I'm a Slacker

I think that everybody has one body part they don't work out as much as they should, or they completely ignore it.  For me, it's my abs.  I don't know if it's because I can technically work them out anywhere, or if it's because I'm lazy, I just don't know.

As you can see in the photo, your core is made up of 4 sets of muscles.  To alot of people, the only point of strong abs is so you look good.  There are actually more important reasons.  Your core is actually a very important part of your body.  According to Active.com here are 5 reasons to strengthen your core.

1. Pain reduction and prevention
2. Look taller and thinner
3. Delays aging
4. Improves mental function
5. Performance improvement

I've searched the web Pinterest and found my favorite ab workouts.  Try them out and tell me which one you liked the best, or which one gave you the best burn.

KamaFitness

30 Day Fitness Challenges

Ripped N Fit

There's a great roundup of ab workouts at FitFluential.


Check this one out!  4 minutes and brutal!

And lastly, this one, just because it's funny. Doesn't everyone want a Pokemon rubbing up against their abs?

If you want a great collection of workout videos check out FitnessBlender.com.  I love these guys.  They have a huge library of videos.  When I first started working out I actually used their videos.  

Starting Over(ish)

Today I seriously start my prep again.  I have 18 weeks to get ready.  I've got to crack down and get my ass in gear.  About a third of my prep will be done by myself.  Which means I really have to push myself.  

15 is one of my lucky numbers so, 2015 WILL be my year!  Remember #ConquerEverything  !!

(Don't mind the #200KTransform sign.  I'm also entering to win a Bodybuilding.com transformation contest)

Here are my starting measurements

Body Fat:  20%  

Weight:    137.8
Waist:     28.75
Hips:      36.25
Thigh:     21
Chest:     32.5
Shoulders: 40.50
Biceps:    10.75

Not going to lie.  I was kind of surprised by the numbers. But, that's what I get for slacking (and deciding to make Korean food for dinner.)

I'll keep y'all updated!

#ConquerEverything

The mind is an amazing thing.  It can turn on you so quick.  Something good can become bad, and something bad can become good in a flash.  

Every Storm Runs Out of Rain....

Photo Credit: Global News & Ted Morgan

I was in a really low place mentally for a few months.  It seemed like nothing was working out, nothing was going right, and honestly, I felt horrible about myself.  I was miserable.  

My husband was a real trooper through all of this and I love him for it.  He listened to my cry, whine, bitch, and complain.  I know (even though he won't admit it) that he thought I was miserable because of him, and because of the kids.  Do you know how hard it is to explain to someone that everything outside of your mind makes you happy but, YOU don't make you happy?  Birds made me happy, nature, tv, the girls, him, they all made me happy.  I was just unhappy with the person I was.  I kinda thought I was having a midlife crisis.  

One day he looked at me and said, "the problem is that you want to do it all."  Later on my way to the gym I passed a sign for the local watersports rental place.  I started thinking about how much I wanted to go SUPing (Stand Up Paddleboarding).  And in that split second everything cleared up for me.  I realized my husband was right.  I DID DO want to do it all.  I want to do it all because finally I'm fit enough to and I have the time to.  I'm not trying to find myself, I've FOUND myself.  I've found the new, healthy, brave, me.  After so many years lacking the confidence to do things, I finally have it and I'm ready to conquer everything.

Maybe I'll make that my hashtag for 2015.  #ConquerEverything  How does that sound?  

I'm not going to let anything stop me.  I've got things planned for 2015.  A bunch of different life paths I want to explore this year.  #CantStopMe (This hashtag thing is fun!)

Sometimes, all it takes is a mental flip.  Try to find the "glass half full" way to think about something. And I'll leave you with a few quotes.  This one is one of my personal favorites.

"Every storm runs, runs out of rain

Just like every dark night turns into day

Every heartache will fade away

Just like every storm runs, runs out of rain"

What happened to make you realize your potential?

2015 Plans

Today is the day when alot of people make their New Year's Resolution(s).  How many times have you heard yourself saying "This year I'm going to....."

• Lose weight?
• Exercise more?
• Eat healthier?
• Quit smoking?

These are actually some of the most common resolutions according to 5 News KSFM/KXNW and USA.gov (click the link to see their full lists.)

A few years ago I made a resolution to stop making resolutions.  I think that honestly, resolutions are meant to fail.  45% of Americans usually make resolutions.  Only 8% actaully achieve their resolution.  This is according to StatisticBrain.com and the University of Scranton. Journal of Clinical Psychology.  So many people fail at keeping their resolutions that they have named a day "Fail Friday", which is the day that most people give up.  

Instead of resolutions I set goals.  Here's my list of goals for 2015.

1.  Compete - Due to issues beyond my control, my hopes of competing in 2014 didn't happen.  But, this year I have a few competitions planned, the first one being in May.  
2. Do more yoga -- I miss yoga.  It seriously helps my mind and muscles.  
3. Get another certification -- I'm thinking either Holistic Nutrition, yoga, or a specialized training certification.
4. Go on more adventures -- Random day trips to the beach, or museums.  Maybe a weekend trip somewhere.
5. Give more memories instead of gifts -- This is alot like goal #5 but, it's more for special occasions and are planned.
6. Try new things -- Aerial yoga?  Pole fitness?  Scuba diving?  These are all on my list of things to try.  
7. Spend more time outside --   I feel like I'm not as in touch with nature as I used to be.  I don't spend enough time in the sunshine, enjoying the outdoors and I want to change that this year.