The ever elusive abs! It seems everyone is running out to get the latest hoping for miracle 6-minute abs! Sorry folks, I wish it was that easy and fast! From my experience, it takes a good clean diet, consistent exercise plan and recovery days.
I was a very athletic child, so I did have a good foundation, but, all this came to a crashing halt when I was 23 yrs. old. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and I was bedridden for 2 ½ years. So weak at times, I couldn't brush my own teeth and barely walk from room to room. It was a very slow progression over the next few years to regain anything close to where I was physically prior to getting sick.
I know the feeling of “Where do I even start”? “How much should I be doing each day”? I learned to work to my capacity and listen to my body to take those critical rest days. Always think about progression and pushing yourself just that little bit more each day. My workouts have always consisted of weight training, but over the last few years I have incorporated more “functional” exercises. These exercises tend to be more full-body and really focus on keeping your core engaged through the entire movement. I do add in resistance whenever possible, especially in my ab work. I have found using resistance, variety of exercise, plyometric jumps and a clean diet are the critical points of finding those abs.
To come from not having the strength to hold my own toothbrush, to where I am today, shows it is possible! Make fitness a part of your “lifestyle”! Whatever effort you put into your body, you will get back in results! This all coming from someone not 27, not 37, but 47 years old!
AMANDA’s NOTES
Holy cow I thought Susan was like my age and she’s 47! Further proof that we are all on the right track by doing this challenge and continuing to focus on clean eating.
In July Susan and I will be providing even more tips on Facebook for diet, since we all know a clean diet is required to actually see those abs! Here is a short acronym from The Abs Diet
Here's that acronym:
A Almonds (and other nuts) Raw
B Beans (and other legumes)
S Spinach (and other green vegetables)
D Dairy
I Instant oatmeal
E Eggs
T Turkey (and other lean meats)
P Peanut butter
O Olive oil
W Whole grains (breads and cereals)
E Extra-protein powder (whey)
R Raspberries (and other berries)
Make sure you “Like” Strong Like Susan on Facebook to get the tips and subscribe to her YouTube Channel so you are getting any new videos!
We’ll also be tweeting throughout the month with #abchallenge and reporting in on daily progress via the RunToTheFinish Facebook page.
If you haven’t signed up for the July 30 Day Ab Challenge yet, what are you waiting for those abs won’t chisel themselves!
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Gratitude Journal
June 27
I am grateful for trainers who have lived what they are teaching others.
