Whittle My Middle In 30 Days

This week, I was hit with a reality check.

I totally let my amazing core work slide when I was busy training for my races over the summer and fall months. Last week, I decided it was time to get back in the game of core work. I was shocked at how much stamina and endurance I had lost in just a few months! I was shaking like a leaf after just 15-20 seconds. My balance also sucks once again.

I would love to improve my core work again and get my toned waist back! I know it’s under there somewhere. ;)

I’m actually a bit strange because I am drawn to core work even though I don’t particularly enjoy it. It is sort of like running, it gets easier and more enjoyable as you improve your endurance. In July, I was rocking out some advanced planks for over 90 seconds. I felt incredible and strong:

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I decided that it is time to get back to that level!!! I love a good challenge, oh yes I do.

And because I want to make it fun for everyone involved, I am going to run a little experiment on Oh She Glows.

I am going to run a Whittle My Middle In 30 Days Challenge to myself and any willing participants.

Here is what I will be doing:

1) PICTURES: Before, half way, and after pictures on Nov 11th, Nov 25th, and Dec. 9th, respectively.

2) MEASUREMENTS: Before, half way, and after measurements of my ‘true’ waist (at belly button), low waist (3" lower approx.), and hips (over butt)- same dates as above.

3) CORE WORK: 6-10 minute core workout, 5 days a week, doing the following exercises:

  • Plank
  • Side plank
  • Plank with elbows on stability ball
  • Stability Ball Jackknifes
  • Stability ball roll out
  • Plank Rotations

All of the core exercises that I will be doing are found in this video by Turbulance Training:

 

Excellent, informative, and easy to follow video. Well done!!!!

I will be doing all of the exercises featured in the video.

6-10 minutes a day total, 5 days a week for 1 month. Challenge ends December 10th. Because I will likely find these exercises quite challenging at first, I will probably start off with 6 minutes for the first week or two and work my way up to 10 minutes.

You can participate any way that you want! The point of the challenge is to strengthen our core muscles. Core muscles are an important factor in so many of our daily activities- running, lifting, bending, and even our posture!

I also want to note that I will be fully extending my arm when doing the planks because I find it is more challenging (instead of the bent arm in the video). Do whatever you feel comfortable with though!

Would you like to join this awesome and difficult challenge with me and wake up those ab muscles?? Mine have been hibernating since August, I think. ;)

As always, I will be documenting my workouts for all to see. I will likely be posting now and then on my progress, but if you want a daily recap, you can check out my Run page where I list every single workout that I do.

I will also still be continuing my yoga and cardio exercise.

Check out my new ABS page for all the updates!

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Other Website News:

1) I added several more Glo Bar Variety packs to the shopping cart. They are going like hot cakes!

2) The Green Monster Movement has some new recipes up- including a super fun PINK monster!

Other happenings:

1) Julie from Savvy Eats gave two Project Natural Glow reviews! One on a coconut lotion and one on a body scrub.

2) I am off to a Remembrance Day ceremony this morning from 10-11:30am. Don’t forget to have a moment of silence today in memory of all of the amazing people who have sacrificed their lives for us.

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Have a glowing Remembrance Day (or Veterans Day if you are in the US)!

Angela_Signature

Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them.
- Lucy Mand Montgomery

{ 110 comments… read them below or add one }

Jessica @ How Sweet It Is November 11, 2009

Great idea to keep people in shape for the holidays!! :)

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nicolene November 12, 2009

going to have to try this!!!!

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Michelle @ Eatingjourney November 11, 2009

I am in. In like hot cakes. :) Whittle this middle baby. I am gonna have abs for summer in Oz. Bring on the bikini :)

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Marian November 11, 2009

I am definitely jumping on the ab-whittling train! Very excited! Although I’m not sure I’ll be able to rock the extended arm planks like you OR look even semi-human while trying….haha.

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Angela (Oh She Glows) November 11, 2009

hahaha its the effort that matters! As long as you are challenging your abs it is working!

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Katie November 11, 2009

Great idea! IF I could I would. I can’t get over my neck pain so I just do as minimal ab as I can. I used to do 20 minutes 3-4 days a week pre injury :/

You rocked that side plank.

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Jill November 11, 2009

I cant wait to get rolling on this workout!! I have been looking for a way to kick it up with abs!

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Amanda November 11, 2009

I’ve been going to physical therapy for a running injury and my PT told me I have a very weak core. She also said my balance was way off and questioned whether or not I fall a lot!! HAHA….

Thanks for the challenge – I am definitely going to work on my core!

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Madelin @ What is for breakfast? November 11, 2009

Awesome! I’m going to Hawaii in 3 weeks and have been looking forward to you posting this challenge all day! I really need the core work before bikini time!!

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Caroline November 11, 2009

I’m totally in! I’ll have to find something new to do lacking a stability ball. I’ve taken pilates classes (sure it was like months ago) I’m sure I can figure something out!

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CC November 11, 2009

I’d love to join, but my middle will not be whittled until April. I’m 4 months pregnant and the baby has other plans for my waistline unfortunately… Good luck to everyone.

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Kristine November 11, 2009

you totally just inspired me to start ab training again. I feel SO MUCH better when I train my abs. It totally works your arms and legs too!! I don’t have a stability ball, but I will try to modify it. Thanks for the inspiration! I NEEDED IT!

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Kristine November 11, 2009

UPDATE: I just whipped out my ab roller for under my bed and did it for 3 minutes. YAY!

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Brittney November 11, 2009

I am so in! This sounds like an awesome idea! :D

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Spotty Prep November 11, 2009

I’m doing the Jillian Micheals No More Trouble Zones every other day this month, which seems pretty core work intensive to me! I’ll take my measurements- I’m interested to see how I’m being “whittled!”

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Estela @ Weekly Bite November 11, 2009

I need to whittle my middle… thanks for the tips :)

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megan November 11, 2009

I’m definitely in! I can’t see the video for some reason though. Between this and the pile on them miles challenge, I should be good to go :)

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Paige @ Running Around Normal November 11, 2009

I need to work on my core (abs and back!) more. I always let it slide…

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rebecca lustig November 11, 2009

Mmm, I believe all of our inner strength and confidence stems from the core. I’m definitely up for the challenge. Thanks for sharing !

Have a wonderful Wednesday
becca

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Kelsey November 11, 2009

yes! this is exact;y the kind of challenge I need right now :]

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Hope November 11, 2009

I’m totally in! I’m changing my life for the better and losing around 50 pounds while I’m at it so this is perfect.

I don’t have a stability ball so I guess I’ll just do more of the other moves.

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katherine November 11, 2009

Great challenge idea! I found I’d been neglecting my core while I focused on increasing mileage, just like you, and it’s time to get back to my “core values” ;-)

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Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats November 11, 2009

Oooo – my core DESPERATELY needs this! I will definitely be participating!

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Taylor - Pacing For Pretzels November 11, 2009

I am totally in for this challenge! I will also take pictures and measure. I absolutely hate doing core work so this will be a great incentive to get my abs in gear. :)

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Ashlee November 11, 2009

I am so glad that you brought this up. I hit the snooze way too many times this morning instead of getting up to workout. Now that you have challenged us, I will definitely be more pumped up. Thanks!

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Heather November 11, 2009

oh, Ange- I am frightened in the best way!

yesterday I posted a blog about the top ten things I need to do this month to make myself a better runner; and guess what was on the list – CORE STRENGTH!

This is perfect :) i know i’m really going to be FEELING IT the next few days especially as I start the new core strengthening routine! I can’t wait to see us all improving throughout the next month :) GREAT CHALLENGE, my friend!

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MarathonVal November 11, 2009

I love this idea and will definitely be participating!! I love the photo part of it since it adds accountability! Ever since I recently finished a marathon and stopped posting my daily training workouts, I have definitely slacked in the fitness deparment more than I like.

Bravo on the great idea! :)

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Whitney @ Lettuce Love November 11, 2009

Great idea! I am in — I am off to do some planks :)

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Ellen November 11, 2009

Perfect timing! I could use the focus before the holiday madness begins. I’m in and can’t wait to whittle my middle :)

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Amelia November 11, 2009

Great idea for a challenge. It is INCREDIBLE how much stamina I can lose when I slack off on the core workouts. Once I get back to it, it’s like I’m starting from square one. Definitely an area that needs more focus, especially since strong core muscles will help in all other workouts.

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Denise November 11, 2009

I have two questions. Will these core exercises whittle away inches? Also, to make the green juice, will a blender work or is a juicer necessary?

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Angela (Oh She Glows) November 11, 2009

The last time I did core work I did lose inches, but I think that is because I was also diligent about eating healthy and also getting in cardio exercise too.

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Angela (Oh She Glows) November 11, 2009

oh and to make green monsters, I use a blender. Juicers remove all of the pulp. It depends what you prefer! I prefer to use the entire piece of veggie/fruit.

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Denise November 11, 2009

Thanks for your answers! I have been trying hard to eat healthy, have had some not so good moments, and do NO exercise. I have GOT to change that!

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Morgan @ Life After Bagels November 11, 2009

I despise planks, really and truly. But sit ups always give me a tender back for some reason. Then I end up doing no core exercises. It’s a mean vicious circle. But I am up for your challenge. It’s either that or buy new pants so Whittle my middle it is!

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natalie November 11, 2009

This is perfect! I always want to do some sort of ab/core work for a period of time and measure my resutls but I suck at following through with abs. When i’ve finished a great workout, I always find myself skipping my core, which is so important! AHH! I am SUPER excited to do this! Thanks for the challeng!!! I think building and toning my core through this 30 day challenge will give me more modivation to keep up the core workd afterwards! Thanks for the challenge!

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Whit November 11, 2009

I’m IN!

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Rose November 11, 2009

Count me in. This is just what I need!

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skinnyrunner November 11, 2009

sounds like a fantastic challenge! i definitely need to work on my core, and it helps with running alot too esp injury prevention.

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ashley (sweet & natural) November 11, 2009

I just wanted to say that I love your quote today! I am constantly looking forward to something, so much that sometimes I have to tell myself to live more in the moment. But it’s so true – the anticipation is half the fun!

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Jess November 11, 2009

oh hell yes! I’m in. I’ve been trying to find core workouts to do on my own. Sweet challenge!

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Ashley November 11, 2009

This is great, Angela! It’s just the motivation I need, and as I just said in my tweet – totally doable. I need to get a stability ball (it’s been on my to-do list for a while). Is there a size that you recommend? I am relatively short, and sometimes my trainer has me using different ones, but I wonder what is best for home use?

Thanks for the push! :)

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Angela (Oh She Glows) November 11, 2009

It varies according to your height and weight..there is usually a guideline on the box :)

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Diane November 11, 2009

I’m definitely going to be doing this with everyone! Thank you!

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Carolyn November 11, 2009

Love the challenge! I hope you post a reminder when it starts. I definitely need it. :)

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Betsy November 11, 2009

Definitely IN! What an awesome challenge. Especially needed around the Holidays when my middle seems to extend a little due to all the delicious treats that I can’t seem to say no to!

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Julie @savvyeats November 11, 2009

I’m in! Though I think I’m going to start tomorrow because I have an intense Pilates class tonight–that will be plenty of abwork for today! ;)

And thanks for the link, dear!

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Janna (Just Flourishing) November 11, 2009

Yay for new ab work. LOVE IT!

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Sarah November 11, 2009

This is so timely. I am in like Flynn. THanks for the challenge Angela!

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Jil November 11, 2009

I love your name for this challenge! Plus, I DEFINITELY want to take part. My exercise has seriously been lacking, and I can only blame myself. Whittle my middle?? I’m so in!

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RunToTheFinish November 11, 2009

Ughh so true that I can get out there and run daily, but I completely lack in my daily core work. This is a fantastic challenge!

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Lynda November 11, 2009

I’m in. It’s going to be great..hard, but great.

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Sam November 11, 2009

This is perfect! I always seem to neglect my abdominal muscles, so hopefully having a set in stone routine will help me stick to it. Watching your progress won’t hurt my motivation either. Thanks for the workout!

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Cynthia (It All Changes) November 11, 2009

I’m so in. Core strength is important for me to prevent more back surgery and I’ve been slacking since I injured my hip. I will do this :-)

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Cristin November 11, 2009

I’m in!

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Kate November 11, 2009

I’m definitely in! Thanks for this :)

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Erin November 11, 2009

Angela, count me in! I need to step up the core work!

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Susan November 11, 2009

I’m SO in!!! Going to take the measurements and photos tomorrow morning though – when my tummy isn’t bursting with hummus :P I love stability core work too. Especially planks, which are often mind over matter for me :)

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Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) November 11, 2009

ooh I’m excited for this challenge!

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Shannon (The Daily Balance) November 11, 2009

love this! I’ve also been wanting to focus on core work, so thanks for the reminder! ;)

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Kristy November 11, 2009

Like the others I will follow suit – This is what I needed. A FOCUS POINT :) Thanks for the video and info.

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Juliana November 11, 2009

This is great! I was just thinking how I let my core work slide over the summer (and now into the fall) and that I need to get going before the jiggle takes over! I am in!

Thank you so much for the motivation! :)

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janetha November 11, 2009

i love this game plan! i am going to try to do it also. thanks ange!

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Meghan November 11, 2009

I’m super excited to get in on this challenge!! I live in Florida so it’s always bikini season here! Ah! I always have problems with the lovehandle area… any helpful hits to get rid of those suckers?? I have a relatively flat stomach, but the disproportion in the lovehandles is quite annoying.

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Casey Leigh November 11, 2009

The planks will definitely target the lovehandles too.

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Kris | iheartwellness.com November 11, 2009

Ohhh Muffin, this title cracked me up!!

This is a perfect idea….I really dislike core work, but know HOW important it is for you. Its needed to keep you with nice posture ;) So I will say yes to this challenge!!! 6 pack here I come!! WOOT

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Casey Leigh November 11, 2009

LOVE this challenge. My trainer introduced me to planks a few months back… they REALLY work. I might join you on this one. :)

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angela@A Healty Fit November 11, 2009

Count me in! Lovin it!

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Miriam November 11, 2009

I’m so in! ;)

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Mary November 11, 2009

Is it really necessary to have before and after pictures?

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Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness November 11, 2009

Good idea! I am about 7 weeks out from my 28th birthday and the gift of tight abs is a wonderful thing to “give” myself :-)
Bring on the challenge!

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Brynne November 11, 2009

I’m definitely taking the challenge! Doing strength/core work is what I always neglect.

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Amanda (modernation) November 11, 2009

I’m in – I just posted this morning on things I want to do to get back on track and focusing on my core is definitely at the top of the list. I all too often neglect my core.

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Beth S. November 11, 2009

Such a good challenge. I’ll take pictures & measure also. Good thing the picture day is before thanksgiving :-D

One question…is it good to do AB work everyday? I thought it was better to do every other day to allow muscles to repair.

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Allison November 11, 2009

I think that is a super idea, and it takes 6-10min a day, how easy is that too! I am going to try follow along as well and document my own results, i am keeping up my cardio and strength training, and so maybe this little extra will be what i have been needing.

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Jamie November 11, 2009

I’m in, this is a great idea. I always let my core strengthening fall to the wayside so this challenge is good for me!

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Diana November 11, 2009

This is a great idea! I need to get a good ab workout in. I neglect this area of fitness for some reason. I’m going to do my best to fit this in at least a few times a week!
Diana

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Lindsay (Foodrun) November 11, 2009

I’m in! Thanks for the idea, Angela!

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Kelly November 11, 2009

I’m so in!! I’m not sure about the pics but I will take measurements tomorrow and get right on this. I’ll be a day behind but not going to let that set me back.

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Ellie November 11, 2009

Im IN for sure! Can use more core

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Sally November 11, 2009

I have a really long torso and my “true waist” (narrowest part) is above my belly button! Is it okay to use that measurement or should I measure at my belly button?

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Sarah November 11, 2009

Love it! I have been neglecting my abs lately, so this is just the kick in the pants I need! Count me in!

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Heather Dawn November 11, 2009

Im in! My abs have gotten extremely weak which is taking a toll on my posture :( This will be perfect to concentrate on my ab strength for the next month!

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Kim Hoffman November 11, 2009

My fiance and I are both going to do it. Looking forward to the challenge! :)

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Juli (Peanut Butter and Juli) November 11, 2009

Christmas present to self: a whittled middle.

Thanks!

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Allison November 11, 2009

is there any alternatives for some of the moves that use a stability ball?
I dont have one! and dont really have room for one in my place.

Thanks for the help!

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Angela (Oh She Glows) November 11, 2009

I would just gooogle ab exercises and keep changing it up :) You can really go wrong as long as you are challenging the muscles in new ways!

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katrina m November 11, 2009

oooh i soooo want to do this too!! haha. i don’t know if i will stick with it 100%, but i really want to try. may have to wait a day or two to take the measurements. great idea ang!!! and maybe if we have just spent a month on our abs, we will “be better” during the holidays!! :) hehee

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Sarah November 11, 2009

I am all over this – so needed! Thanks for the push in the right direction~

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Amanda November 11, 2009

I am doing this too! I was thinking the other day that I needed to focus on my abs again, so I started on Monday… but I am going to do your program and see if I get results! I am also bumping up my running. I ran (and walked a bit) for 8.1 miles the other day… A new distance for me! I ran for the majority of it, which is a BIG deal for me!

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Hannah November 11, 2009

This is awesome! I have a question though-I just did the video and he only shows the exercises but doesn’t say how long you should hold them or how many reps to do. What are you going to do? I know you said 6 minutes but does that translate into a certain amount of reps/time for each exercise?

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Andrea@WellnessNotes November 11, 2009

I’m in! Awesome challenge. And thanks for the video. It’s very informative.

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andreaRL November 11, 2009

Major lurker, first time poster:)

I’m in too. my abs have seen better days!

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Kristy November 11, 2009

I am really excited for this challenge! Like you, I am drawn to core work as well but I have certainly been slacking! Hooray for working hard through the holidays!!

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Leah November 11, 2009

I’ve been wanting to do more core work. Ive started doing a little – I’ve been doing the “abs and core” section of my pilates dvd. I wont lie, when I first started doing it, most of my time was spent telling the girl on the screen how much I hated her. But now Im actually starting to like it.

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maria November 11, 2009

I’m in! I want a nice firm core so badly. I’m starting to see some ab muscles from doing 30 Day Shred, so it’s super motivating!

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Niki (Running In Pink) November 11, 2009

I am definitely in on this challenge! I want a nice flat, firm tummy before I start popping out kiddies. :)

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Amy (One Thousand Steps) November 11, 2009

I LOVE core work – it’s so rewarding to spend such a small amount of time and to see results so quickly! Good luck with your challenge – I’ll be crunching and planking along with you, but probably at a slower pace and for a longer period time. ;)

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Danielle November 11, 2009

Count me in! This is just what I needed and I love a challenge. I am a mom of 5 w/ my youngest being 18 months. Needless to say my abs can use some major findings:) Can’t wait to see what I look like in a month!

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Lesiie November 11, 2009

I’m in too!! Thanks for the inspiration!

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katie November 11, 2009

i love this idea! i might have to join you in doing this – i also definitely let core and strength training go by the wayside while i was training for my half this summer, and have been struggling to get back into it.

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Lindsay (Foodrun) November 12, 2009

i don’t have a stability ball, so i’m doing about 4 minutes of planks and this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMWBLG4syRQ&feature=related

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Jess November 12, 2009

Sounds like a fun challenge for me. I could use a kick in the pants to get back to core work!

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Kaytee November 12, 2009

I’ve been trying to order the variety pack but there seems to be a problem in the store. It keeps saying “not found.”

I love the idea of whittle in the middle, but I’m in a winter shape up challenge right now. Maybe I can do both!

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jessica November 12, 2009

I’m going to start this tonight!!! I love how you don’t need much equipment. I also love how he can do all the moves flawlessly while I am sure I will be shaking like a leaf after the first move.

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Michelle November 12, 2009

I love that you posted this challenge! I’m headed to California for Christmas to see some friends I haven’t seen in a couple years, so I started a “great abs by Christmas” challenge for myself almost 2 weeks ago! Sounds like I’ll have some company as I do my crunches and planks! Have you ever tried the P90X Ab Ripper DVD? I used it for the first time yesterday, and my abs are SORE this morning!

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Katie O. November 12, 2009

Hi Ange- I’m definitely in! :)

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Vanessa @ Chic and Charming November 12, 2009

Between the waist whittle and the total body sculpting regimen from this month’s issue of Self magazine, I should be in terrific shape! (No pun intended.)

Cheers to us!

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Renee November 12, 2009

I’m so there! I’m a yoga instructor and still need to strengthen my core and improve those planks! What a fun challenge!

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Linda November 12, 2009

Ange, thank you for mentioning Remembrance Day!

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