May Core Strengthening Challenge (Page 2)

OK, I think I'm gonna give this a try tomorrow morning at the gym.  I'm a little nervous just because it's so new and different to me.

But, I'm a big girl, and I CAN DO THIS! 

I agree about the picture thing; it was mentioned in last year's thread.  I'd rather take measurements as well.  Maybe if we do a second part of the challenge I'll take a picture!  I'm doing my first installment of the core challenge tonight! 

I hope everyone sees the results they are looking for, but more importantly feels them!

OK, fine. I will do what AJ does.  AJ, are you going to the gym tonight to do those?  Tonight there is a tri clinic at Trek Store West! 6-8. 

I did my first Hard Core Workout this morning.  I did as many of the exercises I had listed that I could. 

I got down on the mat and did 10 reps each of:
- crunches
- twisting crunches
- 1/4 sit ups
- six-inch leg raises
- side raises (each side)

Then I moved over to the machines and did 10 reps each of:
- back extensions with 50 pounds
- pullovers with 40 pounds
- seated rows with 40 pounds

I couldn't figure out how to do:
- cable crunches (I couldn't quite figure it out)
- torso twists (I couldn't find a bar)
- RDLs (still no bar)

So, I'm gonna say that for the rest of this month, I'm going to focus on the exercises I'm able to do, and will maintain what I've done before, with 3 sets of 10 reps each, with increasing weight each week.

So... how did everyone do this week?

I got two good core workouts in, so I'm happy.  I have a long long LONG way to go though.

I can barely do the 6-inch leg raises -- I have to cheat a bit and lift my back up, which I know is bad, but... I figure I'll eventually get strong enough to do them correctly.

And I'm not sure I'm doing the side raises properly, but, again, I think it's one of those "I'll get there" things.

My goal for next week is to do the same effort as this week, only better.

That's awesome, Zilla!  I wanna be like you when I grow up!

1st week check in:

100 crunches (50 legs up-50 feet down)
25 bicycle crunches (each side)
30 full body crunches

Missed a session Saturday - I'll make it up this week!

May goals:
800 crunches (400 legs up 400 feet down)
125 bicycle crunches (each side)
125 full body crunches

Good job everyone!

Deanna, I hope you're feeling better this week.  Stomach flu is no fun at all. 

tnickerson, great goals there!  And a good start too!

guyo, that sounds like a great class, even if it left you immobile for the rest of the week. 

I'm off to a decent start for this week.  My new gym membership is really quite helpful.  I do my cardio in the morning, then go back at lunch do my strength training stuff.  I have yet to log in my legs and core stuff from yesterday, but I'm right on target for my goal for the week.

I hear ya, Jenn.  I don't have a trainer, and for a couple of the exercises, I don't think I'm doing them quite right.

I know that for the crunches, I have to keep my back pressed against the floor.  For the rest, I'm kinda faking it.  I figure, if my back is up just a little, it's because my abs are so weak that I can't do the exercise 100% correctly.  I hope that after a couple of weeks of doing it "close enough" I'll be strong enough to do it correctly. 

Especially the 6-inch leg raises -- those are H.A.R.D.  I basically just lift my legs up and down as much as I can before my stomach muscles scream.  I know my form isn't anywhere near perfect, but I figure it's close-enough.  And it's getting a little better.

I'll check around on the web this morning -- I'm sure there's a site that has pictures and good descriptions for each exercise.

Is this week 3 ALREADY?!  Wow!  Where does the time go?

So... wrapping up my last week's goals, I managed to do two core workouts.  I feel like I'm getting a bit stronger.  Also, the towel thing really helped!  A lot less strain, and it was a bit easier to lift my legs in a more controlled manner.

This week's goal:
- more of the same.  I don't feel ready to increase the number of reps quite yet, because I'm still not doing them quite right.  I want to get to the point where I'm able to do a minimum set of reps CORRECTLY before I start increasing.

What about the rest of you all? 

How's everyone doing?  Last week was pretty good for me.  I got two workouts in.  I can definitely feel an improvement in my posture.  And I think that I'm getting better at doing each individual component of my workout with better form and better results.

Next week's goal:
- up the number of crunches to 3 sets of 15
- up the number of twisting crunches to 3 sets of 30 (alternating with 15 each side per set)
- more of the same for the rest of the components, but with better form.

Oh dear!  Deanna, take all the time you need to grieve.  I don't know anyone who could just bounce back from something like that.  Maybe the people you're referring to are those who train as a way to work through the pain or take their minds off it.

My beloved Mr. Bob (cat) is 8 and I can't bear to think of the day I'll have to say goodbye to him.  I love him so very much, and he is a very important part of my "family".

She sounds like she was very well loved and cared for, and that is the most important thing to remember right now.  You did the very best you could for her, and that's what really counts.

{{{HUGS}}}