Stronger, More Defined Core, Accountability Needed???

[ms.mightyduck]

Hi, everyone! Just a note to let you know that last night's core work during Grey's had to be cancelled due to a terrible IBS bout. I'm still feeling weak today, but I'll try to get some in this evening.

I love!/hate side plank, Dave. It was hard when I started, and then I got to point where I could sweep my arm down and under my waist. I knew then how much stronger side plank can make my body! In the beginning, I couldn't raise myself up or balance at all, so the growth is visible.

Also, I did pilates work where I was stacked on my side and then raised my legs from my hips and also propped up on my elbow and then did bends with my arm behind my head, bending my elbow to the floor. I'm sure someone else can explain it better, but I hate/love those because they seem to work so well on the obliques.

See you later or tomorrow! Go, Core Warriors!

 

[dsnyfan21]

After doing a few nights (my rest days) of Amy's 5 ab exercises and tried my Pilates for Dummies again. I was able to do more reps of each of the exercises this time. I like that side plank move and will try it sometime.

I also did some foam roller stretches/massage moves. That also works the abs and shoulders/tricep areas.

Take care core people!!

 

[windwalker]

Ok I tried that side plank, yea right. I see there is another area that needs work.

Weak Panda

 

[MouseDogMom]

Got my "Pilates for Dummies" DVD in the mail yesterday - too bad we forgot to check the mail until this morning... had a 5K today so am skipping the core stuff, and tomorrow is a scheduled REST day. I am dying to try it out, but our power is playing games with us tonight so I guess while I'm resting tomorrow I'll watch it!

Jackie

 

[windwalker]

Today was my complete rest day. I decided to take one complete rest day and one day just my stretching, cals and pilaties routine, then the other 5 days a week do my walk training as well.

Tomorrow is back to the gym for a complete workout then my dental check and a trip to Nashville for Erica's bunion surgery check up.

Limber Panda

 

[Mooshu]

Thank you for all the great ab exercises! I will try to do these regularly as my core needs a lot of work.

My side planks need a lot of help!

 

[windwalker]

Thank you for all the great ab exercises! I will try to do these regularly as my core needs a lot of work.

My side planks need a lot of help!

Yes my body is having issues with the side plank also. Well we need a challange right?

Ok Dave shut up and get your pudgy butt to the gym.

Walking Panda

 

[twoWDWfools]

Morning!

Did the side planks Friday. Ouch
Went a little better Saturday but see those are going to be a challenge.

Took yesterday off completely to take care of housework, laundry and packing for the Minnie. Tonight is bike then more core.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and that your week is off to a good start.

 

[MaryJ]

Might try the Pilates for Dummies today. Just have to see if I can make the time! Congrats to all that do!

 

[windwalker]

Might try the Pilates for Dummies today. Just have to see if I can make the time! Congrats to all that do!

Mary what happens in 110 days? I was reading your tag line.

Walking Panda

 

[MaryJ]

Mary what happens in 110 days? I was reading your tag line.

Walking Panda

We will be leaving to go on the DCL repo cruise through the Panama Canal. I'll be getting my core work done on board. Anyone know if they offer Pilates on the ship?

 

[windwalker]

We will be leaving to go on the DCL repo cruise through the Panama Canal. I'll be getting my core work done on board. Anyone know if they offer Pilates on the ship?

How cool Erica and I have never done a cruise but we have been thinking about one in the next few years. We would love a WISH gathering cruise.

I have stagnated at 165 to 166 pounds so I changed my routine today to shake things up.

I did my walk on the tready, then did some sprinting in the pool. Then I stretched in the pool and some where along the way I fixed that hip flexor that has been sore. Then did some flys using the water for resistance.

I came home and mowed for two hours with the push mower, did my yard and the neighbors yard.

I believe in theory that you have to change up the routine sometimes to get improvement. Also to make sure you are getting to all the muscles.

I'll do my stretching this evening.

Limber Panda

 

[deekaypee]

I can't possibly keep up with all the posts on this thread, but I just wanted to say a couple of things.

1) I'm still in the core game, and did another session of the Pilates for Dummies DVD. I'm modifying several of the exercises as I seem to have very little flexibility. Still, I feel like I've made some progress in just a couple of weeks.

2) Congratulation to Lisa, Dave, Lynn, and everyone else who is making progress.

3) As Ms. Duckie suggested, the local library is a good option for switching up WO DVDs (which is where I borrowed the Winsor Pilates series). I use the library and my Netflix account. Pilates for Dummies is available through Netflix, btw. Both methods allow me to test drive a DVD before buying And Jackie, IMO Pilates for Dummies is a good purchase.

4) Kira, I think your focus on form is fantastic!

I do think these exercises are allowing us all to make some quick progress and improves our running/walking and overall health. And ITA with the need to change up our routines, which is one reason why this thread is so darned helpful!

 

[Steffwalks]

Hi Everybody,

I can't keep up here either. I have been off and walking. Did the OKC half, haven't had to time to write a report yet, but I will.

Pilates! Great stuff. Do it often and mostly well! LOL I started doing it 4 years ago and got so into doing races that I let it slide, but I m back at it, again, now. Turned out, it was really good for me. I started with Pilates for Dummies.

For some reason, after the first of the year, I realized that I needed to take care of my life if I wanted to do races. It wasn't an all or nothing! Yea, me!

Off to get some of my life taken care of! See ya later!

 

[twoWDWfools]

Morning!

Well rode the stationary bike last night followed by 30 min of core work. Lower abs feeling it this morning. Getting better at the side plank - actually managed to hold it for 30 seconds last night. Definitely an improvement from last week where it was get into position and then wobble all over.

Going to take the print out of Amy's exercise schedule with for the weekend so I can do core and some pilates while at WDW.

Hope everyone is doing well and have a great day!

 

[Lynn G]

A W.I.S.H. cruise! That sounds great! We could have exercise meets and try to avoid all the weight gain from all that great food!

I did get my Pilates tape in yesterday, still need to do Amy's core exercise list for today. I am taking that list with me on vacation, and hope to keep it up while at WDW. I will try the side plank today and see how I do.

 

[MouseDogMom]

Did my first Pilates workout tonight. Have only watched half of the "Dummies" DVD, so I mostly did the list Amy had already given us. I am SO uncoordinated. I'm probably one of those who should really take a class and have an instructor show me what I'm doing right and wrong, but if I keep at it I hope it will feel natural!

Is it a bad sign when you're watching "Riverdance" and the first thought is "Wow - they have really strong core muscles. I should be at home doing core work instead of here...?"

Jackie

 

[disneyluv]

WOW...what a great thread !!

I'm late to the party but would love to join....I think I lost any core I had after kids .

Can't wait to start for all the great advice everyone has given.

 

[windwalker]

Yesterday I had a wonderfull 4.5 mile walk in the sunshine with a stiff breeze, I love the feel of the wind when I'm exercising.

When I finished back at the gym it was soooooo tempting to just shower and go home and relax before work. But I have made a commitment to this core strengthing.

The secret, if there is one, is to be consistant, I'm betting on that. I think that building your core muscles is just like exercising any part of your body.

Since this tread started I've lost 2 inches off my waist line and my balance is much better. The biggest benefit for me though is that my racewalking is smoother and I can go faster with less effort.

Some mornings I have to cut my workout a bit short becasue they are having a class in the aerobics room where I can do my calistetics, stretching and pilaties. When that happens I have some must DOs anyway. I must get the complete stretching routine for my calves and achillies done, because that is my problem area. Then I must do the plank and birddog and finally the quad and hamstring stretches.

We have a long time to work before the ToT and the Marathon weekend. If everyone does consistant work on their core between now and then the results should be amazing for all of us.

Walking Panda

 

[deekaypee]

Did my first Pilates workout tonight. Have only watched half of the "Dummies" DVD, so I mostly did the list Amy had already given us. I am SO uncoordinated. I'm probably one of those who should really take a class and have an instructor show me what I'm doing right and wrong, but if I keep at it I hope it will feel natural!

Is it a bad sign when you're watching "Riverdance" and the first thought is "Wow - they have really strong core muscles. I should be at home doing core work instead of here...?"

Jackie

Hah! I know EXACTLY how you feel. Not just the uncoordinated part (I'm kind of used to that) but being at a live performance and thinking about how strong those folks are while I'm just sitting there. It makes me sit up better, though.

I have noticed with Pilates for Dummies that the learning curve for the moves is pretty steep. I'm sure you'll have the hang of the basics in the next couple of sessions.