About 6 weeks ago, prompted by feeling mushy around the middle, and determined to feel great in a crop top before I turn 45 this spring, I started adding an extra metabolic strength workout to my weekly schedule. I took some photos, but decided to keep them to myself, lest I fail and have no improvement to show you (accountability for cheaters, I know).
Since I’m seeing results, including the rediscovery of my abs, I thought I’d post them now.
- circa February 28, 2012
circa April 10, 2012
I don’t know about you, but I see a huge difference!
Now to be honest, it’s not just the new workout that’s doing it. I’ve also been pretty diligent in the kitchen, keeping my hand out of the cookie jar (mostly), cutting back on my starchy carbohydrates (except for my morning oats), reaching for dark chocolate over milk (forgetting all those mini eggs I ate Easter weekend…) and pushing myself to lift as heavy as I can in the gym. I’ve also been drinking a lot of water. Clean eating has it’s rewards!
My tips for rediscovering you abs?
- eliminate sugar and processed food (you knew I was going to say that)
- cut back on starchy carbs, paying attention to cravings and feelings of satiation (if cravings are too intense, increase starchy carbs by a bit)
- water, water, water
- reduce caffeine intake
- small, regular meals (before you’re starving!)
- bye bye alcohol
Of course, to have abs to reveal, you need to build them first!
This week, Tuesday Trainer is featuring an all abs workout. Each trainer has submitted their favourite ‘reveal your abs’ exercise. I’m demonstrating Before getting sick, I had planned on demonstrating a ‘Russian Twist on the ball’. Not only does it target your ‘six pack’, you’ll also feel your obliques and your glutes working. One of the best ways to get rid of that little pooch is to learn some glute activation; so be sure to keep your hips up and bum cheeks clenched throughout!
I promise I’ll get to filming today or tomorrow and have it ready for you to look at later in the week.
Meanwhile, head on over to Lindsay’s List to see what the other trainers put together for you and then pop in to YouTube and subscribe to my channel (click the link, now find the ‘subscribe’ button above the video, click on it!). There you’ll find the rest of my Tuesday Trainer videos as well as some other workouts and video blogs. Don’t forget to share!
How frequently do you work your abs?
Tell me your ‘reveal your abs’ tricks!
#PROOF!!! You look amazing! YES, seeing what you work for is found in the kitchen! I have always had to work hard but age – craziness! For me it was 50 & beyond that really had me taking my already clean eating up to a new notch & seems every 6 months I still have to tweak. Aging is tough!
I eat mostly veggies & sweet potatoes but more veggies.. no pasta or rice or anything like that – don’t care for it anyway. Lower sodium, water, lean protein & all that stuff. but honestly, I always had to be careful – age just makes it more so…
Reveal the abs – food program – clean eating! & mixing up the workouts!
Will check out the other links later!
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Enjoy Each Step! Be Happy with YOU!
Ah Jody, just when we think we’ve figured out what works for us, something changes (hormones, age, injury etc.). Maybe that’s what keeps fitness fun and forever new!
PS: Is there a way to tweet your posts from here… I don’t see a share or tweet button. I know this is a new site so maybe you are working on it…
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Enjoy Each Step! Be Happy with YOU!
Yes, there is!
At the bottom of each post, below the pictures of the other posts you might like, there’s a bar of social media icons. You can click on any of them to Share, Tweet, Pin, Stumble etc!
Thanks for asking, Joyd!
I don’t see that on my end. I only see a way to subscribe…
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Enjoy Each Step! Be Happy with YOU!
Well that’s weird. I just logged out so I could see what everyone else does, and the sharing banner is visible to me. I’m using Safari. Are you using a different browser? I need to check with my tech person to solve the problem. Thanks for the alert!
Tamara recently posted..Rediscover your abs with clean eating and Tuesday Trainer
I use Google Chrome & still don’t see a share this post tweet button.. might be my end but not sure since I am not good at this stuff1
Jody – Fit at 54 recently posted..Enjoy Each Step! Be Happy with YOU!
Impressive work, Tamara!
I work my abs specifically about 3-4 times per week, but in truth, my core probably gets worked everyday with the variety of workouts I do, especially kickboxing and yoga. But nowadays pure cardio routines are incorporating burpees (ughh) and pushups more, so even some of my step workouts (yes, I still love step aerobics; I’m old, what can I say) work my core.
crubin recently posted..Drumroll For De Blogroll
Nothing wrong with step aerobics; I teach it twice a week and still love coming up with new patterns for my participants. I think it’s actually harder to teach than a lot of other formats; requires knowing how to TEACH!
Now you know I love pushups and burpees; they totally kick my butt!
Yes, ever since that challenge you had, I think of you everytime I do burpees.
crubin recently posted..Drumroll For De Blogroll
As long as you’re thinking nice thoughts!
I’m sure my class participants are sending me ‘thought darts’ every time I ask them for more burpees!
AB-MAZING! yes you look damn good friend. Way to eat clean and workout MEAN!
Just planning my MEAN class for tomorrow! Come back and see what I’m having my boot campers do!
wow that is awesome improvement!! I have to admit that after a year of clean eating and good working out i was so frustrated with my abs that i kinda threw my good eating out the window lately. I am now trying to remember that until we resolve my hormone issues, which is causing my outstandingly high cortisol my body is doing the very best it can with things working against it…you have definitely given me some new motivation
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..The RLAM school of race preparation
Don’t give up Amanda! Sometimes all it takes is a little tweak; to either your workouts our your nutrition. Hopefully once the hormone issue is taken care of you’ll be back on track!
Awesome – definitely can see a difference! Guess I need to put down this glass of wine….
Aw heck, finish your wine. You can commit tomorrow!
Hey Tamara!
You look good!! I can definitely see a difference.
I’m glad you shared the photos, because it lets the rest of us know, like me, that I can do it too.
Take Care,
Evelyn recently posted..6 Reasons Why You Should Stop Eating Junk
Wow! the reesult is amazing! Wish i have time to work out for my abs.
And get rid of the belly humps. thanks for the share.
Becca recently posted..Gourmet Catering