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'

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

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

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'

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

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

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'

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

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

**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'

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

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

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!!'

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

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



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)