When it comes to effective exercise routines, simplicity often yields the most impressive results. This principle is perfectly embodied in a three-minute plank sequence developed by celebrity trainer Monique Eastwood, whose client roster includes Hollywood A-listers like Anne Hathaway, Greta Gerwig, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt.
The Celebrity Trainer's Method
Eastwood's approach to fitness represents a sophisticated fusion of multiple disciplines. Her method combines elements of Pilates, dance, strength training, ballet, and yoga into flowing sequences that feel more like choreography than traditional exercise classes.
"There's a major focus on alignment, as well as building endurance in the deep core muscles and pelvis," Eastwood explains. "These muscles work to stabilise you, so you have amazing power for whatever you do, whether that's playing tennis, hitting a golf ball, or going skiing."
Why the Plank Works
The plank exercise has earned its place as a fitness staple for good reason. Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying its effectiveness, which explains why variations appear in almost every exercise style. Eastwood has refined this classic move into a targeted sequence that delivers comprehensive benefits in just three minutes.
"The bodyweight plank is such an efficient way to work your core," Eastwood notes. "The problem is that most people don't execute it particularly well. Everyone puts too much emphasis on their shoulders, especially guys because that's their strong area. But their legs and butt are sleeping, which means everything quickly becomes really hard work."
How to Perform the Three-Minute Plank Sequence
This equipment-free workout requires only floor space and dedication. Here's how to execute Eastwood's sequence with proper form:
- Begin in a high plank position with your hands directly beneath your shoulders
- Place your right foot on top of your left heel
- Keeping your spine long, bend your knees to move your hips toward your heels
- Push back through the ball of your left foot to return to the high plank position
- With straight legs, move your right leg out to your right side
- Tap the ground with your toes, then return to the starting position
This completes one repetition. Perform ten repetitions total before switching to the opposite side. Eastwood recommends starting with just one repetition per side if you're new to this sequence, gradually building up to the full ten as your strength improves.
Comprehensive Benefits Beyond Core Strength
This deceptively simple sequence delivers what Eastwood describes as "an all-over workout" with multiple benefits:
- Quadriceps development: Placing one leg on top of the other forces the lower leg to support extra load, challenging the thigh muscles
- Inner thigh activation: The movement pattern engages often-neglected inner thigh muscles
- Pelvic stability: Working with only one stable leg while moving forward and back challenges core and pelvic stability
- Oblique engagement: The side tap movement specifically activates the oblique muscles running along your trunk
- Shoulder strengthening: Your shoulders provide crucial support throughout the sequence, building joint stability
The Celebrity Connection
Eastwood's impressive client list developed organically through word-of-mouth recommendations within the entertainment industry. "I started with the lovely Emily Blunt on Edge of Tomorrow – that was many years ago," she recalls. "She spread the word, then I taught her sister Felicity Blunt and her husband Stanley Tucci."
The referral chain continued with Tucci recommending Eastwood to Haley Atwell, while Emily Blunt mentioned her to Anne Hathaway. Rachel Weisz came through Daniel Craig's trainer, and Greta Gerwig connected through a shared makeup artist.
This network of satisfied clients has created remarkable loyalty. Emily Blunt has trained with Eastwood for over twelve years, Stanley Tucci for more than a decade, and Anne Hathaway commits to five hour-long video call classes weekly, often beginning at 5am.
"People want to see results, and they want somebody very efficient to work with," Eastwood explains about her long-term client relationships. "They can do an hour-long session with me from New York or their hotel room when they travel. They know me because I do technique sessions with all of my clients to begin with."
Her approach begins without equipment, establishing proper movement patterns before gradually introducing light weights that increase over time. This methodical progression ensures clients develop both strength and technical proficiency simultaneously.
