30 DAY AB CHALLENGE

     I've been addicted to reading online journals lately about healthy living and physical fitness because of my annoying-big-belly-problem. Luckily, I found out this intriguing challenge that will help you flatten your stomach and strengthen you core in just 30 days. What?? Is that even possible? For some, yes it is. But as for me, I've got to figure it out! *wink* 

     So what's with this "30 day Ab Challenge" I'm talking about? Well, basically, this physical challenge involves four basic movement that should be done routinely, namely, sit ups, crunches, leg raises and planking. Let's try to define each one of them: (via Wikipedia)

• SIT UPS - an abdominal strength training exercise commonly performed to strengthen the abdominal muscles. It targets the hip flexor, rectus abdominus and to very small degree, the obliques. It begins with lying with the back on the floor, typically with the arms across the chest or hands behind the head and the knees bent in an attempt to reduce stress on the back muscles and spine, and then elevating both the upper and lower vertebrae from the floor until everything superior to the buttocks is not touching the ground. 

• CRUNCHES - same with sit ups, but primarily works on obliques. A crunch begins with lying face up on the floor with knees bent. The movement begins by curling the shoulders towards the pelvis. The hands can be behind or beside the neck or crossed over the chest. Injury can be caused by pushing against the head or neck with hands.

• LEG RAISES - a strength training exercise used for strengthening the rectus abdominis and hip flexors. It is done by lying on the floor on the back. It is done without apparatus except possibly cushions or weights for added resistance.

• PLANKING - (also called a front hold, hover, or abdominal bridge) is an isometric core strength exercise that involves maintaining a difficult position for extended periods of time. The most common plank is the front plank which is held in a push-up position with the body's weight borne on forearms, elbows, and toes.

   Sounds pretty cool right? Yeah! See below sample workout calendar for your reference. I'm still thinking if I'm going to revised this though.  (Source: www.30dayfitnesschallenges.com)

Let's give it a try?? Happy tummy toning! Stay motivated! :))