Plank Row – holding a push up plank position, “row” each elbow back to your waist while keeping your hips square to the floor.
- What does it mean to be Catholic?
- What does it meant to be fit?
What does it mean to be Catholic? The Catholic church exists in part to help us become saints. Catholics are people who are at least learning about what it means to be a saint. Saints are people who have lived, died and served in the name of justice.
Saints know that all people everywhere are part of their supernatural family, and they regularly search out and practice ways to pay it forward. Working for justice is the same as “paying it forward”, when we help others with similar challenges we were previously facing. Paying it forward is not only one of the best ways to stay motivated with your fitness routine, but it also helps us remain focused on living a Christian life.
Catholics are Virtuous People
1803 A virtue is a habitual disposition to do good. It allows (us) not only to perform good acts, but to give (our best). The virtuous person … pursues the good and chooses it in concrete actions. 1807 Justice toward men disposes one to respect the rights of each and … promote equity with regard to persons and to the common good.
“as each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” (1 Pt 4:10)
CatholicFIT and Stewardship
In this program, over the last eight weeks, we have talked about expressing our gifts and nurturing our gifts through education. Now, this week, we focus on using our gifts, aka our time, talents and treasure to work for personal, social, economic and religious justice. This is what Christian Stewardship is all about. If we keep the virtue of justice and the idea of Christian stewardship a the center of our lives, we become fully aware of all of the work we have to do out there. I believe the healthier and more fit we are, the more we just may be able to serve.
Planking Exercises
Planks are one of the more popular “core” exercises. They can be good for you, though they should really just serve as a prerequisite for other exercises than an actual training modality. After you can hold a solid 45-60 second plank, with minimal shaking and while taking deep breaths in and out, you can progress on to more challenging, dynamic exercises as we cover in the CatholicFIT Workshops. This video shows a few variations on the regular plank … remember to keep the shrug out of your shoulders, breath deeply throughout the move, and stop if you feel any pain.
For more on planks and planking challenges, check out my Planking Post from DaveReddy.com.
Carrying Exercises (Luggage Walk & Walking Planks)
We call this a walking plank, because you try to keep your body straight and strong while walking with luggage or a bag of groceries. This exercise is great for your hips and waist muscles, and improves your awareness while walking with a baby on your hip or with a bag of groceries.
IT Band Stretch & Crossed Leg Toe Touch
If you have a job that has you seated most of the day, here is a great move to add into your routine, or each time you stand up for a break. Knock out 2 minutes of these two stretches and your hips and lower back will thank you.
Please comment below and let me know how this feels. Also come out to any of our CatholicFIT Workshops for more tips and exercises not included here.
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