Happy Monday! Today we have the first challenge for all those who have decided to take part of the January/February Slim Down Challenge... And even for those who have not. Yes, usually we have one day challenges on P+K and even a few month challenges, but weekly challenges are very rare (barring last week's, of course).

So, this week is something that you may be able to do already, or, you may need to work up to. Two minutes is a long time to hold a plank pose and it will work a lot of muscles. Planks help the core, back, arms, and legs get lean and gain muscle. These are a static workout that will seriously have you shaking by the end.

If you laugh in the face of two minute planks, try two minutes of plank rolling instead. Or, you can even try plank on the forearms. You can even do this in a two legged plank pose. Just split the time so you are half with the right arm and left foot on the ground and half with the left arm and right foot on the ground. No matter which way you swing it, this is a great challenge for activating that core and getting a fast whole body tone.

When doing plank, be sure to keep your arms directly under your shoulders legs straight, and head up in line with the spine. You want to also make sure that you are keeping the back straight and bum even. Raising the bum up too high will bring you to down dog and work way different muscles. Letting the bum sink down will compound the vertebrate in your lower back and bring a lot of pain. Keeping it straight will make sure that you are working the right muscles without injury.

I cannot wait to hear how this goes for you!