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A recent study found that as global temperatures rise, people are becoming less physically active.
Not because they are less motivated. Because heat makes movement harder, less comfortable, and sometimes unsafe.
Researchers found that even small increases in high temperature months lead to measurable increases in physical inactivity.
And that matters. Physical inactivity is already linked to higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions.
Here is the part that applies to real life:
When movement becomes harder, we tend to do less of it.
Less walking.
Less time outside.
Less overall activity.
That is exactly why intentional strength training and short, manageable workouts matter.
You cannot always control the environment.
You can control whether you keep moving within it.
Even 20 minutes inside.
Even simple strength work.
Consistency becomes more important, not less.

What to do if you cannot hold a side plank yet
If a full side plank feels too hard, that is not a failure. It just means you are not there yet.
Core strength is built progressively.
Start where you are:
Bend your knees and do a modified side plank
Use your hand for extra support
Shorten the hold to 5 or 10 seconds
Focus on keeping your body aligned, not how long you last
You can also build the same strength with other movements like carries, supported holds, and controlled strength work.
The goal is not to force the hardest version.
The goal is to build stability step by step.
Most people do not need a harder exercise.
They need a more appropriate starting point.​

What is the Frontal Plane?The frontal plane divides the body into front and back halves, allowing for side-to-side movements. Unlike the sagittal plane (forward and backward movements) or the transverse plane (rotational movements), the frontal plane focuses on lateral motion. Movements such as side lunges, lateral raises, and side shuffles all occur in the frontal plane.

What is the Transverse Plane?The transverse plane divides the body into upper and lower halves, allowing for rotational and twisting movements. Unlike the sagittal (forward and backward) or frontal (side-to-side) planes, the transverse plane focuses on horizontal movements around the body's axis. Think of actions like swinging a golf club, throwing a ball, or rotating to pick up something from the floor—these are all transverse plane movements.

In April 2024, I went in for my annual physical. I brought up the same concern I usually do: my blood sugar seems to plummet about 1-2 hours after I eat, along with other frequent bouts of hypoglycemia. In the past, all my blood work had come back stellar, so I was shocked when this time it returned as pre-diabetic. As someone who has always been conscious of my health—working out regularly, eating well, and maintaining a fit lifestyle—this news felt like a betrayal.