned belly. The plank helps your abdominal muscles/deep core muscles tighten and get stronger.  Here's to a 30-day Planking Challenge! See you in a flatter 2017!!!

Wanna join me???