In a world (or at least an Instagram feed) where fitness pros and newbies alike are always trying to out-sweat one another, Blogilates founder Cassey Ho decided to team up with two fellow fitness instructors for a “getting back to basics” initiative. Along with Kerri Verna (@beachyogagirl) and Kino MacGregor (@kinoyoga), Ho is offering up a #planksaroundtheworld challenge: a different variation on the classic plank is delivered every day for the month of August. Do the plank—modify if you have to—snap a photo, add the hashtag and you’re in.
“We created the challenge to fuse together a harmony between the styles we teach and practice: Pilates and yoga,” says Ho. “People think they’re the same all the time, but they’re not. We wanted to find one thing that overlaps in both areas. That’s the plank! It’s commonly used in both practices because it strengthens your core while providing muscle stability and balance. I see these 30-day yoga challenges on Instagram and I literally cannot get into seventy-five percent of the moves. We wanted something accessible that would be open to lots of variations.” And with just a few days into the month-long challenge, it’s already hit: By day three, #planksaroundtheworld was trending with more than 12,000 posts!
Day three also introduced followers to the Advanced Plank. “It’s a bit difficult, and you might tip over—but that’s OK,” Ho says. “It’s good to be challenged and get a bit wiggly. When you fall, just get back up and try again.” Your abs will love the challenge!
Here’s how to do it: Start in a high plank position, with your shoulders stacked over your wrists, and imagine pushing the floor away from you. Squeezing your abs, lift your right arm and your left leg at the same time, keeping your focus on the floor slightly in front of you. Hold for 10–15 seconds, then switch, lifting your left arm and right leg.
“Remember, your core isn’t just your front abs,” Ho says. “Imagine tying a string around your waist—your core is everything it touches, including your waist, obliques and lower back, like a corset. This move hits it all.”
Ho’s ultimate goal for the month: “At the end of the challenge, I hope Pilates and yoga devotees will give the other style a chance,” she says. “It’s so important to cross-train and keep your body surprised and on the edge of its seat. That’s how you get your best body.” And you’ll wind up with a killer toolbox of fun planks to try, too.
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