I must be feeling really inspired and motivated this year because for the month of January I have signed up for another fitness challenge called the 30 Day Flat Abs Challenge (I am doing two challenges at the same time).
The 30 Day Flat Abs Challenge is hosted by http://www.blogilates.com
Can I just say that the Blogilates website is one of the most fun, colorful and inspirational fitness sites I have ever come across! On the Flat Abs Challenge printable it includes a checklist for each day and also includes a picture of the exercise moves so no guess work is needed. I must add that on the printable, it also includes little water cups for each day as a reminder to drink more water (I'm guilty of needing more water intake)!
Below I will document my progress and thoughts through each day of the challenge.
Starting Stats:
- Weight = 162 (I know, I know... I gained all my weight from last year plus additional pounds... I am ashamed and determined to try harder this year!)
- Waist/Mid Section Measurement = 40 inches (Ugh :( actually being aware of what the number is makes me feel terrible... I measured the biggest part of my belly which is the spot between my belly button and belt line. )
Day 1
Today's Challenge - 5 Roll-Ups/ 5 Ankle Reaches / 5 Leg Lifts
Its day 1 of the challenge and I have the best attitude going into this. I can already tell that this challenge will be a true challenge as my abdominal muscles are very weak. It was only 5 of each exercise but I can already feel my mid section working. Looking at the printable I can tell that this will really push me, but you know what, Bring it! Challenge ACCEPTED!!!
Day 2
Today's Challenge - 6 Roll-Ups/ 6 Ankle Reaches / 6 Leg Lifts
Day 2 and I am still feeling excited about this challenge. I can already tell that I will soon hate those ankle reaches the further we get into the challenge. I was feeling so good today I even hit the gym and did 35 min of incline walking on the treadmill and one set on the leg machine. If I end up weighing more after this challenge (and the other arms challenge I am doing simultaneously) I am going to take a pregnancy test and if I'm not pregnant (which I should not be) I'm going to be so pissed if I weight more after these January challenges! I'm looking forward to day 3.
Day 3
Today's Challenge - 7 Roll-Ups/ 7 Ankle Reaches / 7 Leg Lifts
You know what I noticed today? This challenge has no rest days! My attitude towards health and fitness is still positive so this does not bother me at all. So far the challenge is still "easy" but I know down the line I'll be very sore as those repetitions increase. After doing my abdominal exercises I was still feeling great so I went down to the gym and did 30 min on the treadmill and a few sets of arms exercises. I can tell my muscles are starting to feel sore between the two challenges I've committed to and the extra time I am spending in the gym and you know what? It feels amazing! Starting strong is the easy part, I hope I can keep it up as we continue to progress throughout the month.
Day 4
Today's Challenge - 8 Roll-Ups/ 8 Ankle Reaches / 8 Leg Lifts
The roll-ups are super easy, its the ankle reaches and leg lifts that you really feel in your abs. During my fitness research, I read online that you should include rest days in your routine to give your muscles a chance to heal. Today is technically my "rest day" so I took it easy and only did my abs challenge and 13 minutes of butt toning exercises. I'm still feeling eager and want to workout hard tomorrow. Maybe its just me, but it feels really good having that muscle soreness feeling. Its as if my body is telling me that I'm doing a good job.
Day 5
Today's Challenge - 9 Roll-Ups/ 9 Ankle Reaches / 9 Leg Lifts
My abs are really burning with those ankle reaches and leg lifts and I haven't even hit double digits yet! Overall great fitness session today, after doing the reps for the flat abs challenge I dedicated some time to my arms today. I did Blogilates video called "6 min to sexy arms" and can I just tell you that in 6 min your arms will feel like they are on fire (no weights are used)! I also hit the gym today and did 30 min on the treadmill and a few sets on the machines focusing on the arms. I also did a couple sets on the ab machine which I will admit I'm not entirely sure I did it correctly, but then again, I'm not entirely sure its possible to use the machine incorrectly.
I really feel like I worked out hard today, I am looking forward to feeling sore tomorrow and I hope I start seeing results.
Day 6
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts
My abs are hands down my weakest muscle group. I could really feel the burn today on my leg lifts but I pushed to complete them in one go. I dedicated the rest of the days workouts to legs and abs. During lunch I did the "Perfect Legs Workout" by Blogilates. The exercise moves look easy but when you actually do them it feels like your legs are constantly on fire! I'm not going to lie, I had to hit pause a few times on the video just to rest my legs briefly.
After work I hit the gym and did some leg focused exercises with weights. I also did some extra abdominal work using a 10lb medicine ball, stopping often between reps. One thing that I am proud of today is that even though it was hard I finished a whole set of each exercise I set out to do.
Day 7
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 5 Reverse Crunches
Today we have a new move which is the "Reverse Crunch". I am thankful that we only had to do 5 reverse crunches because after the roll ups, ankle reaches and leg lifts my abs were struggling. For the rest of today's workouts I focused on the back muscles and did Blogilates "Back on Fire" video. The title of the video does not lie, the workout will absolutely make you feel like your back is on fire! I struggled hard during that workout, my 5lb weights felt like 10lbs. When Cassey would call out "5 more" my eyes bulged and filled with horror. I don't know how Cassey can stay so up-beat and beautiful during the entire workout but her up-beat spirit is so welcoming it makes you want to succeed.
Day 8
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 6 Reverse Crunches
I mentioned this in another post so I apologize if this part is redundant but this morning I was awoken by a terrible stomach ache lasting 4.5 hours. It was most likely the result of something I ate the night before which was painfully passing through my system. Thankfully, after some time the pain finally subsided.
During the day I took things easy and only did my two 30 day challenges (arms and abs). I figured that I would at least attempt my daily abs challenge and if I felt any unusual pain I would stop and just call it for the day. Fortunately, while I was doing my daily ab workout everything felt fine, I think if anything my mind was just being overly cautious. I was pleasantly surprised that I had more energy than I was anticipating as I only got about 3 hours of sleep. I don't know where all my energy came from but I was able to do all the ab exercises in one go, only stopping to change positions. I hope that's a sign that my abs are getting stronger!
That's it for today, fingers crossed that I'll be able to get a solid nights sleep and feel strong and healthy enough to hit the gym tomorrow!
Day 9
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 7 Reverse Crunches
Good news, I woke up and felt great today (albeit some diarrhea from whatever atrocity I ate yesterday, which I expected). I was healthy enough to hit the gym today and did a few minutes on the treadmill and a few sets on the machines focusing on arms. I did my ab exercises after the gym and out of the 4 ab exercises the ankle reaches is at the top of the list for making my abs burn.
Day 10
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 8 Reverse Crunches
I did my Roll-Ups in the gym today using the incline bench which were surprisingly easy. The leg lifts and reverse crunches felt easy today as well, maybe its because my body has caught up on rest. I didn't want to go to the gym today because its cold outside but I told myself that was just an excuse and made myself go and I'm glad I did. I did 4 sets focusing on legs today.
Its day 10 so of course I've been checking myself out in the mirror looking to see if I can see any difference. I feel different but I don't think I look any different. It's only day 10 so I know I shouldn't obsess over it.
Day 11
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 9 Reverse Crunches
Today is one of my official rest days so I took it easy as far as workouts. I did my ab challenge and I was feeling a little ambitious so I did some extra crunches and added on a few reps to workout the obliques. Things are going well but today I felt the urge to want to snack. I was really good and ate healthy but I am thinking of trying to meal prep so I don't have to think twice about food and what to eat.
Day 12
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches
I got my ab challenge reps out of the way early today and did them while I was cooking lunch (yay, multitasking!). The challenge is getting tougher and we are only 12 days in. Tomorrow we include a new exercise, my abs are going to be screaming for mercy by the time this challenge is over.
Other than my usual daily ab reps I hit the gym and did 30 min on the elliptical and also did 4 sets on a group of arm focused machines. I was feeling lazy today and didn't want to workout very much but I'm proud of myself for not giving into laziness and ended up working out hard today.
Day 13
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/5 Criss-cross
Its day 13 and we have a new exercise to add to the mix. After doing those criss-crosses I curl up into a ball like I'm having labor pains. I didn't have the chance to go to the gym today due to a long work day but I did try to fit in a few extra ab exercises and some butt exercises. I know I need do more sets of the ab exercises to really see results. I'm hoping that I'll be able to motivate myself to step-it-up!
Day 14
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 6 Criss-cross
Four days ago I complained about how I thought I felt different but didn't look different. Well today was a good day because it was the first day where I looked in the mirror and thought that I did look different. Even though I haven't dropped a lot of pounds on the scale and of course I still have a little belly I feel like I'm starting to look stronger. Well, its only been 14 days so I'm not expecting any drastic changes but I feel happy!
As far as today's workouts, I hit the gym, did my 30 min on the elliptical. I did a few sets of leg focused exercises and I even added a few extra ab exercises while at the gym. I even tried out some leg raises on that machine/device at the gym, I don't know what its technically called so I'll just call it a torture device (its effective, but it burns so bad).
As far as my daily ab reps for the challenge, I'm still feeling the burn, you would think after 14 days my body would be used to it by now. Those criss-cross crunches are still killing me!
Day 15
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 7 Criss-cross
I did not go to the gym today but I still did a few home workouts on top of my daily abs (and arms) 30 day challenge. As far as the reps for the challenge, while doing the last two exercises I tried to fight through the burn and do the crunches and criss-crosses in one go. I think I made it to the 5th criss-cross before crumpling into a ball. I also added on a few arm exercises and made myself do a set of burpees. Burpees just suck, don't get me wrong they are very effctive but they just suck! Does that make any sense?
Day 16
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 8 Criss-cross
I got my daily abs challenge reps out of the way and ended up doing two Blogilates workout videos. I did the "Victoria Secret Model Ab Workout" and the "Victoria Secret Angel Arm Slimming Workout". Both of these workouts were tough and I have to admit that I'm proud of myself for doing two. Cassey with Blogilates in her videos has the ability to make every workout look so simple and easy. But do not be deceived, these workouts are tough! In the middle of the workout while doing reps Cassey starts talking about music play lists and banana pancakes and I'm just over here with a pained expression thinking "I hear words... about stuff... but I'm just trying to focus on not dying!" I feel really good after finishing two tough workout videos.
Day 17
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 9 Criss-cross
I had a great workout today, I did my reps for my daily abs challenge and I was able to hit the gym. I did 30 min on the elliptical and 5 sets of leg focused workouts (one set more than I normally do). I did a few sets on the dip machine for my 30 day arms challenge. But what I am most proud of today is that I did 5 sets of leg lifts using the captains chair at the gym (I googled what it was called). The first time I did leg lifts using that machine I was struggling but somehow today I felt like superwoman. It must have been the nap I took before going to the gym. More than half way through the challenge and I'm still going strong!
Day 18
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 10 Criss-cross
I'm updating the days blog entry a little late. After my workout, dinner and watching my shows I fell straight asleep! As for Day 18 I did my reps for the abs challenge and even did a few extra reverse crunches. I was able to go to the gym but I only stayed for 30 min to do cardio. Earlier in the day I had received an email alert from Blogilates that there was a new video out called "Intense Inner Thigh Challenge". I was not quick to click on it because I knew it would be tough, but throughout the day I convinced myself to just suck it up and feel the burn. I did it! It was soooo hard and the 3 min workout seemed like 10 min with all my pauses in between but I did it!
Day 19
Today's Challenge - 11 Roll-Ups/ 11 Ankle Reaches / 11 Leg Lifts/ 11 Reverse Crunches/ 11 Criss-cross
I knocked my reps for the abs challenge out of the park today and even did a few extra exercises. The gym was a little more crowded today than I liked so I didn't get to have the best gym workout I had in mind. I did sneak away to the captains chair and went beast mode on my abs before I left to finish my workouts at home. I know my abs are getting stronger because the reps and exercises I feel are becoming to some extent easier and I'm able to push myself further. I know I have lost a couple inches on my belly but I just hate looking at it, still flabby! I know it takes time and that if I keep it up I will achieve the look that I want, its just my own impatience I'm battling.
Day 20
Today's Challenge - 12 Roll-Ups/ 12 Ankle Reaches / 12 Leg Lifts/ 12 Reverse Crunches/ 12 Criss-cross
Out of the two challenges I am doing, I have to say that I'm physically seeing most improvement in my abdomen. The reps are increasing and I'm still going strong and I'm actually enjoying it! I went beast mode in the gym today and did a full body workout (sounds like I'm a go-getter but really I just used a little of every machine that was free in the crowded gym). I did extra sets of leg lifts using the captains chair and it feels easier, I easily can do more than 1 set. Even though I know I'm getting stronger and I've lost a couple inches on the mid section, I don't see any drastic results on the scale. Whats up with that? I mentioned this in my other post for my arms challenge that I'm doing I've come to the conclusion that I most likely need to up my cardio. Maybe the next 30 day challenge I tackle will be cardio related (no promises... I hate cardio but I'll try to convince myself...).
Day 21
Today's Challenge - 13 Roll-Ups/ 13 Ankle Reaches / 13 Leg Lifts/ 13 Reverse Crunches/ 13 Criss-cross
The reps for this challenge are increasing quickly! I guess we are at that part of the challenge where we are going for broke. I did my reps for the challenge and then I went to the gym. I did my cardio (only 30 min but I know I need to do it for longer) and I did a full body workout. I really worked my abs hard in the gym today, I think losing a couple inches has inspired me and fueled my motivation.
Day 22
Today's Challenge - 14 Roll-Ups/ 14 Ankle Reaches / 14 Leg Lifts/ 14 Reverse Crunches/ 14 Criss-cross
No amazing updates today. I worked hard in the gym yesterday and my muscles were feeling a bit fatigued today so I decided to take it easy and only do my reps for my daily abs and arms challenge.
Day 23
Today's Challenge - 15 Roll-Ups/ 15 Ankle Reaches / 15 Leg Lifts/ 15 Reverse Crunches/ 15 Criss-cross
I apologize for the late blog entry, after I completed my workout routine last night all I wanted to do was go straight to bed. For day 23 I completed my reps for my abs and arms 30 day challenges. Those ankle reaches were killing me but I strangely enjoyed it. For the rest of my workout I wanted to do full body so I tried Blogilates video "The ULTIMATE Hot Body Workout for Flat Abs, Slim Inner Thighs, Perky Butt & Toned Arms". It was a 17 minute video and it will nearly kill you. The strangest exercise Cassey has us do is what I call the 'pretzel crunch', you twist into a pretzel and try to do crunches. The hardest exercises for me was the bridge (I have a weak ass, weak back, weak legs, weak everything) and the cobra pushups. The cobra pushups absolutely killed my arms but if that's what it takes to get them slimmer I'll do it!
Day 24
Today's Challenge - 16 Roll-Ups/ 16 Ankle Reaches / 16 Leg Lifts/ 16 Reverse Crunches/ 16 Criss-cross
For day 24 I did my reps for my arms and abs challenge. For my additional workout I was inspired by the Hot Body workout I did the day before and decided to do a couple of the same exercises. I ended up doing the cobra pushups for one whole song (Shake it Off - T.Swift), it was difficult but worth it! I also did additional ab exercises for another whole song (He Said She Said - A.Tisdale).
Day 25
Today's Challenge - 17 Roll-Ups/ 17 Ankle Reaches / 17 Leg Lifts/ 17 Reverse Crunches/ 17 Criss-cross
For some reason I feel extremely tired today (can I blame it on the blizzard we are having?) so I decided to take it easy and just do my ab reps today for the challenge.
Day 26
Today's Challenge - 18 Roll-Ups/ 18 Ankle Reaches / 18 Leg Lifts/ 18 Reverse Crunches/ 18 Criss-cross
I've fallen behind on my daily blog posts so I am playing catch up. Although, I have not missed one day of my workouts! Out of all the 30 day challenges I've done, I have to say this one that has been hosted by Blogilates has been the most effective. I really feel like it doesn't push me too hard to the point where I don't want to do it, but it does push me. Does that make sense?
Day 26, I honestly can't remember all the details of this day but I do of course do the reps for my two challenges (abs & arms) and I did Blogilates video 6 min to a Sexy Little Waist.
Day 27
Today's Challenge - 19 Roll-Ups/ 19 Ankle Reaches / 19 Leg Lifts/ 19 Reverse Crunches/ 19 Criss-cross
Did my reps for my challenges and the only thing I can remember from this day is that I did Blogilates video "3 min thigh challenge". Don't be fooled those 3 min will take you to hell and back!
Day 28
Today's Challenge - 20 Roll-Ups/ 20 Ankle Reaches / 20 Leg Lifts/ 20 Reverse Crunches/ 20 Criss-cross
When I first started this challenge I thought 10 reps was tough, but now we are here at 20 reps! Wow, I'm proud that I stuck with it, I'm proud that I challenged myself beyond the box by doing additional workouts, I'm proud that I'm still happy and fitness motivated!
As for today, I did my reps for the two 30 day challenges I am doing and for the remainder of the days workouts I did found some intense workout music. I did a few exercises focusing on abs, back and a little bit of arms.
Day 29
Today's Challenge - 21 Roll-Ups/ 21 Ankle Reaches / 21 Leg Lifts/ 21 Reverse Crunches/ 21 Criss-cross
Day 29 down! Today was the last day for my abs challenge and the end of the flat abs challenge is just a day away. I need to start searching what challenge I will tackle next. I did my normal challenge reps today and I did additional abs and arms workouts. Tomorrow I will do my weigh in and measurements for my arms challenge, I'm not expecting any miracles but I am proud that I'm on my way to successfully completing two challenges this month. A song that I found that I have been enjoying working out to lately is called "Round One" by the Kray Twinz, it will seriously get you pumped for your workout.
Day 30
Today's Challenge - 22 Roll-Ups/ 22 Ankle Reaches / 22 Leg Lifts/ 22 Reverse Crunches/ 22 Criss-cross
Day 30 is complete! This has by far been one of the best challenges I have done. There were no rest days for abs and I'm proud that I did not miss one day of the challenge. I'm still excited and motivated to keep going, keep working out, keep losing weight!
End of Challenge Stats
Day 2 and I am still feeling excited about this challenge. I can already tell that I will soon hate those ankle reaches the further we get into the challenge. I was feeling so good today I even hit the gym and did 35 min of incline walking on the treadmill and one set on the leg machine. If I end up weighing more after this challenge (and the other arms challenge I am doing simultaneously) I am going to take a pregnancy test and if I'm not pregnant (which I should not be) I'm going to be so pissed if I weight more after these January challenges! I'm looking forward to day 3.
Day 3
Today's Challenge - 7 Roll-Ups/ 7 Ankle Reaches / 7 Leg Lifts
You know what I noticed today? This challenge has no rest days! My attitude towards health and fitness is still positive so this does not bother me at all. So far the challenge is still "easy" but I know down the line I'll be very sore as those repetitions increase. After doing my abdominal exercises I was still feeling great so I went down to the gym and did 30 min on the treadmill and a few sets of arms exercises. I can tell my muscles are starting to feel sore between the two challenges I've committed to and the extra time I am spending in the gym and you know what? It feels amazing! Starting strong is the easy part, I hope I can keep it up as we continue to progress throughout the month.
Day 4
Today's Challenge - 8 Roll-Ups/ 8 Ankle Reaches / 8 Leg Lifts
The roll-ups are super easy, its the ankle reaches and leg lifts that you really feel in your abs. During my fitness research, I read online that you should include rest days in your routine to give your muscles a chance to heal. Today is technically my "rest day" so I took it easy and only did my abs challenge and 13 minutes of butt toning exercises. I'm still feeling eager and want to workout hard tomorrow. Maybe its just me, but it feels really good having that muscle soreness feeling. Its as if my body is telling me that I'm doing a good job.
Day 5
Today's Challenge - 9 Roll-Ups/ 9 Ankle Reaches / 9 Leg Lifts
My abs are really burning with those ankle reaches and leg lifts and I haven't even hit double digits yet! Overall great fitness session today, after doing the reps for the flat abs challenge I dedicated some time to my arms today. I did Blogilates video called "6 min to sexy arms" and can I just tell you that in 6 min your arms will feel like they are on fire (no weights are used)! I also hit the gym today and did 30 min on the treadmill and a few sets on the machines focusing on the arms. I also did a couple sets on the ab machine which I will admit I'm not entirely sure I did it correctly, but then again, I'm not entirely sure its possible to use the machine incorrectly.
I really feel like I worked out hard today, I am looking forward to feeling sore tomorrow and I hope I start seeing results.
Day 6
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts
My abs are hands down my weakest muscle group. I could really feel the burn today on my leg lifts but I pushed to complete them in one go. I dedicated the rest of the days workouts to legs and abs. During lunch I did the "Perfect Legs Workout" by Blogilates. The exercise moves look easy but when you actually do them it feels like your legs are constantly on fire! I'm not going to lie, I had to hit pause a few times on the video just to rest my legs briefly.
After work I hit the gym and did some leg focused exercises with weights. I also did some extra abdominal work using a 10lb medicine ball, stopping often between reps. One thing that I am proud of today is that even though it was hard I finished a whole set of each exercise I set out to do.
Day 7
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 5 Reverse Crunches
Today we have a new move which is the "Reverse Crunch". I am thankful that we only had to do 5 reverse crunches because after the roll ups, ankle reaches and leg lifts my abs were struggling. For the rest of today's workouts I focused on the back muscles and did Blogilates "Back on Fire" video. The title of the video does not lie, the workout will absolutely make you feel like your back is on fire! I struggled hard during that workout, my 5lb weights felt like 10lbs. When Cassey would call out "5 more" my eyes bulged and filled with horror. I don't know how Cassey can stay so up-beat and beautiful during the entire workout but her up-beat spirit is so welcoming it makes you want to succeed.
Day 8
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 6 Reverse Crunches
I mentioned this in another post so I apologize if this part is redundant but this morning I was awoken by a terrible stomach ache lasting 4.5 hours. It was most likely the result of something I ate the night before which was painfully passing through my system. Thankfully, after some time the pain finally subsided.
During the day I took things easy and only did my two 30 day challenges (arms and abs). I figured that I would at least attempt my daily abs challenge and if I felt any unusual pain I would stop and just call it for the day. Fortunately, while I was doing my daily ab workout everything felt fine, I think if anything my mind was just being overly cautious. I was pleasantly surprised that I had more energy than I was anticipating as I only got about 3 hours of sleep. I don't know where all my energy came from but I was able to do all the ab exercises in one go, only stopping to change positions. I hope that's a sign that my abs are getting stronger!
That's it for today, fingers crossed that I'll be able to get a solid nights sleep and feel strong and healthy enough to hit the gym tomorrow!
Day 9
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 7 Reverse Crunches
Good news, I woke up and felt great today (albeit some diarrhea from whatever atrocity I ate yesterday, which I expected). I was healthy enough to hit the gym today and did a few minutes on the treadmill and a few sets on the machines focusing on arms. I did my ab exercises after the gym and out of the 4 ab exercises the ankle reaches is at the top of the list for making my abs burn.
Day 10
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 8 Reverse Crunches
I did my Roll-Ups in the gym today using the incline bench which were surprisingly easy. The leg lifts and reverse crunches felt easy today as well, maybe its because my body has caught up on rest. I didn't want to go to the gym today because its cold outside but I told myself that was just an excuse and made myself go and I'm glad I did. I did 4 sets focusing on legs today.
Its day 10 so of course I've been checking myself out in the mirror looking to see if I can see any difference. I feel different but I don't think I look any different. It's only day 10 so I know I shouldn't obsess over it.
Day 11
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 9 Reverse Crunches
Today is one of my official rest days so I took it easy as far as workouts. I did my ab challenge and I was feeling a little ambitious so I did some extra crunches and added on a few reps to workout the obliques. Things are going well but today I felt the urge to want to snack. I was really good and ate healthy but I am thinking of trying to meal prep so I don't have to think twice about food and what to eat.
Day 12
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches
I got my ab challenge reps out of the way early today and did them while I was cooking lunch (yay, multitasking!). The challenge is getting tougher and we are only 12 days in. Tomorrow we include a new exercise, my abs are going to be screaming for mercy by the time this challenge is over.
Other than my usual daily ab reps I hit the gym and did 30 min on the elliptical and also did 4 sets on a group of arm focused machines. I was feeling lazy today and didn't want to workout very much but I'm proud of myself for not giving into laziness and ended up working out hard today.
Day 13
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/5 Criss-cross
Its day 13 and we have a new exercise to add to the mix. After doing those criss-crosses I curl up into a ball like I'm having labor pains. I didn't have the chance to go to the gym today due to a long work day but I did try to fit in a few extra ab exercises and some butt exercises. I know I need do more sets of the ab exercises to really see results. I'm hoping that I'll be able to motivate myself to step-it-up!
Day 14
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 6 Criss-cross
Four days ago I complained about how I thought I felt different but didn't look different. Well today was a good day because it was the first day where I looked in the mirror and thought that I did look different. Even though I haven't dropped a lot of pounds on the scale and of course I still have a little belly I feel like I'm starting to look stronger. Well, its only been 14 days so I'm not expecting any drastic changes but I feel happy!
As far as today's workouts, I hit the gym, did my 30 min on the elliptical. I did a few sets of leg focused exercises and I even added a few extra ab exercises while at the gym. I even tried out some leg raises on that machine/device at the gym, I don't know what its technically called so I'll just call it a torture device (its effective, but it burns so bad).
As far as my daily ab reps for the challenge, I'm still feeling the burn, you would think after 14 days my body would be used to it by now. Those criss-cross crunches are still killing me!
Day 15
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 7 Criss-cross
I did not go to the gym today but I still did a few home workouts on top of my daily abs (and arms) 30 day challenge. As far as the reps for the challenge, while doing the last two exercises I tried to fight through the burn and do the crunches and criss-crosses in one go. I think I made it to the 5th criss-cross before crumpling into a ball. I also added on a few arm exercises and made myself do a set of burpees. Burpees just suck, don't get me wrong they are very effctive but they just suck! Does that make any sense?
Day 16
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 8 Criss-cross
I got my daily abs challenge reps out of the way and ended up doing two Blogilates workout videos. I did the "Victoria Secret Model Ab Workout" and the "Victoria Secret Angel Arm Slimming Workout". Both of these workouts were tough and I have to admit that I'm proud of myself for doing two. Cassey with Blogilates in her videos has the ability to make every workout look so simple and easy. But do not be deceived, these workouts are tough! In the middle of the workout while doing reps Cassey starts talking about music play lists and banana pancakes and I'm just over here with a pained expression thinking "I hear words... about stuff... but I'm just trying to focus on not dying!" I feel really good after finishing two tough workout videos.
Day 17
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 9 Criss-cross
I had a great workout today, I did my reps for my daily abs challenge and I was able to hit the gym. I did 30 min on the elliptical and 5 sets of leg focused workouts (one set more than I normally do). I did a few sets on the dip machine for my 30 day arms challenge. But what I am most proud of today is that I did 5 sets of leg lifts using the captains chair at the gym (I googled what it was called). The first time I did leg lifts using that machine I was struggling but somehow today I felt like superwoman. It must have been the nap I took before going to the gym. More than half way through the challenge and I'm still going strong!
Day 18
Today's Challenge - 10 Roll-Ups/ 10 Ankle Reaches / 10 Leg Lifts/ 10 Reverse Crunches/ 10 Criss-cross
I'm updating the days blog entry a little late. After my workout, dinner and watching my shows I fell straight asleep! As for Day 18 I did my reps for the abs challenge and even did a few extra reverse crunches. I was able to go to the gym but I only stayed for 30 min to do cardio. Earlier in the day I had received an email alert from Blogilates that there was a new video out called "Intense Inner Thigh Challenge". I was not quick to click on it because I knew it would be tough, but throughout the day I convinced myself to just suck it up and feel the burn. I did it! It was soooo hard and the 3 min workout seemed like 10 min with all my pauses in between but I did it!
Day 19
Today's Challenge - 11 Roll-Ups/ 11 Ankle Reaches / 11 Leg Lifts/ 11 Reverse Crunches/ 11 Criss-cross
I knocked my reps for the abs challenge out of the park today and even did a few extra exercises. The gym was a little more crowded today than I liked so I didn't get to have the best gym workout I had in mind. I did sneak away to the captains chair and went beast mode on my abs before I left to finish my workouts at home. I know my abs are getting stronger because the reps and exercises I feel are becoming to some extent easier and I'm able to push myself further. I know I have lost a couple inches on my belly but I just hate looking at it, still flabby! I know it takes time and that if I keep it up I will achieve the look that I want, its just my own impatience I'm battling.
Day 20
Today's Challenge - 12 Roll-Ups/ 12 Ankle Reaches / 12 Leg Lifts/ 12 Reverse Crunches/ 12 Criss-cross
Out of the two challenges I am doing, I have to say that I'm physically seeing most improvement in my abdomen. The reps are increasing and I'm still going strong and I'm actually enjoying it! I went beast mode in the gym today and did a full body workout (sounds like I'm a go-getter but really I just used a little of every machine that was free in the crowded gym). I did extra sets of leg lifts using the captains chair and it feels easier, I easily can do more than 1 set. Even though I know I'm getting stronger and I've lost a couple inches on the mid section, I don't see any drastic results on the scale. Whats up with that? I mentioned this in my other post for my arms challenge that I'm doing I've come to the conclusion that I most likely need to up my cardio. Maybe the next 30 day challenge I tackle will be cardio related (no promises... I hate cardio but I'll try to convince myself...).
Day 21
Today's Challenge - 13 Roll-Ups/ 13 Ankle Reaches / 13 Leg Lifts/ 13 Reverse Crunches/ 13 Criss-cross
The reps for this challenge are increasing quickly! I guess we are at that part of the challenge where we are going for broke. I did my reps for the challenge and then I went to the gym. I did my cardio (only 30 min but I know I need to do it for longer) and I did a full body workout. I really worked my abs hard in the gym today, I think losing a couple inches has inspired me and fueled my motivation.
Day 22
Today's Challenge - 14 Roll-Ups/ 14 Ankle Reaches / 14 Leg Lifts/ 14 Reverse Crunches/ 14 Criss-cross
No amazing updates today. I worked hard in the gym yesterday and my muscles were feeling a bit fatigued today so I decided to take it easy and only do my reps for my daily abs and arms challenge.
Day 23
Today's Challenge - 15 Roll-Ups/ 15 Ankle Reaches / 15 Leg Lifts/ 15 Reverse Crunches/ 15 Criss-cross
I apologize for the late blog entry, after I completed my workout routine last night all I wanted to do was go straight to bed. For day 23 I completed my reps for my abs and arms 30 day challenges. Those ankle reaches were killing me but I strangely enjoyed it. For the rest of my workout I wanted to do full body so I tried Blogilates video "The ULTIMATE Hot Body Workout for Flat Abs, Slim Inner Thighs, Perky Butt & Toned Arms". It was a 17 minute video and it will nearly kill you. The strangest exercise Cassey has us do is what I call the 'pretzel crunch', you twist into a pretzel and try to do crunches. The hardest exercises for me was the bridge (I have a weak ass, weak back, weak legs, weak everything) and the cobra pushups. The cobra pushups absolutely killed my arms but if that's what it takes to get them slimmer I'll do it!
Day 24
Today's Challenge - 16 Roll-Ups/ 16 Ankle Reaches / 16 Leg Lifts/ 16 Reverse Crunches/ 16 Criss-cross
For day 24 I did my reps for my arms and abs challenge. For my additional workout I was inspired by the Hot Body workout I did the day before and decided to do a couple of the same exercises. I ended up doing the cobra pushups for one whole song (Shake it Off - T.Swift), it was difficult but worth it! I also did additional ab exercises for another whole song (He Said She Said - A.Tisdale).
Day 25
Today's Challenge - 17 Roll-Ups/ 17 Ankle Reaches / 17 Leg Lifts/ 17 Reverse Crunches/ 17 Criss-cross
For some reason I feel extremely tired today (can I blame it on the blizzard we are having?) so I decided to take it easy and just do my ab reps today for the challenge.
Day 26
Today's Challenge - 18 Roll-Ups/ 18 Ankle Reaches / 18 Leg Lifts/ 18 Reverse Crunches/ 18 Criss-cross
I've fallen behind on my daily blog posts so I am playing catch up. Although, I have not missed one day of my workouts! Out of all the 30 day challenges I've done, I have to say this one that has been hosted by Blogilates has been the most effective. I really feel like it doesn't push me too hard to the point where I don't want to do it, but it does push me. Does that make sense?
Day 26, I honestly can't remember all the details of this day but I do of course do the reps for my two challenges (abs & arms) and I did Blogilates video 6 min to a Sexy Little Waist.
Day 27
Today's Challenge - 19 Roll-Ups/ 19 Ankle Reaches / 19 Leg Lifts/ 19 Reverse Crunches/ 19 Criss-cross
Did my reps for my challenges and the only thing I can remember from this day is that I did Blogilates video "3 min thigh challenge". Don't be fooled those 3 min will take you to hell and back!
Day 28
Today's Challenge - 20 Roll-Ups/ 20 Ankle Reaches / 20 Leg Lifts/ 20 Reverse Crunches/ 20 Criss-cross
When I first started this challenge I thought 10 reps was tough, but now we are here at 20 reps! Wow, I'm proud that I stuck with it, I'm proud that I challenged myself beyond the box by doing additional workouts, I'm proud that I'm still happy and fitness motivated!
As for today, I did my reps for the two 30 day challenges I am doing and for the remainder of the days workouts I did found some intense workout music. I did a few exercises focusing on abs, back and a little bit of arms.
Day 29
Today's Challenge - 21 Roll-Ups/ 21 Ankle Reaches / 21 Leg Lifts/ 21 Reverse Crunches/ 21 Criss-cross
Day 29 down! Today was the last day for my abs challenge and the end of the flat abs challenge is just a day away. I need to start searching what challenge I will tackle next. I did my normal challenge reps today and I did additional abs and arms workouts. Tomorrow I will do my weigh in and measurements for my arms challenge, I'm not expecting any miracles but I am proud that I'm on my way to successfully completing two challenges this month. A song that I found that I have been enjoying working out to lately is called "Round One" by the Kray Twinz, it will seriously get you pumped for your workout.
Day 30
Today's Challenge - 22 Roll-Ups/ 22 Ankle Reaches / 22 Leg Lifts/ 22 Reverse Crunches/ 22 Criss-cross
Day 30 is complete! This has by far been one of the best challenges I have done. There were no rest days for abs and I'm proud that I did not miss one day of the challenge. I'm still excited and motivated to keep going, keep working out, keep losing weight!
End of Challenge Stats
- Weight = 158
- Waist/Mid Section Measurement = 37 inches
I'm very happy with my end of challenge results, I lost 4lbs which is 1lb a week, a healthy and steady weightless goal. I lost 3 inches on my mid section (the space between my belly button and waist line) and it visually looks flatter and slimmer. No miracles occurred during this challenge but I'm extremely proud and happy with the results! If I continue to lose 1lb a week, by summer I'll have a banging body! I'm motivated, what challenge shall I tackle next?
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