My Journey to Plank Challenge
In April 2024, I sought a practice to strengthen my body and mind holistically. I found my answer in planking—a simple powerful core exercises that builds physical endurance, mental toughness, and spiritual focus.
I didn’t start with a three-hour plank overnight. Instead, I gradually increased my endurance day by day:
- April 24, 2024 (Washington, USA): Started with a 5-minute plank
- August 2024: (Powidz, Poland): Achieved 1-hour plank
- October 2024: (Black Sea, Constanta, Romania): Achieved 2-hour plank
- November 12, 2024: (Eiffel Tower, Paris, France): Achieved 2.5-hour plank
- December 7, 2024: (Powidz Lake, Poland: Reached 3-hour plank
Through this journey, I strengthened not only my body but also my mind and spirit. Planking became my secular spirituality, helping me cultivate self-discipline, focus, and perseverance. Over time, it even influenced my nutrition and sleep habits, reinforcing the holistic health fitness.
Click here to see my plank from 5 minutes to 3 hours
Reflections and Recommendations for Your Journey
1. Assess Your Progress
- Mental Toughness: Persistence builds resilience.
- Physical Adaptation: Gradual increases lead to long-term growth.
2. Refine Your Strategy
- Environment: Try different surfaces—grass, sand, or hard/soft floors with and without elbow support.
- Pacing: Break time into smaller, achievable goals.
- Fuel & Hydration: Eat well and stay hydrated before workouts.
3. Prepare for Challenges
- Set Incremental Goals: Increase plank time progressively with goal.
- Core Strength Training: Add side planks and resistance exercises.
- Mindfulness & Focus: Control breathing and stay present.
- Music: Find motivational music to enhance endurance.
4. Holistic Health Reflection
- Whether through planking, running, meditation, or challenge yourself in ways that nurture physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
- Find joy and fulfillment in your journey.
Final Thoughts
Your journey to holistic health is your own masterpiece. The key is action—self-assess, identify areas for growth, and take meaningful steps toward improvement. Stay committed and listen to your body. Once you find your rhythm, maintain it, and embrace holistic health readiness as a lifelong pursuit.