Even though Leo's fitness class holds the pose for two minutes, she elects to stay in the air for three with no sweat (Pic: Great South Bay YMCA Summer Day Camp)
A woman from New York’s Long Island recently celebrated her 100th birthday, achieving an amazing fe even for the younger generation. Geraldine “Jerry” Leo’s fitness levels can even put the most accomplished athletes to shame. She performed a three-minute plank to mark her birthday, showcasing her super strong core.
Besides her “easy” plank feat, Leo also has flawless hearing, fast tempo, and hand-eye-foot coordination.
The centenarian is a fitness enthusiast who loves working out, apart from doing planks - an abdominal workout that uses only the toes and forearms to bridge the body up. “It works your core beautifully,” Leo said. “The Y keeps me alive and going in all aspects of my life,” she added. “Her form is beautiful, and she can teach people how to do it the right way,” her friend Marion Saturno said. “She definitely puts some of the class to shame, including me.”
As she crossed a century, Leo’s only advise for good health and longevity is to continue moving. “Be consistent, be positive, and keep moving in whatever you do,” she said. “That’s very important.”
Why should you do planks?
Planks, which effectively work on your core, are among the best ways to improve stability, reduce injury, and maintain mobility.
While it is not a very difficult position to pull off, experts believe how you position yourself is very important.
What are the benefits of doing planks regularly?
Activates your muscles
Planks, according to experts, are more effective than crunches. While sit-ups and crunches can be hard on your back—leading to pain and mobility issues—planks don’t just work your core but your entire body. Planks make use of your arms, legs, and all of your abs - making them an all-encompassing workout and a more efficient way to exercise.
Improve posture
For those who have back pain from sitting at an office desk all day, planks are the best way to get rid of it. By strengthening your back, chest, shoulders, neck, and abs, this exercise makes it easier to keep your shoulders back and your lower back in a neutral position while sitting or standing.
You can also develop isometric strength in your core muscles, which gives you the power to keep from hunching while standing or sitting for long periods of time.
Increase flexibility
Planks slowly help you stretch out the lower half of your body—thereby improving and increasing your flexibility. The hold position helps your hamstrings become longer along with the arches of your feet, making the plank pose a dual strength and stretch exercise.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.
