Day 24...this was meant to be an encouraging word for those
who followed the 30 Day Ab Challenge, either by commenting or actively
participating.
Many have asked about the results. This is not a sprint to
the finish. It is a marathon. If you don't use it, you lose it. The work stops
when your heart stops.
Exercise is a physical task, and physical tasks make up a
very small portion of what makes changes take place...20%.
Yes. Abdominal/s are formed in the kitchen. 80% of the
effort resides with what you put into your mouth.
Many of us still believe that a little effort will produce
enormous results, and then you don't have to do it anymore. This is the
Chewbacca defense. In other words, it is totally illogical to think that way.
What did I already know? A strong core improves your
posture.
What did I observe? It's a work in progress. My back (which
I strained 3 months ago) is stronger and functions like a new back. The range
of motion has returned and this is partially due to the challenge, but mostly
due to pressing through the recuperation phase, post-injury.
Why bother? This was an exercise in 'training' effort. That
is what a challenge does. It's a high dose of medicine, like a booster shot.
You get out of it what you put into it. Like running, weight training (upper
and lower), cycling, skiing, swimming, yoga, zuumba (just an example, I don't
do zuumba...it's boring to me...rather dance naked at home), they are a part of
your physical exercise program. They work different parts of your body.
Learn it, apply it.
Was it a struggle to get through it?
I started out on target, then doubled up because realized I
needed to do more. The challenge was intense, but it's a guideline. If you can
do more, you do more, so I did more!
Sometimes, it’s about working it until failure! It does get
boring and mundane, but music makes it worth it!
What was the recovery like?
Like most recoveries. I feel it for a few hours after, but
the next day I’m ready to go again. Hydration and nutrition speeds up recovery.
In conclusion, I’m not dead…I lived to see another day…so
get up…suit up…boot up…and keep moving.
7 days to go, and preparing for the next.
