Now if you haven’t heard of planking, not to worry. Most of the time you probably have walked right by a planker without even noticing. They are, after all, imitating a piece of wood – so no one would blame you. This all began in Australia and has spread rapidly, with people planking indoors/outdoors, alone and with friends, pushing the craze to ever more interesting heights. If you want to learn more take a look at this Wikipedia page.

There have been some negative comments about planking and the potential downsides of this newest phenomenon. But like all great trends, there is always some danger lurking. With that said, the following post and photos are of trained people on a closed planking course. All people planked at their own choosing, and no animals or employees were harmed in the planking that follows.

Here is Brenna DeLeo, a Pyxl employee/planking ringleader planking in an elevator. As you can see, it is a freeform plank that still follows the rule – safe, stiff and facedown.

In this instance, Chad our production manager demonstrates the planking technique as developed by early street lugers. Notice the up lifted head to watch for oncoming dangers. Well done Chad, well done.

In this photo, the planker is using a prop for dramatic effect. This planker is sufficiently off the ground but still within a quick hop down should the vehicle begin moving. (Which it won’t since it is not on and unmanned.)

When you plank, always take a friend. One, there is safety in numbers and two, let’s be honest, when pretending you are wood, having a friend or three along makes it so much more fun.

Now this is a team planking! Unfortunately, this is a sidewinder planking, so it’s technically not a pure plank experience as the plank is looking at us and displaying emotion. Still, it was only the second office attempt and we were unsure of the rules at this point – and a sidewinder is quite difficult to achieve.

Can you find the error with this plank? Nicole seems to have perfect planking form. However, the flowers in the front give a certain funeral feel, and the plank is again facing upwards. As we learned after this, to truly commit to planking one must be face down.

When planking, the key is to think like a piece of wood. I found that by lying on a wooden table I was better able to channel that energy and achieve a good planking position – despite being in the lobby.

When you plank, you nearly disappear. Kervie attempts to trick a colleague into carrying him downstairs with some camera equipment by planking on the case. Can you spot Kervie in the picture above?

After a vigorous argument about the strength of mesh trash cans, Kelly wins the bet and some money by planking nicely. Notice the full commitment on her part by planking facedown on an object several of her colleagues believed would collapse under the weight of a planking human.

Planking isn’t just for humans. Jessica discovered that her horse, Q also wanted to be part of the planking experience. Even our furry friends enjoy it!

Happy International Planking Day! And remember, if you’re planking today, please be safe!