In today’s inspiring story of personal transFURmation, one pup has taken a doggone big leap to fitness. In addition, they pledged to accomplish one challenging, but doable, 40-second plank each day! Though eager, they were initially skeptical, thinking that a week of this exercise was possible yet unlikely. Eventually, this modest investment resulted in substantial gains in both physical health and mental health.
Years of body-shaming and negative self-image had plagued the individual, who often compared themselves to the waif-like figure of model Kate Moss during their teenage years. Living on a diet mostly made up of carbs, they often experienced low confidence and obesity. Their journey veered into an unexpected direction when they participated in Veganuary last year. This experience began a slow transition to a new understanding of and appreciation for eating healthy.
Years of fighting against life-threatening options, giving up tobacco became a watershed moment. This important decision precipitated a wave of action to make physical fitness a national priority. Continuous swimming practices helped with weight loss and encouraged an environment of healthier living. As time wore on, this person began to doubt their level of devotion. That got them thinking about whether they could do a 40-second plank a day for a week.
They were tenacious. They broke down doors. Marisa shared that one year after kicking off their plank challenge, they found themselves feeling the strongest and most active physically. The outcomes were astounding! They were able to go from not being able to hold a plank for two and a half minutes to performing multiple strength exercises with their bodies just to name a few.
Their mental health — with one episode of care — is doing better than ever, reaching the highest state it’s ever been in. They turned planks into a regular practice within their daily fitness routine. This seemingly easy task changed her body — and mind — in profound ways.
“Forty seconds of doing this could change your life.” – Peter Flude/The Guardian