Incline pushups and reverse crunches!

That's what's on the exercise menu today!

It was going to be a cardio day, but I woke up with an odd desire to clean house.  By the time I had washed litter boxes, vacuumed, did laundry, and washed trash cans (gotta keep those stale odors away!), my heart rate was up sufficiently.  Also, the activity was aggravating my muscles and a slight headache was forming (my body's warning light).

So, I took a pause for a lunch of tuna and a protein smoothie. That may not sound appetizing, but I crave a lot of protein.  I feel enormously better when I consume plenty (again, listening to the body).  I'd have rather had a big steak, but that was more effort than I was willing to put in.

Feeling a bit more relaxed, I got in 100 incline pushups.

Incline pushup

I do mine using the kitchen counter.  I don't know why, but doing them on the floor seems very unappealing (even though I will do the crunches on the floor).  I didn't start out doing a hundred, either.  Remember I started working on getting back in shape in February.  At that time I was doing well to get in 20 (and I was ashamed at how weak I had gotten), so do however many you can.  Today I split it up - 40, stretch, 20, stretch, 40, stretch and done.

Feeling the headache trying to come back, time for another break.  Once my body mellowed back out, time for reverse crunches.

Reverse crunch

The reason for reverse crunches isn't because I favor them over other ab exercises - it's because my rear end is kind of small and my lower back is kind of bony, and doing sit ups a couple weeks ago in my undies on carpeting left my skin sore and raw, and it's still recovering.  They target the lower abs, and no matter your weight will help smooth out the belly.

I set a babaseline of 50, but ended up getting in 100.  Do as many as you can.  Anything is better than nothing!

I want to make a brief note here about bloating.  If you exercise but are still poodgy and bloated, it's probably because of your diet. Wheat is notorious for causing bloating, even if you are not allergic.  If you are concerned, see your doctor.  For most people it isn't an issue.  If you are self conscious about it, just be sure to avoid wheat or other foods that make you bloat a couple days before and the day of an event for which you may be concerned about your appearance.

Remember not to starve yourself.  Have some protein and healthy carbs, and less sugar.  Replace one of those sweet treats with a healthier but tasty alternative.

Best wishes on your journey,

Sarah