30 Day Abs Fitness Challenge

   As I was engaging in one of my daily Facebook scrolls, I came across an event titled,

"30 Day Abs Challenge." Most of my friends were joining, so I decided to see what all the

fuss was about. The challenge promised to tone up and boost core muscles while pushing

your body strength to the max. It consists of four different exercises: Sit ups, Crunches, Leg

Raises, and Planks. The time spent performing each exercise gradually increases day by

day, helping to slowly build core body muscles.

   Over the past thirty days, I followed the challenge chart and completed each exercise as instructed. To be honest, I did take a couple rest days early. I just made sure I continued exercises on scheduled rest days just so I would still end the program on day 30. It was definitely a challenge but I managed to push through it. To maximize my results, I decided to change my diet by decreasing my sugar and carb intake, while adding more fruits and vegetables to my family's daily menu. I did splurge on the weekends but not to much. In addition to this challenge, I also started jogging at least two miles on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I used my elliptical for 30 minutes once a week.

I used the following apps to help keep me on track toward accomplishing my goals:
30 Day Abs Challenge - Contains a monthly calendar with a daily check list. Each day lists the exact amount of sit ups, crunches, leg raises, and planks that need to be completed.
                                       

                                                                                       

My Fitness Pal - Helps you lose weight the healthy way by tracking your nutrition and caloric intake. It contains an extensive food database that makes it easy to keep your own personal food diary.

                                                      

RunKeeper -  Allows you to track your pace, measure workout distance, chart weight loss, and plug in what exact workout you're actually complete (ex: elliptical, walking, biking, etc..). It also allows you to link up with friends and you can see what activities they're completing as well.

                                             

I have to admit it was hard to do something basically everyday for a month and not give up but I am pleased with the results. It's taken longer the second time around to tone my stomach up, but this challenge really works!!!

                                       

                  My 30 Day Abs Challenge Fitness Vlog!!

                                              

Losing the Baby Weight!!!

   My son is almost 8 weeks old and I'm already thinking about getting this "baby" weight off. The plan was to take it easy for one month and then start working out. Lets just say, that didn't happen...lol. But even though I am losing weight because I'm breastfeeding, I don't feel like it's fast enough. It seems like every time I go on the Internet or turn on the TV, I see some movie star that has already dropped their baby weight five minutes after giving birth!! And I have to admit, even though I know its not realistic, it still delivers a blow to my pride.
   Why are so many women insecure about how they look especially after having a baby? You would think that after giving birth most women would ease up on the self hatred just a little bit and give their bodies time to heal. But no not us, especially not me. As I walk down the grocery store aisle I see so many diet aid products that further remind me that I'm not good enough.

And before you check out, you have to take the walk of shame past the magazines with all the perfectly "airbrushed" women!
   Secondly, when will this end? Do we change society or do we continue to allow society to change us? The only way women can raise proud and confident daughters is by first becoming proud and confident themselves. We can't effect a positive change in society with a negative perspective. We first must focus on the good, take pride in who we are and how we look.  Just a thought.....