Posts tagged with exercise:
Work It Out Wednesdays!
I’m starting a weekly themed post series of sorts: Work It Out Wednesdays! I’m not the type of person who likes to post everything I eat and every exercise I do all the time, but I think a weekly workout update is a good way to show you guys what I’m up to without assaulting your eyes too regularly. I’m a big advocate of what some might call “lazy-girl fitness”. Meaning I don’t like to bust my ass to the gym for 2 hours every morning, but I’ll do squats in the shower, crunches before bed or hop on the stationary bike while watching a chick flick, that kind of thing. I like to make sure I get a good sweat on at least once a day!
So what am I up to this week? Well for starters, since I’m doing Operation: Abby Gets Abs I’m all about core strengthening exercises! Planks being at the top of that list since they are so effective for workin’ my lil abdominals. I will admit, I missed a few days of #plankaday over the weekend (Canadian Thanksgiving & a wedding in NY so I was crazy busy) but I’m back on board and my last few plank times have been: 1:14, 1:16, 1:12. Nothing spectacular but I know if I keep at it my times will only get better. I do side planks about every other day and I can’t hold them for quite as long: ~ 45 seconds each side.
As a side note: it is considerably difficult to get a photo of yourself while planking without a tripod of some sort. But having a playful puppy to distract you from the pain seems to help a fair bit! ;) After my plank sessions I usually do 3 to 5 sun-salutations to stretch out my mid-section and loosen up my shoulders just for good measure.
Other exercises I’m including in my daily workout:
- Inspired by the reviews I’ve read of the p90x ab ripper I’m including fifer scissors seated bicycles and mason twists (weighted).
- Some friends on Facebook had a few suggestions for core-work:
- Sara Turner from Life in a Lab Coat reminded me that diet plays a serious role in revealing abs as well - so I’ll be taking extra care to keep an eye on what I eat. Especially limiting my sodium intake (to reduce water retention) and eating (as I always try to) as much raw foods as possible for quick and efficient digestion.
- And as always, 20 minutes of any kind of cardio or play: walking the dog, jogging, stationary bike, ridiculous dancing etc.
How often do you work out? Are you a gym-rat or a work-it-at-home kinda girl like me? What is your favorite exercise of all time?
Operation: ‘Abby Gets Abs’ has commenced!!
Yeah, I’m liking the way I look and feel these days: I love the new found energy, the way my butt now slides nicely into those skinny jeans and the compliments I receive… But what I really, really want (did Spice Girls just pop into your head too?) is more ab definition! I used to (way back in high school) have this cute little 4-pack and dammit I want it back! Screw that actually I want a six-pack! I want to go jogging and wear only a sports bra with pride. I wanna be in conversation with some jacked up guy at the gym and be able to flash him my abs with confidence. I want some muscle baby!
To put the plan into motion I am going to do the following at least 5 times a week:
- Plank-A-Day - don’t really know how or when this started but I’ve seen people tweeting their times and I want to join in on the fun! Right now my plank time is sitting around the 1 minute mark. I figure I’ll do side planks as well for good measure!
- 100 crunches a night. I know some people hate crunches but I really don’t mind them. I used to do 100 a night back in high school (Jeezus that was forever ago!) and it worked then for me!
- Work on engaging my core when practicing yoga and incorporate more abdominal-targeted poses into my routine.
What are some of your favorite ab exercises? Have any suggestions or words of advice for me? How do you work on your abs? :)
I am not a good climber, but man it is fun! The rocks on the Bruce Peninsula are perfect for a little playing around. We did have a couple close-calls however, so I definitely want to take a few rock climbing classes at some point soon!
If you’ve tried rock climbing before, what would be your best tip for someone just starting out? :)
Happy Monday Everyone!
