"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You" ~Dr. Seuss

Abs, Abs, Abs!

Below are some AWESOME core workouts:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1177

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1332

Here are the results of a study done, which really proves what the best ab workouts are and corrects some common myths we have about ab workouts - DEFINITELY worth taking a look at!:

http://www.acefitness.org/getfit/studies/BestWorstAbExercises.pdf

1. Change your cardio activity:
   
   • Change the type of exercise you usually do. The possibilities of aerobic exercise are endless. If you walk, try cycling. If you take kickboxing, try the elliptical. Consider adding some of these possibilities to your routine: running, jogging, walking, elliptical machine, swimming, cycling, indoor exercise, outdoor exercise, hiking, fitness videos/DVDS, group fitness classes like kickboxing, aerobics, spinning, stair steppers, etc.—anything, just change it up! 
     
   • Change the duration of your workouts. Try to increase your minutes as you become fitter, and occasionally, try a shorter (but more intense) workout. 
     
   • Change the intensity of your workouts. This is something you can play with on a daily basis. This includes working at an incline or harder level, sprint work, distance work, maintaining intensity, or interval work (shifting between fast/hard and easy/recovery intervals).
2. Change your Strength Training Routine: 
   
   
   • Change the mode of exercise. If you are using machines, move to free weights. If you are using body weight, try resistance bands. If you are doing free weights, add a stability element like a BOSU ball or stability ball. Try doing exercises while balancing on one foot or switch between any and all of these. 
     
   • Change the exercises you actually do. If you have been doing chest press, change to a chest fly or use the pec deck machine. Think of an alternative exercise for each muscle group and you’ll have an entirely new workout!
     
   • Change your resistance level and/or number ofrepetitions. Be sure to increase your weight regularly. Make sure you are lifting to fatigue with each set. If you typically lift 12-15 reps, try doing 8-10 (with a higher weight) or vice versa. Play with your weight and reps in each set. Try lifting (as an example) 25 pounds for 15 reps, then 30 pounds for 12, then 35 pounds for 10 reps on your third set. You can also do it backwards, starting with high weight/low reps and working the weight down.

So write your goals down right now, plaster that fridge with positive pictures, tape an inspiring message to your dashboard, do whatever it takes to surround yourself with visual cues.

You’ll see success – both in your mind and in your life.

What are my goals?! I feel like I have SOOO many! I'll make lots of different, specific lists and that will give me PLENTY of visual cues! ;)

So write your goals down right now, plaster that fridge with positive pictures, tape an inspiring message to your dashboard, do whatever it takes to surround yourself with visual cues.

You’ll see success – both in your mind and in your life.

What are my goals?! I feel like I have SOOO many! I'll make lots of different, specific lists and that will give me PLENTY of visual cues! ;)