28 Day Plank Challenge

Plank Exercise Challenge

Welcome to the 28 Day Plank Challenge, this challenge is the sister challenge of the January Plank challenge, a simple yet effective daily challenge that will improve your core strength and endurance that can be started at any time.

Add this challenge into the mix for daily inspiration and a challenge to keep you focused. This challenge only takes a short time each day, furthermore, my challenges are designed not only to challenge you but to create healthy and active habits that you can continue. You’ll soon learn you don’t need to invest vast amounts of time into exercise however you do need to be consistent.

This challenge is staggered & progressively increases in time throughout the month. there are 3 levels to choose from together with three different plank variations.

Want to join the January Plank Challenge?

Find out more about the sister challenge and join the January Plank Challenge.

Click here to get started today

What is a plank

The plank is an excellent isometric exercise, it requires core stabilizers to fire to maintain body & spinal alignment. A staple of fitness and often used during fitness tests and assessments.

Often also referred to as a prone bridge it is a simple static exercise that will work every part of your core and your whole body as you maintain a rigid position.

Visually the plank is a bridge supported on your toes and forearms, a straight line from your heels to your shoulders. As a result, It looks so simple that you’d think it was easy, it is not. Consequently, you’ll find the plank in almost any fitness programme and that is because it is highly effective and works a fundamental muscle group, your core.

28 Day Plank Challenge

Plank Fitness Test

The January Plank challenge is progressive and you should notice some gains throughout the month. To start off you should test your current core strength with a Plank test. This simple test will give you an idea of where you are now, this can be compared when conducting the same test at the end of the challenge. The result of the test will help you choose the plank variation to do during the challenge.

To conduct the test:

  • Have a stopwatch ready or a friend with a stopwatch.
  • Get into the plank position.
  • Hold the plank for as long as you can.
  • Stop the test when you fail or you reach 2 minutes.

Choose the Plank variation based on your initial Plank Test result

  • Under 30 seconds – Choose the Beginner variation (Half Plank).
  • 30 seconds up to 1 minute 30 seconds – Choose the Regular plank on forearms or with straight arms.
  • 1 minute 30 seconds and above – Choose the Plank/Up Down variation for a dynamic plank. Alternatively, you could use an unstable platform such as a BOSU, Balance Pod or Fitness Ball and place your feet upon them creating a more demanding static Plank exercise.

Test your progress with a follow-up Plank Test at the end of the month

After a month of regular planking, you should be feeling stronger with more endurance in your core and stabilizing muscles. To find out how you have improved, repeat the test you conducted at the start of the month. The test should be exactly the same conditions, same plank variation etc. 


Plank Challenge Target Guide #Plankawaychallenge

28 Day Plank Challenge Target Guide

Scoring the Plank Challenge

The challenge is split into 3 levels for which you can score your progress, you don’t need to keep to one level, You can mix & match and go up or down a level. Each level has a score associated with it, use the free-scoring sheet available for download below to track your progress and tally your total score for the month

TARGET LEVELPOINTSEXERCISE LEVELPOINTS
Level 1 1 point Easy (Half Plank) + 1 point
Level 22 pointsModerate (Full Blank) + 2 points
Level 33 pointsAdvanced (UP/Downs) + 3 points
Scoring Chart for 28 Day Plank Challenge

28 Day Plank Challenge Scoring Sheet 76.03 KB 29 downloads

The scoring sheet to be used with the 28 Day Plank Challenge    …

Equipment

  • GymBoss (I earn commission from tsponsored link via Amazon.co.uk)
  • Exercise Matt (sponsored link via Amazon.co.uk)

GymBoss, the Number One Tool you Need to Time your HIIT Intervals

Programme Design

I have designed this challenge as a progressive ascending pyramid, in simple turns, each day is equal or harder than the last. The challenge progresses at small steps enabling you to become stronger as you go through the month. The challenge has two-day steps where we keep to the same target for two days (we can call this acclimatization if you like). It’s all to get you up to your target time at the end of the month, in a safe, effective and progressive manner.


28 Day Plank Challenge Target Table

Day level 1 level 2 level 3
1 10 20 30
2 10 20 30
3 15 30 45
4 15 30 45
5 20 40 60
6 20 40 60
7 30 60 90
8 35 70 105
9 35 70 105
10 40 80 120
11 40 80 120
12 45 90 135
13 45 90 135
14 55 110 165
15 60 120 180
16 60 120 180
17 65 130 195
18 65 130 195
19 70 140 210
20 70 140 210
21 80 160 240
22 85 170 255
23 85 170 255
24 90 180 270
25 90 180 270
26 95 190 285
27 95 190 285
28 105 210 315
Generated by wpDataTables

Ready to commit?

Tweet this and add some accountability, and why not get some friends to join you too.

Did you know? you are much more likely to achieve your goals if you share them with your friends and also get them to join you.

I'm doing a #28DayPlankChallenge and you can join me for free. A daily Plank Challenge to keep me motivated. Share on X

The Plank Exercise

There are 3 variations of the plank designed for the beginner, intermediate and advanced level of fitness.

Want more? Check out my 28 Plank Variations

Key Points

  • Keep neutral spine alignment
  • Maintain a straight line through shoulders, hips, knees & ankles
  • Maintain abdominal tension
  • Remember to breath

Beginner – Half Plank (from knees) 

Half Plank exercise provided by diet.com

Regular – Forearm Plank or Straight Arm Plank

Fore Arm Plank Exercise provided by BeachBody

Plank Up Downs

Plank Up-Down Exercise courtesy of DareBee.com

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 1

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 1

Plank Challenge Day 1 Targets

Plank Challenge starts. Day 1 of #28DayPlankChallenge & just 10, 20 or 30 seconds. So New Year, New You? If you stick to this challenge you’ll be on your way.

  • Level 1 = 10 seconds
  • Level 2 = 20 seconds
  • Level 3 = 30 seconds

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 2

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 2

Plank Challenge Day 2 Targets

Day 2 of #28DayPlankChallenge and another 20, 30 or 30 seconds plank sec today. We are breaking you gently depending on when your new year celebrations ended!

  • Level 1 = 10 seconds
  • Level 2 = 20 seconds
  • Level 3 = 30 seconds

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 3

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 3

Plank Challenge Day 3 Targets

Day 3 of #28DayPlankChallenge an easy jump to 15, 30 or 45 seconds plank today. Back at work and a shock to the system so do this before you hit the road.

  • Level 1 = 15 seconds
  • Level 2 = 30 seconds
  • Level 3 = 45 seconds

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 4

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 4

Plank Challenge Day 4 Targets

Day 4 of #28DayPlankChallenge another 15, 30 or 45 seconds plank today. So the first week back after the hols is the hardest but know this little act is doing you good.

  • Level 1 = 15 seconds
  • Level 2 = 30 seconds
  • Level 3 = 45 seconds

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 5

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 5

Plank Challenge Day 5 Targets

Day 5 of #28DayPlankChallenge its a 20, 40 or 60 seconds plank today. You may have set yourself some new year’s resolutions but this one you can keep!

  • Level 1 = 20 seconds
  • Level 2 = 40 seconds
  • Level 3 = 60 seconds (1min)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 6

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 6

Plank Challenge Day 6 Targets

Day 6 of #28DayPlankChallenge Another 20, 40 or 60 seconds plank. Small things make a big impact. It doesn’t need to be complicated, just achievable.

  • Level 1 = 20 seconds
  • Level 2 = 40 seconds
  • Level 3 = 60 seconds (1min)

Level 2 = 40 seconds plank (2 points)

40 second Plank done for #28DayPlankChallenge. Share on X

Level 3 = 60 seconds plank (3 points)

60 second Plank done for #28DayPlankChallenge. Share on X

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 7

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 7

Plank Challenge Day 7 Targets

Day 7 of #28DayPlankChallenge and 30, 60 or 90 seconds plank to do. The first week ‘done & dusted. Well done but let’s be honest it wasn’t that hard. That’s to come 😉

  • Level 1 = 30 seconds
  • Level 2 = 60 seconds (1min)
  • Level 3 = 90 seconds (1min 30s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 8

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 8

Plank Challenge Day 8 Targets

Day 8 of #28DayPlankChallenge with a 35, 70 or 105 seconds plank. We are building you up so that you can reach your goal, so don’t fret if you are finding it easy!

  • Level 1 = 35 seconds
  • Level 2 = 70 seconds (1min 10s)
  • Level 3 = 105 seconds (1min 45s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 9

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 9

Plank Challenge Day 9 Targets

Day 9 of #28DayPlankChallenge and again it’s a 35, 70 or 105 seconds plank to get down and do today. Holding your own bodyweight is no easy test & it’s you against you only.

  • Level 1 = 35 seconds
  • Level 2 = 70 seconds (1min 10s)
  • Level 3 = 105 seconds (1 min 45s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 10

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 10

Plank Challenge Day 10 Targets

Day 10 of #28DayPlankChallenge and a short 40, 80 or 120 seconds plank. Remember to breathe and keep a straight line from heels to shoulder (no pyramids!)

  • Level 1 = 40 seconds
  • Level 2 = 80 seconds (1min 20s)
  • Level 3 = 120 seconds (2min)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 11

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 11

Plank Challenge Day 11 Targets

Day 11 of #28DayPlankChallenge with a. 40, 80 or 120 seconds plank today. So by now, you have already quadrupled your first day’s target. Good job and you didn’t even notice!

  • Level 1 = 40 seconds
  • Level 2 = 80 seconds (1min 20s)
  • Level 3 = 120 seconds (2min)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 12

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 12

Plank Challenge Day 12 Targets

Day 12 of #28DayPlankChallenge and up to a 45, 90 or 135 seconds plank today! Try not to think about the burning and just breathe!

  • Level 1 = 45 seconds
  • Level 2 = 90 seconds (1min 30s)
  • Level 3 = 135 seconds (2min 15s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 13

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 13

Plank Challenge Day 13 Targets

Day 12 of #28DayPlankChallenge and up to a 45, 90 or 135 seconds plank today! Try not to think about the burning and just breathe!

  • Level 1 = 45 seconds
  • Level 2 = 90 seconds (1min 30s)
  • Level 3 = 135 seconds (2min 15s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 14

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 14

Plank Challenge Day 14 Targets

Day 14 of #28DayPlankChallenge another 55, 110 or 165 seconds plank today. Two weeks’ done’ & almost halfway through the challenge already. I know, it’s flown by!

  • Level 1 = 55 seconds
  • Level 2 = 110 seconds (1min 50s)
  • Level 3 = 165 seconds (2min 45s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 15

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 15

Plank Challenge Day 15 Targets

Day 15 of #28DayPlankChallenge with 60, 120 or 180 seconds plank to get down and party to! Oh okay, just a plank will suffice today. You can celebrate when you’ve done it!

  • Level 1 = 60 seconds (1min)
  • Level 2 = 120 seconds (2min)
  • Level 3 = 180 seconds (3min)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 16

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 16

Plank Challenge Day 16 Targets

Day 16 of #28DayPlankChallenge and you know the pattern now so it’s another 60, 120 or 180 seconds plank to get firmer from the inside out. Shoulders, abs & thighs getting stronger. Now that’s good time management.

  • Level 1 = 60 seconds (1min)
  • Level 2 = 120 seconds (2min)
  • Level 3 = 180 seconds (3min)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 17

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 17

Plank Challenge Day 17 Targets

Day 17 of #28DayPlankChallenge with 65, 130 or 195 seconds plank today. It’s what you’ve been working up for so enjoy every second of it.

  • Level 1 = 65 seconds (1min 5s)
  • Level 2 = 130 seconds (2min 10s)
  • Level 3 = 195 seconds (3min 15s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 18

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 18

Plank Challenge Day 18 Targets

Day 18 of #28DayPlankChallenge and let’s do it again with a 65, 130 or 195 seconds plank today. Looks worse in seconds don’t you think! It’s all mind over matter & you are mentally there.

  • Level 1 = 65 seconds (1min 5s)
  • Level 2 = 130 seconds (2min 10s)
  • Level 3 = 195 seconds (3min 15s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 19

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 19

Plank Challenge Day 19 Targets

Day 19 of #28DayPlankChallenge getting firm with a 70, 140 or 210 seconds plank. Into your last 2 weeks so the steady climb has begun but you are stronger than you think

  • Level 1 = 70 seconds (1min 10s)
  • Level 2 = 140 seconds (2min 20s)
  • Level 3 = 210 seconds (3min 30s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 20

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 20

Plank Challenge Day 20 Targets

Day 20 of #28DayPlankChallenge with a 70, 140 or 210 seconds plank to get done. This is a mental challenge as much as a physical one. Just remember to breathe and focus.

  • Level 1 = 70 seconds (1min 10s)
  • Level 2 = 140 seconds (2min 20s)
  • Level 3 = 210 seconds (3min 30s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 21

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 21

Plank Challenge Day 21 Targets

Day 21 of #28DayPlankChallenge and we’re finishing week 3 off with an 80, 160 or 240 seconds plank. We know it’s getting harder but so are you inside! A stronger core makes your whole body solid.

  • Level 1 = 80 seconds (1min 20s)
  • Level 2 = 160 seconds (2min 40s)
  • Level 3 = 240 seconds (4min)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 22

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 22

Plank Challenge Day 22 Targets

Day 22 of #28DayPlankChallenge you’ve got an 85, 170 or 255 seconds plank to get down to. Just a small amount of time out of your day to get yourself feeling fitter

  • Level 1 = 85 seconds (1min 25s)
  • Level 2 = 170 seconds (2min 50s)
  • Level 3 = 255 seconds (4min 15s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 23

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 23

Plank Challenge Day 23 Targets

Day 23 of #28DayPlankChallenge and it’s 85, 170 or 255 seconds plank to feel the high before you crash! Getting oxygen in will help with the pain, sorry we mean burn!

  • Level 1 = 85 seconds (1min 25s)
  • Level 2 = 170 seconds (2min 50s
  • Level 3 = 255 seconds (4min 15s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 24

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 24

Plank Challenge Day 24 Targets

Day 24 of #28DayPlankChallenge and it’s a 90, 180 or 270 seconds plank. One week to go so you must keep going to say yes you’ve done it. Don’t regret it, just do

  • Level 1 = 90 seconds (1min 30s)
  • Level 2 = 180 seconds (3min)
  • Level 3 = 270 seconds (4min 30s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 25

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 25

Plank Challenge Day 25 Targets

Day 25 of #28DayPlankChallenge with a 90, 180 or 270 seconds of tummy toning to get done today. Such a short amount of time for such a huge benefit of super abs.

  • Level 1 = 90 seconds (1min 30s)
  • Level 2 = 180 seconds (3min)
  • Level 3 = 270 seconds (4min 30s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 26

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 26

Plank Challenge Day 26 Targets

Day 26 of #28DayPlankChallenge a challenging 95, 190 or 285 seconds plank Come on and focus on the big picture, you are just 5 days away from your goal

  • Level 1 = 95 seconds (1min 35s)
  • Level 2 = 190 seconds (3min 10s)
  • Level 3 = 285 seconds (4min 45s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 27

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 27

Plank Challenge Day 27 Targets

Day 27 of #28DayPlankChallenge no walk in the park anymore, today it’s a 95, 190 or 285 seconds plank. Remember to breathe!

  • Level 1 = 95 seconds (1min 35s)
  • Level 2 = 190 seconds (3min 10s)
  • Level 3 = 285 seconds (4min 45s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 28

28 Day Plank Challenge Day 28

Plank Challenge Day 28 Targets

Day 28 of #28DayPlankChallenge you’ve got a 105, 210 or 315 seconds plank to get down to. For this short space of time be still, the rest of the day you can run around like crazy

  • Level 1 = 105 seconds (1min 45s)
  • Level 2 = 210 seconds (3min 30s)
  • Level 3 = 315 seconds (5min 15s)

BONUS Points

  • Half Plank | +1 points
  • Full Plank (on forearms or straight arms) | + 2 points
  • Plank Up/Downs | +3 points

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2 comments

5 Reasons to Plank Everyday | October 15, 2019 - 7:20 am
[…] it’a not January, check out the 28 Day Plank Challenge and start […]
January Plank Challenge (PlankAwayJanuary) | DoctorJeal December 26, 2019 - 12:25 pm
[…] Click here to get started today […]
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