30 days. A stronger core. A little more gratitude.
November is here, and at Wellzie, we're giving thanks a little differently this year. Welcome to PlanksGiving!
Yes, your abs might shake. Yes, 30 seconds might feel like three minutes. But this challenge is about more than holding a plank.
It's about building strength, showing up for yourself, and taking a moment each day to appreciate the good things in life.
Why Planks? Small Exercise, Big Benefits!
Don't let this simple exercise fool you! Planks engage multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making them an excellent exercise for building core strength and stability.
And your core is much more than your six-pack! It includes your deep abdominal muscles, obliques, spinal stabilizers, and supporting muscles that work together to keep you strong.
The benefits?
Stronger core: Supports everyday movement, lifting, running, and balance.
Better stability and posture: Helps your body maintain proper alignment.
Full-body engagement: Activates your shoulders, glutes, legs, and abdominal muscles.
Improved muscular endurance: Trains your muscles to maintain stability longer.
The best part? No equipment needed!
Plank Like a Pro: Form Matters!
Before you start chasing longer holds, remember that quality always beats quantity.
Keep your elbows directly beneath your shoulders.
Maintain a straight line from your head to your heels.
Engage your abs and squeeze your glutes.
Keep your neck neutral and avoid dropping your hips.
BREATHE! Seriously, don't forget that part!
Coach's tip: If your form starts to break down, lower your knees, elevate your forearms on a sturdy surface, or take a short break. Longer holds can also be divided into smaller sets. Good form is always the goal!
The Gratitude Behind PlanksGiving 🧘♀️
Now, here's where our challenge gets interesting.
We spend so much time thinking about what's next, what's stressful, or what isn't going according to plan that we sometimes forget to appreciate what's already going well.
What if we used our daily plank to practice gratitude, too?
Instead of staring at the timer, wishing the seconds away, try shifting your attention.
Think of three things you're grateful for.
Maybe it's your health, your family, a good friend, your morning coffee, or simply the fact that your body allows you to move.
As your muscles begin to shake and your mind starts saying, "Are we done yet?!" return your focus to your breathing and those positive thoughts.
Gratitude doesn't mean life is perfect. It means choosing to recognize the good, even when things are challenging.
And just like building physical strength, developing a more positive mindset takes practice.
One plank. Three grateful thoughts. Every day.
Need Motivation? How About a Five-Hour Plank?!
Meet DonnaJean Wilde, a 61-year-old Canadian grandmother who held a plank for an incredible FIVE HOURS in October 2026, surpassing her previous Guinness World Record time!
Her story is an amazing reminder that strength doesn't have an expiration date, and consistency can take us further than we imagine.
🎥 Watch DonnaJean's incredible five-hour plank achievement
Don't worry, we're only aiming for five minutes, not five hours!
Ready for the Wellzie PlanksGiving Challenge? 💪
We're starting November 1 with just 30 seconds, gradually building toward a five-minute goal on November 30!
Follow our official PlanksGiving calendar, take your scheduled rest days, and remember that modifications and shorter sets absolutely count.
Whether you reach five minutes or simply improve your personal best, every effort is worth celebrating.
But here's my real challenge to you:
Don't just finish November with a stronger core. Finish it with a stronger mindset and a greater appreciation for the little things.
Let's move, breathe, practice gratitude, and get a little stronger together.
Happy PlanksGiving! 💙
With gratitude and strength,
Coach Z
Wellzie Community
