Today was my 'core' day. I decided, what better way to distract myself from the stress of my writing than by adding a bit of abdominal pain? LOL
I started off with burpees. I absolutely hate these exercises. I remember last summer I would refuse to do them properly. I'd be able to jump into plank position but pure fear of falling/failing was preventing me from jumping my legs back ... Finally one day I said to myself - Enough is enough. What's the worst thing that can happen? So I fall, big deal. Try it!!! So I tried it ... and I did it! I'm still amazed at how much fear plays a role in keeping me from pushing to my potential. Anyway. I'm pleased to say that I can do 20 burpees in a row without too much difficulty - it sure does get my heart rate up!
The burpees were followed by plank position variations. How can such a simple looking exercise cause so much pain and be so tough? I hate this exercise but I was determined to do the variations and get past the dread. So I started with the basic plank position, followed by keeping the same position but with one leg raised up. Then side plank followed by side plank with a raised arm twist (you twist the raised arm under your torso then back to starting position) and finally normal plank position but with both one leg and opposite arm raised/extended - I only did 15 per side. (Obviously all the positions were done for each side). In between each variation I did the regular plank pose. I held each position for 30 seconds. There were a few positions - namely the side planks - ithat I couldn't hold for 30 seconds straight but I did do a total of 30 seconds. Can I just say OUCH??!!! I never imagined so much sweat from an exercise that basically requires you to stay still ... Well I did wobble quite a bit, but you know what I mean!
I finished off the routine with my third least favorite and absolutely dreaded exercise - bicycle crunches. I did 100 of those and wanted to burst into tears.
Well, that's another workout on 'holiday' done ... I have to admit it does help relieve some of the anxiety I'm feeling over my thesis draft ... Still, pushing through as always :)
Oh, there have been so many times I've wanted to burst into tears during a tough workout. But it's so worth it...and how strong you feel afterward = so rewarding!
ReplyDeleteGood work!
I can't imagine working out while writing a thesis as well as while being on vacation! Well done!
ReplyDeleteI couldn't remember what these exercises were so I had to google. Crap those look hard. I remember burpees from High School. That was the last time I did them. I can do strength exercises with machines and weights all day long...so why do floor exercises suck so much? LOL They seem so much harder. I guess because you're using your own body weight instead of 10 or 20 or whatever pounds. You rock.
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