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Pinkerton Plank Challenge

9/30/2018 9:10 pm

 

 

Oct. 8, 2018

Pinkerton Plank Challenge

 
Our entire school community is welcome to participate (parents, learners, teachers and administrators) in our Planktober and Planksgiving Challenge!

 

Be looking in your learners Take Home Folder for a handy chart to set goals, keep track and stay motivated! Please initial the sheet each day and email pictures of your planking to cmichaelis@coppellisd.com.

 

We will have a special “Plankboard” outside the gym to celebrate participants! The class with the most finishers will receive an extra “Open Gym” time first thing on a morning of their choice!!

 

 

Why a Plank Challenge?

 

“Core strengthening is essential for the progression of other developmental skills. The core muscles
are the muscles in the abdomen, back, and pelvis, and are the center of control for everything the
body does. If your child doesn't have strong core muscles, balancing, performing coordinated
movements on both sides of the body, jumping, sitting up straight in a chair, and performing arm and hand tasks like holding a pencil and controlling scissors will be difficult.”

 
Here are the basic steps for performing a plank, from the American Council on Exercise:

 

  1. Hold your elbows, or hands, directly under your shoulders and place your wrists in line with your elbows.
  2. Push your body up into your upper back and hold your chin close to your neck (like you’re holding an egg between your chin and your throat).
  3. In this position, brace your abdominals—contract them like expecting a punch in your stomach, squeeze your gluteal (tailbone) and thigh muscles simultaneously while continuing to breathe normally.
  4. Hold a plank at least 20 to 30 seconds. (When using correct form, it is not necessary to hold it for longer than this amount of time.) Rest for approximately one minute and repeat three to five more times.

Start doing the plank using your elbows and toes (feel free to drop to your knees if necessary) and progress up to a high plank when you feel you have developed the necessary strength.

 

Happy Planking!!!