Celebrity Trainer Monique Eastwood's Three-Minute Plank Sequence for Core Strength
In the world of Hollywood fitness, few trainers command as much respect as Monique Eastwood. With a client roster that includes A-list stars like Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, and Greta Gerwig, Eastwood has developed a reputation for creating workouts that are both effective and engaging. Her unique approach combines elements of Pilates, dance, strength training, ballet, and yoga into flowing sequences that feel more like choreography than traditional exercise.
The Importance of Core Stability
Eastwood emphasizes that her method focuses heavily on alignment and building endurance in the deep core muscles and pelvis. "These muscles work to stabilize you, so you have amazing power for whatever you do, whether that's play tennis, hit a golf ball or go skiing," Eastwood explains. One of her favorite exercises for developing this crucial stability is the plank, which she believes is fundamental for maintaining good posture and transferring power between upper and lower body in both sports and daily life.
How to Perform the Three-Minute Plank Sequence
Eastwood has shared a specific three-minute plank sequence that anyone can try at home, using the same principles she employs with her celebrity clients. To begin, start in a high plank position with your right foot placed on top of your left heel. Keeping your spine long, bend your knees to move your hips toward your heels, then push back through the ball of your left foot to return to the high plank position.
From this 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. The sequence calls for completing 10 repetitions total before switching sides. Eastwood recommends beginners start with just one repetition on each side and gradually build up to the full sequence.
Comprehensive Benefits of the Plank Sequence
"The bodyweight plank is such an efficient way to work your core," Eastwood notes, but she observes that most people don't execute it properly. "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."
Eastwood's sequence addresses this imbalance by creating what she describes as "an all-over workout." By placing one leg on top of the other, the lower leg supports extra load, providing a bonus challenge for the quadriceps muscles on the front of the thigh. "This sequence also activates the inner thighs and challenges the core and pelvis, as you only have one stable leg while moving forward and back," Eastwood adds.
The side tap movement specifically targets the obliques, the core muscles running up either side of your trunk, while requiring you to maintain trunk stability as you move the leg out and back. Throughout the sequence, your shoulders play a supporting role, building strength and stability in the joint.
Building a Celebrity Client Base Through Word of Mouth
Eastwood's journey to training Hollywood's elite began with Emily Blunt during the filming of "Edge of Tomorrow" many years ago. "She spread the word, then I taught her sister Felicity Blunt and her husband Stanley Tucci," Eastwood recalls. "They recommended me to Haley Atwell, and then I met Ruth Wilson."
The referrals continued with Emily Blunt mentioning Eastwood to Anne Hathaway, and Rachel Weisz being referred by Daniel Craig's trainer. Greta Gerwig came through a makeup artist connection. "So I think people just chat, chat, chat, chat, chat," Eastwood summarizes of how her reputation has grown through the entertainment industry.
This word-of-mouth success has led to long-term relationships with her celebrity clients. Emily Blunt has trained with Eastwood for over 12 years, Stanley Tucci for more than a decade, and Anne Hathaway commits to five hour-long video call classes each week, often at 5am. Eastwood attributes this loyalty to her focus on technique and results. "People want to see results, and they want somebody very efficient to work with," she explains.
Eastwood begins with technique sessions for all new clients, focusing on flow without weights or bands before gradually introducing light weights and progressing as clients build strength and confidence. This methodical approach has made her one of the most sought-after trainers in Hollywood, with a three-minute plank sequence that brings her celebrity training techniques within reach of fitness enthusiasts everywhere.
