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:
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)!
Looking forward to things is half the pleasure of them.
- Lucy Mand Montgomery
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{ 110 comments… read them below or add one }
Great idea to keep people in shape for the holidays!!
going to have to try this!!!!
I am in. In like hot cakes.
Whittle this middle baby. I am gonna have abs for summer in Oz. Bring on the bikini 
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.
hahaha its the effort that matters! As long as you are challenging your abs it is working!
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.
I cant wait to get rolling on this workout!! I have been looking for a way to kick it up with abs!
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!
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!!
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!
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.
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!
UPDATE: I just whipped out my ab roller for under my bed and did it for 3 minutes. YAY!
I am so in! This sounds like an awesome idea!
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!”
I need to whittle my middle… thanks for the tips
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
I need to work on my core (abs and back!) more. I always let it slide…
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
yes! this is exact;y the kind of challenge I need right now :]
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.
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”
Oooo – my core DESPERATELY needs this! I will definitely be participating!
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.
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!
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!
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!
Great idea! I am in — I am off to do some planks
Perfect timing! I could use the focus before the holiday madness begins. I’m in and can’t wait to whittle my middle
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.
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?
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
I’m IN!
Count me in. This is just what I need!
sounds like a fantastic challenge! i definitely need to work on my core, and it helps with running alot too esp injury prevention.
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!
oh hell yes! I’m in. I’ve been trying to find core workouts to do on my own. Sweet challenge!
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!
It varies according to your height and weight..there is usually a guideline on the box
I’m definitely going to be doing this with everyone! Thank you!
Love the challenge! I hope you post a reminder when it starts. I definitely need it.
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!
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!
Yay for new ab work. LOVE IT!
This is so timely. I am in like Flynn. THanks for the challenge Angela!
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!
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!
I’m in. It’s going to be great..hard, but great.
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!
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
I’m in!
I’m definitely in! Thanks for this
Angela, count me in! I need to step up the core work!
I’m SO in!!! Going to take the measurements and photos tomorrow morning though – when my tummy isn’t bursting with hummus
I love stability core work too. Especially planks, which are often mind over matter for me 
ooh I’m excited for this challenge!
love this! I’ve also been wanting to focus on core work, so thanks for the reminder!
Like the others I will follow suit – This is what I needed. A FOCUS POINT
Thanks for the video and info.
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!
i love this game plan! i am going to try to do it also. thanks ange!
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.
The planks will definitely target the lovehandles too.
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
LOVE this challenge. My trainer introduced me to planks a few months back… they REALLY work. I might join you on this one.
Count me in! Lovin it!
I’m so in!
Is it really necessary to have before and after pictures?
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!
I’m definitely taking the challenge! Doing strength/core work is what I always neglect.
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.
Such a good challenge. I’ll take pictures & measure also. Good thing the picture day is before thanksgiving
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.
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.
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!
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
I’m in! Thanks for the idea, Angela!
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.
Im IN for sure! Can use more core
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?
Love it! I have been neglecting my abs lately, so this is just the kick in the pants I need! Count me in!
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!
My fiance and I are both going to do it. Looking forward to the challenge!
Christmas present to self: a whittled middle.
Thanks!
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!
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!
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
I am all over this – so needed! Thanks for the push in the right direction~
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!
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?
I’m in! Awesome challenge. And thanks for the video. It’s very informative.
Major lurker, first time poster:)
I’m in too. my abs have seen better days!
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!!
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.
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!
I am definitely in on this challenge! I want a nice flat, firm tummy before I start popping out kiddies.
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.
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!
I’m in too!! Thanks for the inspiration!
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.
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
Sounds like a fun challenge for me. I could use a kick in the pants to get back to core work!
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!
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.
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!
Hi Ange- I’m definitely in!
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!
I’m so there! I’m a yoga instructor and still need to strengthen my core and improve those planks! What a fun challenge!
Ange, thank you for mentioning Remembrance Day!