Ab - Packed!

No, I'm not talking about the movie Magic Mike releasing this Friday... Although, I can't wait to get a glimpse of all those 6 & 12 packs on the big screen.
I'm actually talking about a pin that I found, the 300/30day ab challenge. I completed day one! annnndd .... OUCH! My core is feeling it. Along with my lower back. Yes, I know I have been slacking lately but I feel like I have some motivation back since my knee & ankle are feeling better. I have been doing my 6 pages of therapy exercises... yay! Haven't done much else besides swimming at the lake! (Blog later). Reason for choosing this pin: I'm a sucker for before & after photos, like on this blog. Plus, the links to the blog, "2012...My last fat year,"which I don't think this program originated here but her blog is cute & I like the exercise pictures. Supposibly, this is the P90X ab program... I wouldn't know, haven't gone that hardcore... yet ;)

This 15 minute challenge consists of:
NOTE: It took me longer than 15 & before looking at the pictures I had NO clue what some of these even were.

• In-N-Outs - 25 reps Did good with these
• Bicycles - 25 reps  tough but do-able
• Reverse Bicycles - 25 reps
• Crunchy Frogs - 25 reps one I have never done but was kinda fun
• Cross leg/Wide leg Sit-ups - 25 reps scheesh! haven't done a FULL sit-up in ages
• Scissors (hold 3 sec) - 25 reps ouch! these were hard as my flexibility is awful (can't keep legs straight)
• Hip Butt Ups - 25 reps haha! felt a little dirty doing these
• Heels to Heavens - 25 reps started to really feel 'em after 15
• Roll-up V-ups - 25 reps ha! could only do the first part... I have no balance to do the 'V' part
• Leg Climbers - 12 reps each side did but needs more work due to my legs not straightening
• Kayakers - 50 fast or as many as you can... I got in 30, these are also one of my favorite, like to add the medicine ball or any weight.

 

the pin I followed

Lower Postponed. Upper Crunch.

UGH!!!
 
I am extremely bummed! Notice the picture. Right ankle. Yep, that would be my Achilles tendinitis flaring up. AHH!

Not only that, but my left knee is killing me too! When it's bent. When I'm sitting. When weight is on it.
Here I have done everything by the book: stretching constantly, taking it slow, drinking more water, & spreading it out. Yet, I still have leg issues! My head is telling me that my body & joints aren't meant for jogging, but my heart just wants to go for that damn 5K... JOG SOMETHING! Well, I have a doctor's appointment Friday (luckily I was already going for a med check - I like to save multiple issues for one trip = one co-pay :). Plus, I've kept off my legs today (had too! It was killing me!) & most of yesterday with ice soaking & stretching. Because if I don't, I walk like a toy soldier... Knee feels like a noodle & ankle doesn't bend = ouch. The sooner this bull heals, the sooner I can get back to C25K'n it & then roller derby!

However, this is no excuse for me to not get in any work outs. Today, I did a Pinterest workout; The Love Handle Blaster pin which originates from flatmytummyworkouts.com site. It didn't include any leg stuff so I was golden.

It consisted of:

• Side Crunches (15 each side)
• Oblique Crunches (10 each side) It says to hold these 20 seconds, at first I thought, 'Ya like that does anything!' but after a few you can really tell.
• Abdominal Bicycles (30 elbow/knee touches)
• Trunk Twists (10 each way)
• I added:
• 20 push ups
• 20 Triceps dips
• 30 second abdominal leg hold (don't know the real name but where you hold your legs off the ground while laying on your back)

All-in-all it took me about 25 minutes (not including stretching). I tried to do them one after another to get my heart rate up. Hopefully I'll feel it tomorrow, because I felt it during... felt exactly where my scar is & the connective tissue (owie!) (note: the scar goes from my sternum to belly button).

Get fit quote of the day:

I'm in pain & I just have to keep this in mind.

Pinterest Workout #1

This afternoon, since I didn't have my C25K buddy here (he doesn't get off work till 6 & we're meeting up for dinner) I opted to try out my first Pinterest work out.

Here it is:

Looks short & sweet huh!?!
NOT! I could only do one repetition (my legs were burning & could not pick me back up!), then I added 40 side leg lifts (20 each leg - works your saddle bags & love handles). I also have to do 'girl push ups' (on your knees-I don't think I have ever done a regular one in my entire life- they still work my arms though!)

 

  Make sure when doing the side lifts to tilt your hip bone in just slightly & bring you leg back a little. I like to be against a wall, that way I lean forward slightly then when my leg is as far up as I can take it I touch the wall - hope that makes sense, I guess just try till you feel the difference & trust me you'll feel it in your love handle area (obliques I believe they're formally called). Overall, it was a great workout. Took me 15 minutes to do the one rep. I will try this one again soon & see if I can get another 2 cycles in & maybe add a walk in the end.
Note: lock up or kick out your animals. I had a cat playing with my laces for the sit-ups & an Aussie thinking I was going to pet her belly for the push ups (she tries to put her belly over you when you're laying on the floor).

GO get 'em! I sure did... let's hope my legs are able to cycle to work tomorrow. Oh, by the way my damn alarm got the best of me this morning so I had to take Betty. The missed 3 mile ride was totally worth today's Jeep cruising weather.