The First 10 Seconds of a Plank are the Hardest

I was reminded of this earlier today when I began doing planks again.

Why why why are the first 10 seconds so awful? My arms shake, I feel weak, I can't imagine making it to 30, or 45, or 60 seconds. Let alone two minutes. But after the first 10 seconds, my breathing stabilizes, my training kicks in and before I know it I've coasted past 60 seconds.

It still doesn't make Wanting to do planks any easier.

My reasons for doing planks? It's a great full core exercise I can do at home and, for anyone who has done yoga, the benefit of focusing on your form and your breathing makes the exercise a great way to clear your mind. With body and mind benefiting, you'd think it would be easy to tackle this every day. But No! I remember the nasty first 10 seconds.

Whenever I a forming a new habit that I am not 100% looking forward to doing it takes a whole lot more motivation to start.

The fact is that I have the ability to hold a plank for 10 seconds, then 30, then 45 and onwards. It's the willingness to do the activity that gives me the coachable moment.

When I am able and willing, task is done. When I am unable and willing, that's when I need the guidance from someone who knows how to do this so that I can learn how to accomplish the task. When I am able and unwilling I've got to figure out to motivate myself to stay focused. When I am unable and unwilling (jumping out of an airplane), that task just won't get done!

When you're stuck, look at why you are stuck or how you became stuck. Is it because you are not sure how to do it or is it because ya just don't feel like it? From there you'll know if it is guidance you need or just that cheerful voice in your ear reminding you that you can do it.

Because, you CAN do it!