Senior Citizens Plank For A Purpose In Bucks County
DOYLESTOWN, Pa (CBS) -- It's an exercise move that can be very challenging and a special plank competition was held on Monday in Bucks County.
Even for people who are in really good shape, holding a plank position for a minute can be tough.
On Monday, a group of senior citizens took the challenge and planked for a purpose. This planking challenge was raising money for the arthritis foundation and everybody was invited to join in, staff and family alike.
There was a little warm up first at the Wesley Enhanced Living Community in Doylsetown and 86-year-old June Lee, and dozens of others, turned out for a special exercise challenge.
Wesley Fitness Coordinator, Jeanine Hendrie said, "The plank helps strengthen the core muscles of your body supporting the spine so it's just a very good shoulder strengthening balance exercise core tummy back exercise for everybody.
Planks became popular here as an alternative to sit ups and other core exercises, that can be difficult for people with arthritis.
This planking challenge was raising money for the arthritis foundation and everybody was invited to join in, staff and family alike.
All kind of planks were accepted – hands, toes, elbows and even on chairs.
Bill Grun is 96, and works out every day. He says planks are no big deal for him. He said that "attitude," is the secret to the long and healthy life that he's lived.
It's a positive can do attitude that keeps this group young at heart and fierce, helping to make the 30 seconds quickly pass by. Then a minute and closing in on two minutes went by.
Gay Siccardi, 79 years old, held out the longest and won the plank challenge.
Siccardi said, "I've been practicing…it wasn't difficult. It was easy."
Exercise at any age is important, but can be especially helpful for the elderly. One study said seniors who worked out for 3 hours a week lived around five years longer than the sedentary.
