Do a Plank

Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley

BBC

Health & Fitness, Science

4.6 • 1.6K Ratings

🗓️ 31 January 2024

⏱️ 15 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Michael adds a plank into his exercise routine and is surprised to learn of its huge benefits to our physical health.

Dr Jamie O'Driscoll, a Reader of Cardiovascular Physiology at Canterbury Christ Church University, reveals how the plank is a form of isometric exercise, where muscles are held still, neither stretching nor contracting. Jamie shares his research that found these exercises, including the plank and the wall-squat, could massively reduce our blood pressure.

Michael also explores how the plank can even be better than crunches or sit ups for your abs and core muscles. Our volunteer Penelope takes on the plank, excited to learn that this small addition to her fitness regime could yield great results.

Series Producer: Nija Dalal-Small Science Producer: Catherine Wyler Researcher: Sophie Richardson Researcher: Will Hornbrook Production Manager: Maria Simons Editor: Zoe Heron A BBC Studios production for BBC Sounds / BBC Radio 4.

Transcript

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0:00.0	If you could have a conversation with your younger self, what would you tell them?
0:06.0	Anonymity is our most valuable gift.
0:09.0	I'm Kristi Young, and in Young again, I'll be asking my guests what honest advice they would give their past self.
0:16.0	Believe it when they say that loving yourself is the answer.
0:20.0	Among those joining me will be Jamie Oliver, Jeda Pinkett Smith and Mel B.
0:24.1	I knew that I had a voice and I knew that I wanted to say certain things and represent certain things.
0:30.0	Young again, with me, Kirstie Young. Listen on BBC Sounds.
0:35.0	BBC Sounds, music radio podcasts.
0:40.0	Time's up.
0:42.0	We would all like some quick and simple ways to improve our health, but we're inundated
0:48.8	with often conflicting advice. So if you're going to try just one thing to improve your mental and physical
0:55.7	well-being what should it be? Maybe some green tea to boost your brain power or
1:01.1	doing a plank to lure your blood pressure. How about some small acts of
1:06.0	kindness to benefit your immune system? I've Dr Michael Mosley and this is
1:12.2	just one thing where each episode will explore one thing
1:16.6	you can start doing today to improve your health or life in ways you might not expect.
1:26.0	I'm in my living room and I'm in the middle of a short but tough exercise.
1:30.0	It is certainly one of the best most efficient things you can do if you want to get strong core
1:37.2	improve your posture reduce back pain and benefit your heart health
1:42.2	I'm doing a plank, I'm on my elbows and toes, a straight line from
1:48.1	my shoulders to my heels.
1:50.1	Thank goodness for that.
	...

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