The best part of being in the Badass Army is that you are never alone. You gave in to the cake? Well, so did a fellow Badass. You struggle to get to the gym in the mornings? Dozens are hitting snooze right along with you! You wonder how best to lose those last five pounds? Join the club!
Today, I share with you the story of a fellow Badass soldier who hates crunches (Do I hear a chorus of "Me, too!"?) but is determined to rediscover her abs anyway. I love this Badass for a couple of reasons.
First, she is honest. She hates crunches, but she wants to look like she LOVES them. Can I get an Amen?!? Second, she is exhibiting the self-motivation and determination that is the mark of a true Badass. And third, she is working toward a reward.
So here is her summer abs challenge, as written by her. Maybe it's just what you need right now, too! And keep reading, fellas -- sexy abs aren't just for the ladies.
Badass Reader's Summer Abs Challenge and Anti-Crunch Ab Workout (with apologies to Dr. Seuss)
I hate crunches. I hate crunches with a passion. Crunches, crunches aren’t in fashion. I hate crunches on the floor; crunches are a total bore. I want flat abs that you’ll adore, but I hate crunches even more.
After being on some medication with a common side effect of weight gain and weight distribution, I’ve added...well...a spare tire: Five to seven pounds ALL around the middle.
Now, luckily, I’m a far cry from overweight. In fact my doctor told me she was glad I added the extra five pounds as she has long thought I was on the low end of a healthy weight for my build. And I admit I didn’t think it was a big deal either…until last night when for the first time in several weeks I reached for my favorite pair of jeans and they were at least an inch from coming close to zipping. Even my “fat” jeans were almost too tight. YIKES!
And, now that I’m 41, weight doesn’t just fall off like it used to with a little extra exercise. I’ve been exercising regularly for 6 weeks and my spare tire ain’t goin’ nowhere!
So it is time to get serious. I’m not trying to lose any weight, but I do want to shape back up the middle section. I’ve been doing an ab exercise or two, here and there, but let’s face it, I hate crunches and I don’t think my little one or two ab exercises are going to move the needle so to speak.
Thanks to Badass CEO and her recent blogs about remembering new year’s resolutions, summer fitness challenges, and the Badass Bucket List, I’m motivated! Here’s my plan:
1. I’m going to add the entire ab workout below to my routine at least three times a week. I’ve been practicing yoga off and on for years, and looked through a few magazines and websites to put together my own series of yoga poses that are targeted to the core area. This should be about a 20 minute routine that I can add to my morning cycling plan. Twenty extra minutes, three times per week. That's one extra hour a week. I can do this!!!!
2. I’m going to get serious about watching the wrong carbs/sugars – processed foods, white flour, white sugar, and the ever tempting French fried potato. I eat pretty well but often say I’m on the No Carb Left Behind diet. I’m especially tempted by French fries and white wine… quite often! I’m NOT going on a diet – just a little selective reduction plan. Limiting myself to ONE glass of wine on any given night, and consuming only “good” carbs: whole wheat, brown rice, and no fried potatoes for one month.
3. I’ve been keeping an exercise log, so I’m going to add a food diary to it for a little extra accountability. And I am tracking my waist measurement and ab work for the next four weeks:
Waist measures - _____ 6-8-10
Ab workout checklist
6-15 _____ _____ _____ _____ Waist measures: _____
6-22 _____ _____ _____ _____ Waist measures: _____
6-29 _____ _____ _____ _____ Waist measures: _____
7-6 _____ _____ _____ _____ Waist measures: _____
That is it. It is like a little self-study/science experiment. Starting today – June 8, 2010 - I’m giving myself a month to see if I can seriously whittle the waist. The best part: The reward! No, I’m not getting twins. I'm going on vacation next month, and I bought a new two piece bathing suit, so for my ab challenge reward I’m going to save it and wear it on vacation. And maybe I’ll pack my skinny jeans too!
On behalf of the Badass Army, I salute you and am cheering on your success! We can't wait to hear about the end results. And thanks for reminding us that even Badasses loathe crunches!
Coming tomorrow: Recipe for a lean Badass -- The Badass CEO has joined an organic veggie coop, and the first delivery is in!