I find myself wondering, Is August really gone? Wow, that was fast. The good news is, September is off to a great start! And, I'm excited for this new month and all the fitness possibilities it has.
The end of August brought the end of my 30 day ab challenge. Woohoo! I made it! It was tough- some days tougher than others. But before I knew it, the challenge was over and the results were fabulous!
At first I didn't notice much of a difference. It was towards day 20 that I started to realize that my waist had thinned and my stomach was leaner. About then I started noticing too that I felt a lot stronger. In fact, I was a lot stronger. My stomach started feeling firmer, it even surprised me. Completing the exercises got easier too. Not that the exercises were easier because they were still super challenging. It's just that I got stronger making it easier because my core was able to support me better.
The truth is, I loved the 30 day challenge so much that I'm doing it again. Today, I started all over at Day 1. It's going to be another challenge all over again but the truth is, 30 days from now I am going to be loving the results even more!
P.S. I wish I would have taken measurements of my waist because I know they have changed. I did take before and after pictures, which I plan to load soon. Anyone else thinking about doing the challenge this month?
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Positive Feedback!
So excited! Yesterday, someone asked me if I had been losing weight. Yeah! Well, truth is I haven't really lost weight. I supposed two pounds is losing weight but the real difference is the change in my physique.
When I told him that I hadn't lost weight he said "Well, you look leaner". What makes me so excited is that I've been noticing this in myself too. The 30 day ab challenge has really worked to tighten and strengthen more core. It's slimmed me down in the mid-section.
So this is a definite plus. All of my hard work is paying off! And it feels good to get some positive feedback. It makes all of this seem worth it. :)
When I told him that I hadn't lost weight he said "Well, you look leaner". What makes me so excited is that I've been noticing this in myself too. The 30 day ab challenge has really worked to tighten and strengthen more core. It's slimmed me down in the mid-section.
So this is a definite plus. All of my hard work is paying off! And it feels good to get some positive feedback. It makes all of this seem worth it. :)
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Workout log
Just so you know, I've added a second page to my blog. It details my workouts. Check it out up top!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Working out lately...
Today was Day 6 of the ab challenge. Every day is definitely a challenge. And, I have been feeling it too! The great thing is that the hubs has been doing it with me. He definitely motivates me to keep going and to keep up the pace too. The good news is that I can already see changes. I can't imagine what 30 days of this will do.
In addition to the ab challenge I've been supplementing my workout with Insanity. It's tough but it's good. Since it's cardio it's easy to add it into the regular weight lifting mix.
Here's a little inspiration to keep you going!
In addition to the ab challenge I've been supplementing my workout with Insanity. It's tough but it's good. Since it's cardio it's easy to add it into the regular weight lifting mix.
Here's a little inspiration to keep you going!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Insanity Day 1
For those of you who have never used this workout series the basic format is 43 minutes total workout with 5 minutes of stretching followed by 35 minutes of intense exercise and ending with 3 minutes of cool down stretching.
The particular dvd that I did was called Plyometric Cardio Circuit exercise. Plyometrics is a method of training elastic muscles using explosive moves, like jumping. The workout included mountain climbers, squat jumps, burpee type push-ups, high knees and more. This workout was grouped into series of 3-4 exercises. The first set in the series starts off at a moderate pace. Once that set is completed, the pace increases and then the final set is done at a very rapid pace.
One thing that I really appreciated about this workout is that they give you 30 second rest breaks between series. I'm used to having no rest interval when I do a similar workout.
So was it intense? Well, yeah I suppose it was. By the time I finished I was dripping in sweat- as in actually dripping. There were moments when I had to stop to take a quick breath but I finished the whole dvd and was able to complete all of the exercises in good form. At the end of the workout I felt good. It felt like I had done 30minutes of heavy cardio and I recovered pretty quickly.
Overall, I thought it was a good workout. The Insanity series is a great addition to any workout routine. If you've never exercised before it's going to be challenging for you. If you exercise regularly it's a great way to mix up your routine although it may not be enough on it's own. The regimen is to do the dvds 6 days a week and rest on Sundays. I imagine that 6 days of this in a row would be pretty exhausting! At this point though I can't say for sure if I believe it to be a well rounded routine that could be followed to achieve the ultimate physique.
So that's my first thoughts. Since I already have an established routine I won't be doing the Insanity as my sole source of exercise but I intend to do 3 or 4 more videos this week. Plus, tomorrow I start the 30 day Ab Challenge by Strong Like Susan that I mentioned in my last post. Is anyone joining me?
The particular dvd that I did was called Plyometric Cardio Circuit exercise. Plyometrics is a method of training elastic muscles using explosive moves, like jumping. The workout included mountain climbers, squat jumps, burpee type push-ups, high knees and more. This workout was grouped into series of 3-4 exercises. The first set in the series starts off at a moderate pace. Once that set is completed, the pace increases and then the final set is done at a very rapid pace.
One thing that I really appreciated about this workout is that they give you 30 second rest breaks between series. I'm used to having no rest interval when I do a similar workout.
So was it intense? Well, yeah I suppose it was. By the time I finished I was dripping in sweat- as in actually dripping. There were moments when I had to stop to take a quick breath but I finished the whole dvd and was able to complete all of the exercises in good form. At the end of the workout I felt good. It felt like I had done 30minutes of heavy cardio and I recovered pretty quickly.
Overall, I thought it was a good workout. The Insanity series is a great addition to any workout routine. If you've never exercised before it's going to be challenging for you. If you exercise regularly it's a great way to mix up your routine although it may not be enough on it's own. The regimen is to do the dvds 6 days a week and rest on Sundays. I imagine that 6 days of this in a row would be pretty exhausting! At this point though I can't say for sure if I believe it to be a well rounded routine that could be followed to achieve the ultimate physique.
So that's my first thoughts. Since I already have an established routine I won't be doing the Insanity as my sole source of exercise but I intend to do 3 or 4 more videos this week. Plus, tomorrow I start the 30 day Ab Challenge by Strong Like Susan that I mentioned in my last post. Is anyone joining me?
Monday, July 30, 2012
Product Reviews
Lately, people have been asking me to check out some of the products that interest them. A friend recently gave me some information about a Whey Protein supplement that her health club promotes. Another friend has asked me to review the Insanity Workout videos. Um, yes!
In the next couple of days I'll post my thoughts on these products. I'm so excited about being able to review these, especially the Insanity videos. I told my friend that I may not want to return the dvd set to her because I may like it too much! lol Well, I'll let you know if she'll be getting them back or not.
Another area that I'm really excited about is the 30 Day Ab Challenge that I've committed to doing starting August 1st. I've recently become aware of a real inspiration, Strong Link Susan. This woman is fit! Basically, for 30 days I will be doing the ab workouts that she has posted on her site. My plan is to continue with my usual workout routine of 3-4 days weightlifting and 1-2 days cardio. Here's the link to her website containing all her fitness videos, including the 30 Day Ab Challenge: Strong Like Susan.
I'd love for you to join me! My friend Jenn has already agreed to start the Ab Challenge with me on August 1st. It's crazy to think that 30 days from now you could have a nice toned abs, maybe even a six pack! It's going to be tough but think of the satisfaction of having a nice flat belly when you wear that bikini. Let me know if you're up for the challenge!
In the next couple of days I'll post my thoughts on these products. I'm so excited about being able to review these, especially the Insanity videos. I told my friend that I may not want to return the dvd set to her because I may like it too much! lol Well, I'll let you know if she'll be getting them back or not.
Another area that I'm really excited about is the 30 Day Ab Challenge that I've committed to doing starting August 1st. I've recently become aware of a real inspiration, Strong Link Susan. This woman is fit! Basically, for 30 days I will be doing the ab workouts that she has posted on her site. My plan is to continue with my usual workout routine of 3-4 days weightlifting and 1-2 days cardio. Here's the link to her website containing all her fitness videos, including the 30 Day Ab Challenge: Strong Like Susan.
I'd love for you to join me! My friend Jenn has already agreed to start the Ab Challenge with me on August 1st. It's crazy to think that 30 days from now you could have a nice toned abs, maybe even a six pack! It's going to be tough but think of the satisfaction of having a nice flat belly when you wear that bikini. Let me know if you're up for the challenge!
Monday, July 23, 2012
Summertime!
It has been a while. Sorry about that. Now that it's summertime it seems there is always something occupying my time. We are working on painting our house- now that's a chore! And I'm applying to graduate school. Plus, the usual work family life etc. And in between I try to make time to get outside especially for camping and backpacking.
Despite the being busy I'm working hard at working out. The sunshine can make it difficult to want to go inside for a workout but I'm committed to lifting weights. There are so many benefits that I've noticed since I started lifting. I feel great! Higher muscle to fat ratio has stabilized my blood sugars so I'm less sleepy, my thoughts are clearer and my sugar cravings are gone. Not to mention I love the way my body has defined muscle tone.
Next month marks the one year anniversary since I started lifting. I'm going to do a whole blog post on it. I'll keep you posted. For now, get outside and get some activity while the sun is out! Soak up some Vitamin D! It boosts energy and metabolism while promoting bone growth.
Despite the being busy I'm working hard at working out. The sunshine can make it difficult to want to go inside for a workout but I'm committed to lifting weights. There are so many benefits that I've noticed since I started lifting. I feel great! Higher muscle to fat ratio has stabilized my blood sugars so I'm less sleepy, my thoughts are clearer and my sugar cravings are gone. Not to mention I love the way my body has defined muscle tone.
Next month marks the one year anniversary since I started lifting. I'm going to do a whole blog post on it. I'll keep you posted. For now, get outside and get some activity while the sun is out! Soak up some Vitamin D! It boosts energy and metabolism while promoting bone growth.
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