One of the advantages of being a fitness writer is that I'm constantly being introduced to new workouts and styles of exercise. But there's one move I always come back to: the plank. It's a brilliant exercise to build full-body strength and core stability.
That's why I was intrigued to see a plank challenge that celebrity trainer Monique Eastwood shared on Instagram.
Eastwood's clients include Anne Hathaway and Emily Blunt, so she knows a thing or two about getting people into good shape and she says this three-minute plank challenge will ensure you get a full-body workout.
I decided to put it to the test, to see if it could make one of my favorite exercises even more effective.
How to do Monique Eastwood's three-minute plank challenge
You don't need any equipment for this sequence, although I reached for my yoga mat to add cushioning under my hands.
The routine involves walking out into a high plank position with your arms extended, then placing your right foot on top of your left heel. From there, bend your knees to move your hips towards your heels, then return to the plank.
After that, keeping your legs straight, move your right foot out to the right side and tap the floor with your foot, then return it to your left heel. That's one rep and Eastwood recommends completing 10 reps on both sides, doing all your reps on one side then switching sides.
My experience trying this routine
Although the plank is technically a full-body exercise, I mostly feel it in my core and shoulders. When I did this sequence, I felt more of my body got a workout.
My legs were engaged when pushing my hips back, as well as when I moved my foot to the side to tap the floor. That second movement also tested my mobility, because it required both control and flexibility.
This plank workout will also improve your balance more than a typical plank, because you only have three points of contact with the floor, rather than the usual four.
Completing 10 reps was challenging, and I had to have a quick break dropping to my knees around rep seven, before completing the rest.
In the comments on the Instagram post, Eastwood recommends starting with fewer reps if you're finding the sequence challenging.
I also recommend making sure you're comfortable with the traditional plank position before attempting this sequence. Take a look at our guide on how to do a plank to brush up on your form and build up some stamina holding a plank before progressing to a routine like this one.
As someone who does planks regularly in workouts, this sequence is one I'll use again—I think it would make a great core finisher.
