Fitness enthusiasts are buzzing after Monique Eastwood, personal trainer to Hollywood star Anne Hathaway, unveiled her latest plank challenge, promising to transform core workouts.
Recently shared through the popular platform IndyBest, this three-minute plank challenge aligns with the ‘Monique Eastwood Movement Method,’ which aims to deliver efficient and effective workouts for muscle engagement. Eastwood's challenge consists of toe taps to knee hovers, intriguingly crafted to activate not just the core but multiple muscle groups.
Beginning from a high plank position, participants engage with the following sequence: start by tapping one foot to the side, keeping hips square. Then, bring the foot back, hooking it over the heel of the opposite foot. Both knees should bend followed by extending arms back before returning to the high plank position, ensuring smooth motion throughout. Complete this for ten repetitions on one side before switching to the other side.
Eastwood passionately states, "It’s an efficient way to work your core," and highlights the myriad benefits of maintaining proper form during the exercise. She notes, "By placing one leg on top of the other, the sequence also activates the inner thighs and challenges the core and pelvis." Her insights suggest this singular movement not only works the core but creates demands on other key areas like the obliques and glutes, contributing to overall body strength.
Yet, Eastwood advises participants to prioritize form over quantity when tackling the challenge. Many beginners might find keeping everything stable quite difficult. Commonly, individuals tend to over-focus on their shoulders, neglecting to engage their glutes and legs. "You should aim to feel equal effort across your legs, glutes, core, and shoulders," she emphasizes.
The resistance posed by holding a plank for one minute can already feel monumental, let alone three. For those struggling, Monique suggests starting with fewer repetitions to boost endurance gradually. "Form first," she insists, responding to inquiries from her growing audience.
Recently, one follower remarked, "I have tried it. It’s not easy," showcasing the challenge's difficulty. Eastwood cheerfully replied, "Start with less reps and build your endurance slowly," reinforcing the principle of approaching fitness challenges with patience and progress.
For many, the initial engagement with this plank challenge may sound intimidating; the truth is, most people won't just sail through the routine without prior conditioning. But by tackling it mindfully and focusing on form—which means adjusting repetitions to avoid shoulder strain—participants can improve their strength and stability over time. The encouragement from Eastwood echoes the sentiment: you will get there!
This fresh take on the plank challenge not only reflects the efficacy of keeping fitness routines straightforward but also embodies Eastwood's vision of holistic training. Interactive challenges like these can form part of daily exercise regimens, aiding all individuals from beginners to seasoned athletes who seek to maintain balance and strength.
With the right mindset, the desired results await for anyone willing to challenge themselves and push the limits of their core strength—just like Anne Hathaway.