This Is What Happened When I Did a 2-Minute Plank Every Day for 6 Weeks.

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about fitness. I'm determined to maintain a constant physique.

As a result, I frequently participate in fitness challenges in order to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle.

I had previously challenged myself to lose my belly fat in three months. Additionally, I completed my "No Sugar Challenge," which lasted over 240 days. However, I felt motivated to try something more strenuous this time.

"What could be better than committing to a 30-day plank challenge for two minutes?" I contemplated. Plank challenges have become a popular trend on social media due to its ability to be performed anywhere and at any time of day.

I'd seen others share their stories about how routinely performing planks helped them develop six-pack abs. I wanted to verify whether or not it was true. More significantly, I wanted to test my body's ability to push against its own weight!

To be honest, I couldn't stand the idea of doing the challenge and wanted to fail so badly; Not because I hated to plank but because of the challenges lying ahead of me.

However, guess what? Not only did I successfully accomplish the challenge, but I continued to do so. Indeed, it is the 42nd day, and my core has never been stronger!

I'm going to share my strategies, gains, learnings, challenges, and experiences with you in this blog post so that you can do this challenge for yourself (and possibly break my record!)

Building a Mindset Was More Difficult Than Doing Plank.

My goal was to ease into the challenge gradually, rather than launching headlong into the first day of the challenge with a 2-minute plank session. I didn't want to injure myself on the first day and damage my core.

That's why I chose to begin with a time limit of under a minute so that I could gather my bearings quickly.

Week 1

In the beginning, planks seemed robotic. The sensation was similar to having my brain shut off and all of my blood rushing to my Core.

These positions were difficult for the first 50 seconds. Because I was in my regular plank stance — elbows tucked and all — my back muscles weren't engaged, but that changed as soon as I started moving around!

To make the transition easier, I learned to turn on one side or flip backward into a cat/cow pose.

Planks were quite difficult and strenuous for me, despite the fact that I was not new to straining my body against its weight. I was able to execute them for 65 seconds by the conclusion of week one. My stomach muscles felt more supported, and my core felt a little stronger.

Week 2

My abs began to burn as I gradually refined the exercises. The more they exercised and burnt off that stubborn fat, the more powerful they got!

I had better endurance while holding planks in week two as well! My wrists didn't pain at the end of the day, and my back felt stronger. 

Week 3

By this time, I was in good shape, and planks didn't need much work. After roughly two weeks of performing planks every day, my body had adapted to the challenge — yet flexibility wasn't developing at the usual rate since muscles take longer to train.

Regardless of my lack of progress, there's no denying that my core strength has improved over the last several weeks as a result of meeting the plank time goal of 2 minutes.

I grew envious and wanted to push myself even further. In week 4, I promised myself that I would add another 2-minute set.

Week 4

The first set of planks went okay, but I couldn't complete the second. My core was really powerful, and I was feeling less weariness than before — which was great because I hadn't seen a clenched tummy in a long time!

Flexibility improved slightly, as expected, but not significantly, given that this was merely a month-long experiment with no additional workouts or sports to compare between sessions.

Regardless, I was pleased with myself for doing planks every day for a month and even adding the second set.

Week 5

Planks became second nature after the fifth week. Flexibility was no longer an issue. My core was feeling powerful when I pushed myself to do another 2-minute plank set.

Despite the fact that planks were difficult at first, sticking to regular planks provided tremendous physical and emotional advantages!

Planks have improved my posture, making squats and push-ups much simpler than previously. My abs were also showing indications of improvement, with less bloating and a less jiggly belly.

Week 6

I saw what planks may do for your physique after five weeks of consistency. It basically seemed like an extension of my arms when I was in plank positions.

My physique felt considerably leaner, stronger, and healthier, even though there were still a few slight hunches. It was becoming easier to complete various core-strengthening activities.

When I glanced in the mirror shirtless on the sixth week, I felt more secure about myself.

Plank results

• On the first day, I couldn't even complete half of the plank time. I can now easily hold planks for more than two minutes at a time.
• Despite eating cauliflower crust pizzas and Ramen every week, I experienced an increased metabolic rate that allowed me to maintain my body weight!
• Planks burned more calories for me than other standard abdominal exercises.
• Planks strengthened my core and improved the strength of my abs, arms, shoulders, and thighs.
• My moods stayed light and balanced.
• Because I felt accomplished, my mental strength Increased dramatically throughout the weeks.
• I feel more prepared to face the problems that come with being responsible for work-life balance.