30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 13 - 30 (summary)

Forgive me, I have been a very bad girl.

I didn't realise how far behind I fell with my updates until I posted for 30 Day's of Hope. I made a promise to update but life got it the way (& motivation kinda went somewhere in the middle) so I will summarize the 18 days to the end.

Days 13  -17: Things went very well theses days, getting stronger in the JM workout, the squat and lunge challenges were just challenging enough (especially the lunges). I found myself checking out my ass every once in a while to see if they're working :). Plank challenge by day 17 was a little difficult. I've done over 2mins plank only once before so going over that is an achievement. At this point I'd done 2mins 12secs, was very proud of myself ut a tad disappointed as I set the time for 2mins 20secs. Water challenge was a lot easier by day 17, although the constant peeing is annoying. I literally check for toilets as soon as I enter a building or consider potential stops for one along my journey. I now know underground train stations have convenient toilets along my regular route.

Days 18 - 24: This is where it started falling apart :'(. It started with me taking a rest day on what should have been day 18 (it was needed), which meant I re-did day 18. Exhausting (alcohol plus late night do not make for great exercise morning) but not entirely terrible. Came back stronger day 19 but then came the loss of motivation. No real explanation other than I just no longer felt like it & no amount of talking to myself could move my body because my mind wasn't 'truly' willing. So there were a couple of skipped days (which I obviously had to repeat so the 30 days stretches into 1st week February, something I was trying to avoid). the plank challenge isn't getting better as I struggled to get past 2 minutes (2mins 20secs being the record) and water challenges seemed to not be on point either. I was warned about taking days off so I have learnt now!!

Days 25 - 30: After giving myself a major talking to (basically "woman you know you have to finish this thing, you better stop being stupid and get on with it" that kind of thing), I get back on the job at hand. To help with motivation I've changed the JM workout to a longer (and I think harder) one. This actually helps quite a lot. I think I'm just the sort that needs variety so I'll have that in mind for my next challenges  Squat and lunge challenge has been very good, my bottom thanks me.  Plank was a disappointment as I never really got past 2 minutes properly, I will be including it in my next challenge. I'm happy with the water challenge. I definitely needed more water in my life, now my automatic soft drink of choice is water over anything else (except alcohol)!!

So that was my 30 day challenge. There were good days and not so good days. I'm happy to have completed, not so happy with how long it took. I will be better with my next one. I thank MissTee of ThirtyAfterThirty for the opportunity & motivation to do and share this. Check her out on https://www.facebook.com/groups/thirtyafterthirty/ for inspiration for challenges and you can also find day to day posts of several people like me embarking of different challenges.

See you next time!!xx

Detoxified's 30 Days Of Hope (Day 27)

My entry in 30 Days Of Hope sessions run by a very talented blogger, who I admire from afar (ish). You can follow him on twitter @0Toxic and his blog http://olatoxic.wordpress.com
Day 27: Nimi 

I’ve never pegged myself as the writing down hopes and dreams type of woman.  For work, definitely, when I was in school for studying without doubt it makes sense, but for life...never really thought about it. I just know what I want to happen and try to make it so.  Always figured there’s a certain vulnerability to writing it all, like it brings to light  (and the universe) how much I want it which increases the likelihood  of me not getting it which will hurt (so optimistic, aren’t I?). Plus it reminds me of the church of my youth...writing down what you want and praying on it. Speaking of church, I guess that a good place to start (yes I can be a bit of a rambler when trying to get to something).

The church was part of the reason I actually sent the message I was up for writing this. I saw the blog post as I was getting ready for a church service (4^th attendance of the year, whole other conversation), I smiled and wondered if I should put myself for it. Was still thinking about it when the teaching began and of course much of it centered on the New Year.  A lot of what was spoken about was ‘hope’ and ‘dreams’,  now that was a sign if I needed one.  I’m not a ‘signs’ person (I sound fun, don’t I?), I consider myself a realist. I have optimistic moments and pessimistic moments but ultimately I stay grounded in realism.  So all hopes and dreams are always undercut in realism but for 2014 my philosophy is ‘what is the point of dreams if they don’t get to fly as high as they can’.  So the condensed version of some of mine

Facing my spirituality head on, away from the standard trappings of religion.  I am so far removed from who I was taught to be as a teenager it’s crazy to compare. To blindly follow stopped being me forever ago but the problem is that I stopped moving all together; I read different things and listen to different things but remain stagnant. It’s time to make a choice on the direction I want to go and I can’t lie, that is actually scary.  Things like this is when I think I may have that commitment issue folks talk about.

Write more, go for every writing opportunity available to me, improve, create variety, and put myself out there.  I already started this last year and I intend to do more this year. I always hesitate with this simply because what I have chosen as (most of) my writing subject isn't exactly the wholesome stuff for the masses.  That has me wondering how I would be received in certain situations which is unlike me.  So the plan is to carry my life attitude into my writing, to carve out time to write more, to look seriously into self-publishing but in the meantime to blog more and study more. This is what I want to do, so I need to do it.

“Dear Body, you have served me incredibly well. I should treat you better”. That was the message to my body I had yesterday. Considering my propensity is inclined towards hedonism and decadence this can be a little difficult. However, I focus on the me in 30 years and I imagine her cussing me for not making small improvements here and now that would make her life better. Vanity aside (I let the dream of six-pack go, eba and ogbonno won that fight), I want to avoid the issues that my current elders have by just taking a little more care.

Be as good to those around me as they are to me. The last year or so has made me realise how lucky I have been with the people around me, family, friends, colleagues and even romantic entanglements. I have some of the most amazing people around and my hope is for better things for them, my desire to make life better for them every time. It all sounds very Pollyanna-ish, doesn’t it? That’s my optimism in play and it is also the truth.

“Stop enjoying life and go get married” are the words of mummy. I’m sure she doesn't mean enjoyment stops when marriage comes (although sometimes I do wonder when I see some folks), more like it’s time to settle down. And for a change I do agree, the idea appeals a little bit more, even though I am worried that the fact I thoroughly enjoy my life right now may be a bit of a hindrance.  So I guess I’ll put it down as a hope; to be in a situation that will encourage that special one on one partnership.

To keep challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone. I chose today because it was going to be after my bungee jump and I was curious as to how I will feel after, if there was going to be some kind of deep and meaningful enlightenment sort of thing. I will say that it felt like the physical manifestation of taking an actual leap of faith and letting the fates do their thing.  It had me feeling like I can do anything and with that feeling, I will try to do everything...errr, maybe within reason of course.

So there it is and much longer than I expected.  My hopes and dreams written down, the things I want put out there in the universe. I will now go and do my thing and try to make it happen. However it goes down, I intend to have a lot of fun on the way.

http://olatoxic.wordpress.com/2014/01/27/day-27-nimi/

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 12

Early to bed, early to rise was suppose to be my motto. That didn't quite work out as it should have, I was late to bed and early to rise so a little tired for the workout. Hot water/chili pepper/lemon combo perked me up a little bit so the JM workout went relatively well. I faltered on a couple of exercises that I know I can do better on, so tomorrow is a new day. Squats & lunges went well. I set out to do 1min 40secs on the plank but only managed 1min 30secs (the actual time I was suppose to do), again tomorrow is a new day.
As of writing this, I've had 1.5ltr of water (excluding the 2 cups of herbal tea) and contemplating bedtime before 11pm...we'll see how that goes.

See you tomorrow!xx

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 10 & 11

I'll try not to make sipping days a habit but sometimes life gets in the way. Yesterday it was my first ever ice hockey game....kinda cool. There were a few scuffles but no fights, I'm not embarrassed to say I was a little disappointed by that. I expected it to be like the American movies & tv shows...you know a bit of extra excitement dagnamit!! Anyway missed posting yesterday so I'll do day 10 and 11 in one post.

Day 10: I decided to level up today. It's 5 days earlier than the original plan but I figured why not; it's a Saturday and if I need extra recovery I have time for it.

So level 3 of Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. Errr..it was difficult. The cardio had a lot of resistance stuff mixed in; doing shadow boxing, butt kicks, jumping jacks with weights is....something (my dumbbells are only 3kgs right now but still...). All in all I was very pleased with myself.
Squat and lunge challenge all good, lunges were a tad harder after 25 but could be cos there are quite a few lunges in the JM workout. Plank was all good but 1min 10secs could not come quick enough...Lord help me when I get to the 2 minute week.
By the end of the workout I'd had 1 litre of water so I thought the second will be a breeze. Urrmm...that was not the case (I blame the lucozade I had at the game *shifty eye*) so by the end of day 10 I'd only consumed about 1.5ltr (including my standard hot water/lemon/pepper mix)

Day 11: For some reason my body was a tad tighter today than yesterday but I'm sticking to level 3 of the JM workouts for as long as I can.  My shoulders were indeed burning; the combination of travelling push-ups an walking planks straight after..kai! It is something. I do prefer this level (yeah, this may be where my masochism comes through ;) )....could be cos I feel like I'm pushing myself or because I really do like the resistance/strength stuff which level 3 has more of (although I prefer the ab work of level 2).
Squats and lunges challenge went quite well. I find lunges more challenging that squats so I tend to do them first. Today's challenge had 40 lunges, I did them in batches of 20 (20 lunges on one leg then swap to other leg and swap back for another 20)
Plank challenge was interesting (read: I misread the thing). Tomorrow's time is 1.5mins, I read that as 1min 50secs so today I decided to prepare myself by doing 1min 40secs!! Unfortunately I didn't do the full time, at 1min 22 secs I wondered why time was moving so bloody slow. Ended at 1min 22secs...I was a little sad I couldn't last another 7 seconds (nah, not really). All in all, a good workout was had.
At some point I'm going to do a food challenge but I'd rather not have too many at once which could cause me to lose focus (plus I need to prepare myself for than one...having restrictions on foods is an emotional thing! The opposite of my live and let live attitude to enjoyment!lol)
As of writing this I've had 1.5ltrs of water...will definitely try and get the 2 done by bedtime.

See you tomorrow!xx

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 7, 8 & 9

I didn't realize my last post was day 6. How time flies! I was in a foul mood day 7 so that may be why I didn't update & day 8 was just a busy one. I updated in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/thirtyafterthirty/  (which is essentially my check-in) so I'll put the 3 days in one post.


Day 7:  Today was a little difficult. My head was not in it & my body was following suit. My first thought was that I need to change things up, the monotony is getting to me and the thought of exercise does not appeal even a little. My next thought as I tried to get off the bed was what exactly is going on from my legs to ankles. My calves felt so tight and ankles a little tender. I test things out with a couple of jumps, not so good which led me to the (much needed) change.
I decide on a Jillian Michael's yoga workout. It's called Yoga Meltdown and it is a little more dynamic that the traditional yoga practice. I remember doing it sometime ago and sweating buckets...it's a tough one. It definitely showed me I need to do a lot more stretching with the workouts, my body feels better already. And it helped with the squats and lunges...plank also went without incident.
Succeeded in drinking 2 litres of water


Day 8: Back to 30 Day Shred today. The change up was definitely a good idea. I felt better today.made all the difference. Watching the ankle a little but it's not too much high impact cardio & I tried to land softly on some exercise. Squat & lunges all good and I added an extra 10secs to the plank challenge.
Had 2ltrs of water but I think I should have had more due to alcohol consumption.... *whispers* I may have had a whole bottle of wine :)


Day 9: While I wouldn't go as far as saying I was excited to begin exercise, I will say I wasn't dreading it (unlike day 7). I have committed (read: resigned) to do this so I've told myself to stop whinging (in my head) & just get on with it.
Started off a little slow today but I think its the combo of alcohol last night and not enough sleep. I had 0.5ltr of water before I even attempted to do anything, and couple with my lemon and pepper tea it's helped quite a bit.
30 Day Shred was not bad. I feel stronger on quite a number of exercise sets. Lunges were not easy ans squats were quite alright. 1min 5secs of plank....not ad at all. I'll tell you of my tears when we get to the 2 minutes mark :)
As of writing this I've had 1.5ltrs of water....all in all, I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself all round today. could be that Friday feeling too. See you tomorrow!xx

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 6

Day 6: It's all going well so will so I'll write a little about the things I'm not doing well to compare it to how I'll do in day 15 (I want to level up from day 16).
So, JM 30 Day Shred squat thrusts: I don't like them, it may be the impact or that I'm not sure my form is correct so I keep switching to mountain climbers. The goal is to stop doing that & do the full sets of squats.
Military press & leg extensions: I'm pretty strong in these but I have lost balance a couple of times so don't want to do that anymore & I'd like to extend my leg even higher for a straight/level line.
Chair Squats with V-fly: This ones comes up at the end of the strength workouts so I know at this point my shoulders tend to be burning from the weights but I'd like to do all the weights lifts without pauses.
All in all there, is general improvements.

Plank rest day today. Squats were all good, but lunges were not so easy today (& we're only on 15!!). Music was brought to you by Bunny Mack's Let Me Love You (My Sweetie, My Sugar)

At this point I've had 1.25lts of water & I'm celebrating 30 days without coffee (though I'm now back in an office....may not be so easy to avoid!).

Hoping to keep up this pace (no rest days) for the entire 30 days....wish me luck and see you tomorrow :)!x

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 5

Procrastinated a little today but soon remembered that I'll soon be back in an office (after about 4 years), so need to learn/remember how to just get up and go if I want to have daily workouts in the morning.
Jillian Michaels workout was pretty good, recognizing better strength in some areas but I'm still disappointed in couple of bits that I believe I should be doing better on. No issues with the knee so that's all good.

The 50 squats were not bad at all but I'm thinking I may split them to morning and evening when they get up to 75 next week...we shall see. The 10 lunges were a breeze but this is how they lull you into a false sense of security!! Tricksters!!
Today's music was David Guetta & Estelle's One Love.

As of writing this I'm finishing up the 2ltrs of water. Have I mentioned how much I hate this constant peeing.....my very first thought everywhere I go to now is, "where is the toilet?", frustrating!!

Tomorrow will be a little trickier as I start in the office...the plan is to be up and exercised up very early....we'll see how that goes. I'm already exhausted writing it....it does mean a very early night for me, early to bed, early to rise & all that!! See you then :)

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 4

I procrastinated and wanted a rest day for no reason other than a very late night/morning leaning to a late morning/afternoon. Hot water with lemon and a dash of pepper is a great perk up drink, I've discovered!!

The Jillian Michaels work out went well, I have more balance on some things and muscles seem to be more comfortable in others. something in my knee seemed to 'crack' and give way in the squat thrusts which made me wary but I just switched to mountain climbers instead (spent a little more time stretching).
Breezed through squats with the help of NERD's Lapdance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoI7xnZZ_Aw. Did not breeze through the lunges quite as easily and I was a little more conscious of my knee at this point. I decided not to stop though, followed the Jillian Michaels mantra of "you can make it easier....just do not stop"!!

As of writing this I just downed the last 0.5ltr of water to make sure I'm done by bed time :)

So same time tomorrow? Well...maybe not same time but you know what I mean!xx

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 3

Feeling better today, much more than I did yesterday so while I wouldn't go as as to say I raring to go...I'm much more enthusiastic than I was yesterday.

My back seemed to be trying to send me some messages so I did some stretches before I started (with the mental note to start the yoga I said I was going to do day 1).
There's a part of me that's thinking I should level up on the Jillian Michaels workout after the weekend, but I'll see how next week goes. Not because it's easy now (it really isn't, honestly!) but because I think I can force myself to push harder. Anyway, we'll see how it goes...I'm also still deciding if I should have a rest day.  The squat/lunge challenge doesn't have rest day scheduled so I'm considering doing the same for JM workouts...again I'll see how next week goes, I am still only on day 3.
Squat/Lunge challenge goes well, I'm not a lunges fan....only 25 and I'm already wondering how I'll do 70 (day 31). 30secs plank goes without incident (I'd have been worried if there was an issue)...Kolom by Buk Bak helped me breeze through http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPyqZ5Dub-Q

As of writing this I've had 1.5ltrs of water (& several cup of  lemon and green tea). I prefer to keep track with my bottles but I'm claiming 2ltrs ;)

 So.....same time tomorrow, right?!x

*To know more about the amazing ThirtyAfterThirty, please check out http://thirtyafterthirty.com/ and follow/tweet @30after30*

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 2

This morning I woke up in a bad mood, coupled up with a phone call I'd rather have avoided I was not in the mood to exercise at all. Infact I actually wanted a cup of coffee, some cake and my duvet which would have made my day but alas I had none of that (bar duvet) at home and the rain stopped me. So I wallowed in my misery a little which further annoyed me as I like to think I'm not the wallowing sort *cough, cough*. Problem was I kept thinking about the fact that I would not have written anything and it's only bloody day 2. How can I be demotivated on the second day? Ridiculous. It took me thinking about the potential lack of update and the fact that it'll just keep bugging me the whole day when there is not actual reason not to do it other than my own mental state. So off my ass I got!

Didn't stretch yesterday so was a little stiff but got into the swing of it halfway through. I expected it to be easier today than yesterday...it wasn't (though I was less winded thank goodness).
I added an extra 10 seconds to the plank challenge, that wasn't as much of a breeze as I would have liked. Squats & lunges were all as expected, I just made a mental note to not stop halfway through the squats. I keep looking at the numbers for upcoming weeks *shudders*

As of writing this I have drank 1.5ltrs of water....that final 0.5 seems to be a bit of a problem but I shall conquer!!

Oh yeah....so, I couldn't really get away with my 30 day blogging challenge being me blogging about my exercise challenges so err...I have to revisit that one :)!!

See you tomorrow!

30 Day Plank & Squat/Lunge Challenge: Day 1

Happy New Year and all that good stuff!!

As you may have read (if you haven't errr.....why not??), I did a 30 day abs challenge last summer in support of my beautiful friend at http://thirtyafterthirty.com (I should mention we're going bungee jumping as part of our something new challenge).  I had a lot of fun with that and blogging about it enhanced the experience a little and helped keep me motivated when I would have gotten bored with things.

So in the spirit of the new year and the Thirtyafterthirty philosophy, I am doing a few challenges for 30 days and will be documenting my progress (part of the challenge) as I go along. I'm on a couple of exercise challenges (see below pictures) as well as getting back into the regular fitness/training track with the (conveniently titled) Jillian Micheals' 30-day shred. It's a quick 20-30 minute workout which is very good in conjunction with the pictured challenges (& any others I may come across in the course of the 30 days).
Another challenge is my water intake; I plan on having at least 2ltrs of water per day. I am currently on day 25 of no coffee (those that know me well enough know it's a little tough, on a positive note at this point  no longer feel like stabbing people I see enjoying coffee when I can't.so yeah, progress and all that) which has increased how much water I drink but it's still no where near as much as I should. This challenge should help.
I am also on a 30 day blogging challenge, writing a blog per day (writing about the exercise challenges daily should cover it, 2 birds 1 stone ;) ).
As time goes on  I will be adding challenges I think suit me & I'd enjoy but for now, the plank and squats/lunges challenge:

Day 1: I chose the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred because it's been a while since I have done a proper work out...trying to ease myself back into things slowly. I've previously done the workout up to level 3 (and some days I've done all 3 levels when I'm feeling fancy) so I figure level 2 will be the right balance between easy and challenging. Err...well it goes to show just how long it's been since proper exercise, I got a little winded but not entirely terrible...feels good to be doing somethin after a few months. The plank challenge wasn't difficult which I expected, had a brief moment of wanting to go beyond time set but think I'll pace myself and stick to the times (at the moment). Squat and lunges challenge was quite good. I'm not a fan of either but it's great for the core, pelvic muscles and a great ass....all things one should look forward too ;). I did 15 lunges on each leg which is fine for now, but then I look at day 31 (yes, this is the point I noticed it's a 31 day challenge and there are no rest days..I should have paid more attention) and  see 70 lunges....God help me!

So sit here at 1am of day 1 (which technically puts us in day 2, but I've never been one to worry too much about technicalities), trying to quickly down my last 0.5ltr of water cos  can't have failed this one from the gate. Exercise done, blogging done (as you will see) & water almost done!!

See you tomorrow!

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 26-30

I dropped the ball with updates on the challenge. Yes the final week was tough, between illness & the onoin issue with my foot, my concentration was shot to hell.

'Day 26 - 30 of 30: I'm going to be sticking to 300 jumping jacks from here on out. Once I get into it, the pain isn't such a problem but I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right with the foot, plus foot no 2 has started giving me some bad vibes now.

I stick to the my usual plan of adding 10 to all the sets (see pic), although on day 30 I leave it at 200 crunches, 200 is a very good number. Day 27 leg raises were just awful (well they've all been very challenging but Day 27 was particularly difficult & on Day 29 I just wanted it to end.  I held a 140secs plank on Day 30!!! Can you believe I can plank for 2minutes and 20 seconds. This I am soo damn proud off (discovered my record from the group exercises has been 2min 30secs, even better).'

The challenge is over!!! I should have done 1,610 sit ups, 2115 crunches, 904 leg raises, 1,397 seconds (23.2 minutes) of plank. I know I've done more than that.
The jumping jacks challenge was set for 6,000. I exceeded that so I set a personal challenge of 9,000....unfortunately I did not get that & only did 7,500. A little disappointed but still kinda proud of the fact I did something I never would have thought of before.
I even did 20 full push ups...yeeeaaah baby!!
The feeling of finishing & finishing well is amazing. I smile at the days I really didn't want to get out of ed to do it, I smile at the days that all I could think was making time to reached the days quota & I even smile at this rather difficult week I was able to get though. Proud of the little thing as well as the big.

So moment of truth, do I see a difference in my body. Honestly no I don't see it (though I have been told by
others that there is). What I do know for sure is that my core is much stronger & I'm feeling much fitter & for that I am very happy. The challenges were more about pushing myself more than anything is & so I plan to keep it up. I am already looking at other physical challenges (there's a squat one now & I'm looking for a nice gentle push up one) which I will keep updating on.

So thank you very much for reading....it definitely kept me going. Thanks for the feedback, please keep them coming including any other ideas!!xxx

Get involved, enjoy together: See more challenges and updates at http://thirtyafterthirty.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty  

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 25 (yes, I know it's technically 26)

*gasp* I got sick!!! So very sick that I spent all of day 25 in bed moaning (not in the good way). It started from rest day 24 (500 jumping jacks), started while I was on my way to the group work out but I persevered, hoping that ignoring it and & positive thinking will work (hey, it usually does!). Felt great after the workout....for about 2 hrs then it all came crashing down. So now I'm one day behind, doing day 25 when I should be on day 26...but there's a rest day coming up (28) so I'll just carry on. It's the home stretch.

'Day 25 of 30 Abs Challenge: Well I knew today will be a bit of a challenge considering how I was yesterday but I figured I could manage a little something. So cut back the 500 jumping jacks to 300. Just about managed it...it was actually better than expected. The first 50 were a little worrying but got into the stride. Could have pushed for more but decided it wasn't a good idea especially considering I had a group workout tonight**.

On to the abs challenge (decided to go for crunches 1st cos I figured sit up would make me dizzy so might as well get something out properly 1st)

160 crunches (not too bad considering, incorporated chest press with 3kg dumbbells to the last 20...yes I know I did 30 last time ut I'm sick *cough,cough*)
110 sit ups (started feeling this around 40.....had to take a few minutes break after 60, the dizziness kinda got better of me for a bit, but all in all it was ok)
70 legs raises (meh to this....don't like it)
105secs plank (not bad at all, proud I held it, wasn't sure I would)

yay!! I survived it. Had to take a little rest but it was good. I feel pretty good to. Right now I'm pleased...may not feel the same way later. But with this good feeling I say see you tomorrow....home stretch baby ;)!!xx' 

Get involved, lets suf.....enjoy together

Check things out at http://thirtyafterthirty.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty



**ADDED NOTE: Had another great session at the park today. A little challenging but pretty brilliant. New instructor, fresh ideas....every week is different!! Come join us, it's free, it's fun, it's Mondays & Wednesdays (get updates on www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty & follow @30after30)

(added note to added note: I got challenged to be ale to do 20 full push ups by the end of the week. I don't think I've done much more than 10 before...I managed 16. I wish I made it a bet....I would win thins ;) )

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 23

Today I have what I will refer to as 'final week blues. Absolutely no motivation whatsoever & no real reason for it, not tiredness or anything like it. After speaking to some dear friends, I force myself out of bed & on to the exercises. Sometimes you just have to force yourself.

'Day 23 of 30 Abs Challenge: Exercising indoors, quick stretches and the start off the jumping jacks. Decided to go for 500 & prepare food in between,s for every 100 I'm at the chopping board for no more than a minute. Good way to do it & gives me a nice little time constraint. 500 done & I feel good (& slightly pained with it).

On to the abs challenge

100 sit ups (not bad....starting to feel it from about 40/50)
150 crunches (still don't like them but not too bad, incorporated chest press with 3kgs dumbells into the final 30....yeah, I felt it)
70 leg raises (don't like, don't like, don't like)
100 secs plank (I DID IT!! held it for 100 secs. Was super proud of myself, grinning like a cheshire cat & everything)

So all done...wasn't bad at all, funk over. Not sure what I was moaning about earlier. I've counted it up & I've completed the set challenge of 6,000 jumping jacks*. Now let me see if I can meet the personal goal of 9,000 :). Tomorrow is rest day, I may do another 500 but the limp is telling me I may not be able to. Either way, I'll see you soon!xx'

Get involved, lets suf.....enjoy together

Check things out at http://thirtyafterthirty.com/ and http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty

* 6,000 jumping jacks in June challenge with Eights And Weights @eightsnweights

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 22

The foot is definitely a problem, a little swollen and I'm walking with a limp. Plus I tried on a pair of heels that are suppose to be for tonight's festivities and it was uncomfortable. My feet hate my life :'(. Anyway after the dramatics it's down to business.

'Day 22 of 30 ABs Challenge: Some stretches then test jumps to see how my foot fairs. Still a problem, with a little pain but I figured if I landed well & lightly I can get away with it. 400 jumping jacks....I'm quite proud of myself with this one. I definitely feel the last 100 on my thighs and calves but not so much that I can't add another 100 to it. I am seriously contemplating 500 a day for the final week. Whether or not that a good idea, I will find out tomorrow. I'm thinking my foot may be a hindrance.

On to the abs challenge

100 sit ups (not bad at all!!)
140 crunches (still don't like them but I'm finding them...acceptable today)
60 leg raises (I'm still wondering when I stopped liking these...cos I don't)
75secs plank (this is still a problem, I tried to push through but found it quite difficult to be on the foot & one leg was just not a good option)

Other than the small disappointment with the plank, I'm happy about the workout and how far I've come since day one, can't believe it's just one week to go. I haven't seen abs of steel yet though...but I bet it's coming :). See you tomorrow I am determined to deal with this foot & plank situation & tomorrow I'll have time for it!!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 21

After much faffing about, I got down to business in the evening. My foot may be a problem (I see a bruise too) but I tested it out a little so I can do something & see how it goes. And after rest day yesterday I definitely want to do something.

'Day 21 of 30 ABs Challenge: Did some test jumps to see how my foot will fair. All seems fine so I get right into it after some stretching. Today exercise was indoors; pros - I'm focused & get them out of the way quicker then when I'm out at the park with small distractions,cons - I'm indoors, no interesting observation other than wondering why the ceiling fan has a chain & what will happen if I yank on it.
400 jumping jacks, nicely done, last 100 were difficult, was very careful of the landing because of my foot. I think I will try to do 400 from here on out.

On to the abs challenge

100 sit ups (not so bad, really start hurts at about 50)
140 crunches (today I did not hate them as much, I even added some 3kg weights to the last 20! I might       keep that up) 
60 leg raises (yeah...I hate these)
75secs planks (*sigh* planks today was traumatic. I should have done 90secs but by 75 I could do more. Had a 1min rest & tried again but only lasted 65 secs second time. Could be the bad foot, but then foot 1 started to cramp too...all in all not the best time)

I was a little disappointed but as I limped off the mat, I was pleased I didn't try to push it too much. Tomorrow is another day right :). It was not a bad work out at all. I actually can't believe we are not on day 21....only 9 days to go from here & I'm surprised & kinda shocked I stuck to it. Goes to sure, you never really know till you put your mind to it. My bruised foot & I will see you tomorrow!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 19

After the little 2am excitement I seriously considered giving today a miss (ok, not really but it just sounds more dramatic when I say that!). I'm starting to feel the burn from the group workout of day 17 today..I'm thinking 110 jumping squats and 360 leg flutters will do that to a person.

'Day 19 of 30 ABs Challenge: Back at my spot at the park, loads of dogs again today. There was a cute one that just stood watching me for a while...that was unnerving...but it was cute so the urge to harm it or run wasn't quite there. 400 jumping jacks, the final 100 were a little challenging...considering doing 400 for the rest of the 30 days but we'll see. I do get excited about these things & make all these promises. 

On to the abs challenge

90 sit ups (finally it's no longer painful at 20, that's now increased to...40)
130 crunches (yep..still no love)
60 leg raises (*sigh*)
125sec planks (the last 15 seconds were actually painful!!)

All in all I feel an improvement, I don't see a difference yet (though someone else has noticed) but as I said a few days ago I'm not looking for one till day 30. I'm very happy to be feeling good right now. Rest day for day 20 & I intend to utilize it with no exercise. I seem to have done something to my foot** (it's always something, isn't it?) So see you day 21 ;)!xx'

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**ADDED NOTE: This evening was another hyde park session organised by thirtyafterthirty.com. Tonight's session was a bit of a killer especially as I'm still feeling the burn from Monday (day 17). At the end of the session, I really realised how much improved my core is (thank you cursed abs challenge!) so while I wouldn't say it's easier, I'm cursing less. This week's trainer has been great, so was last week's and so will next week's. It's free & it's fun, it's Monday and Wednesday!! Come join us, you know you want to (details for the sessions an be found http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty & follow @30after30)

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 18

Had a ridiculously crazy day & had to play catch up...was absolutely exhausted, last night's work out was a killer too!! Contemplated just forgetting the day & not having a rest day this week but decided against it.

'Day 18 of 30 ABs Challenge: So I've found myself jumping up & down in my living room listening to N.E.R.D's Lapdance at 2am about to do this abs workout :o! Even while I was about to do it, I still couldn't believe it. No jumping jacks today...I think knowing the exact quantity I've done has made me a little lax. I will be getting back into it though. 

80 sit ups
110 crunches
50 leg raises
120secs plank

Not too much variation from the workout but at 2am I'm just proud of myself for doing it. At least now it'll stop being in my thoughts& I'll sleep in peace!xx'

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30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 17

Yesterday (day 16) was rest day for the abs challenges & for the 1st time since I started the challenges, I did absolutely nothing!! Which meant I have to make up for the jumping jacks missed (600 in total for day 15 & 16) this week *sigh*.

'Day 17 of 30 ABs challenge: So...400 jumping jacks. Thinking about it in that way makes it seem a hell of a lot so I break it up to 50 jumping jacks 8 times. Still seems like a lot though but I get through it fine. The last 100 were a little difficult, my thighs were not too happy, but my ankle was bad. Have been conscious about it so tried to land as softly as possible.

On to abs challenge

85 sit ups (somehow not getting any easier)
110 crunches (*the feeling is getting stronger than dislike now)
50 leg raises (I should have increased by now but did I mention I hate these)
75secs planks (not as bad when I'm not looking at the damn timer)

*the abs of steel better get here real quick*

All in all pretty happy with how things are going, the last week isn't looking as dauting as it did when I 1st started.

With the jumping jacks challenge, should be at 3,400 by now (average). I am on 4,300 (yay me!) slightly behind if I am going for 9,000 but definitely on point for 6,000!!'

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ADDED NOTE: This evening was another hyde park session organised by thirtyafterthirty.com. They have been amazing, torturous beautiful things with great trainers that are passionate about fitness. It's free & it's fun!! Come join us, you know you want to (details for the sessions an be found http://www.facebook.com/Thirtyafterthirty & follow @30after30)

30 Day ABs Challenge: Day 14&15

I've been a little lax with the write ups...but I have been doing them, I promise. Just that life seems to always gets in the way whenever I sit to type. 'Twas a busy but enjoyable weekend ;). Something happened to my second ankle Friday night, I'm very certain I didn't drink much (well not what I consider much) & yet there's an unexplained reason ankle 2 was in pain.

'Day 14 of 30 ABs Challenge: Waking up today was a challenge, how I went from being very excited yesterday to being completely demotivated & just want to eat cake in bed, I'm not quite sure but that's what has happened. The call of the challenge is loud though so I pick myself up and go for it. Decided to exercise indoors. 300 jumping jacks feel easier than usual but I'm guessing I don't have the wind to fight against plus today I'm just getting on with things with no complaints. 

75 sit ups (this gets hard after 20 everytime!)
90 crunches (I don't like crunches....that is all)
50 leg raises (ugh....these use to be my favourite, now not so much)
65sec plank (I stop looking at the timer now. I send texts & other things while in position...I need distractions now to hold it)

Very pleased to have done it because I really wasn't in the mood for it, but I suppose that's the point of a challenge.

Day 15 of 30 ABs Challenge: Erm, yes the mystery ankle injury...it was confirmed (by others) that I didn't drink much so I put it down to a small problem that should go away soon. I decided to give jumping jacks a miss today. I did one and the landing was a little painful & too awkward because I'm not comfortable on it. I intend on being in heels tonight too so wouldn't want to jeopardize that (you see where my priorities lie). I'll have to make up the missed jumping jacks in next week's sessions...this is one of the reasons I loath to miss any, cos I know I'll make it up somehow.
Did some stretches and straight into the abs challenge. It does not feel as good without any type of exercise beforehand, a little more stiff. I'll try to so a little something from here on out.

80 sit ups (I had a brief thought to push it to 100...quickly neglected that)
90 crunches (have I mentioned I don't like this)
50 leg raises (...or this)
65sec plank (how today's felt harder than yesterday I do not know...but it did God help me!)


I have to say I'm not always motivated for this (as can probably be read some days) but I think the fact that I truly am looking at this like a challenge and writing about  it helps push me forward. I hope anyone reading is getting a little something from it (or feeling sorry for me). Half way through....15 more days to go *sigh*. I looked at the exercises on day 30 & I've been giving the calendar the 'side eye' since. Slowly but surely I suppose. Tomorrow is rest day, so I'll see you day 17!xx'

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