Advanced press and plank

Activates muscles of the upper body and stomach and develops strength and control used in everyday movements like lifting and stabilising.

Intensity: Moderate
Recommended repetitions: 10-15

Before you get into your workout it’s important to warm up. Just 5 minutes of light activity is all you need. Things like:

Walking
Jogging on the spot
Pumping your arms
Shoulder rolls
Controlled punches
Circular ‘windmill’ arm movements in the air.

  1. Start in a side­ plank position, with your feet stacked on top of each other and your hip touching the floor
  2. Hold a filled water bottle in your right hand, right elbow bent and weight resting against your bicep
  3. Lift your hips up off the ground, so your body is straight from knees to shoulders, and press water bottle up to the ceiling
  4. Return hips back down. Repeat on the opposite side.

After your workout, cool down by following any of the above activities, again for 5 minutes. This is also a great time to stretch your muscles holding each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Make sure you hold at a point where you can feel the stretch but you shouldn’t feel discomfort or pain. Don’t bounce through these, just slow steady movements.

Disclaimer: If you have been inactive for a while, have heart disease, or a close relative with heart disease or if you have other major health problems, or are pregnant, please check with your doctor before following these workouts.

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