I have gotten quite a few questions about the ab challenge (which begins TODAY) so in no particular order here goes:
Do they mean full out sit-ups?
The little diagram at the bottom of the challenge page (when it appears) shows knees completely bent like this: (but without the incline)
So should I secure my feet under something or have someone hold my feet in place?
If that’s the only way you can do them, then yes, but better if you don’t need to have them kept there by someone or something else.
And what about leg raises? Aren’t they tough on the lower back?
They are. You need to modify them to where your back doesn’t arch up off the floor when your legs get low. When your back starts to arch, you have lowered them too much! Remember to draw your navel towards your spine when you are lowering those legs.
What about the end of the month? Do you really think you can do all those sit-ups?
Personally, I am not going to look ahead. I am just going to focus on the task at hand each day. I love what P90X trainer, Tony Horton always says: “Do your best and forget the rest.”
What if my wrists hurt, holding plank position?
You can simply drop down to your forearms and that will solve that problem. Remember to get your butt in line with the rest of your body when you hold plank. It’s not up in the air, and it’s definitely not sinking towards the floor.
Where should I put my hands when I do my crunches and sit-ups?
I always say to put your fingertips by your temples and keep your elbows out where you can’t see them. What you DON’T want to do is clasp your hands behind your head and tug on your head every time you come up. That is a recipe for neck strain. If your neck gets tired, simply rest and then jump back in when you are ready. We aren’t being timed!
If you are interested in joining the challenge, scroll down an entry or two and you will find it. If you click into my site through Facebook, you may need to go to peaceandfitness.com to get the full site.
I am considering putting up the pull-up bar and adding some of those (I have to put my foot on a chair to get up there, but it’s still incredibly challenging and I always feel them) to this 30 day challenge. With less than 9 weeks till the wedding, I guess I am pulling out ALL the stops….working on my back might be easier than finding the perfect undergarment for my dress and good motivation always makes these challenges more doable!
Speaking of motivation, yesterday I ran a mile outside after work. I try to do at least a mile most days, some days more. I am not a fast runner and I don’t really try to be. Yesterday, the sky was so black and storms appeared to be coming my way. Shaved about 90 seconds off my average mile!
If you have any questions about any of this fitness stuff, please ask. If I don’t know the answer I will try to find it for you.
Congrats to Rose B for placing 2nd in her fitness competition, yesterday. Hard work surely pays off!
Above all else, make it a beautiful Sunday!