[GROUP FULL] SPARTANS: No Excuses November Chat - Wk 1
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todays goal was very relaxing, .. who would have thought though that those calf exercises could set me legs on fire so soon, I am going to make it a goal to do more of those everyday!!0
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Loved todays goal of stretching! Fit in perfect after being on the treadmill. Had to finish up the last 20 calf raises today though. :S I completely forgot about them yesterday. Drank a lot today. I feel much better!0
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Its 11:45 here in the UK and I'm eagerly awaiting today's daily challenge. I guess the problem for us peeps east of the US is that we don't get the full day to complete the challenges!!
Still going well though on staying on track!!
Happy Friday!!
Kay0 -
Hey group. Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. Didn't have any time, and don't have time to catch up on all these posts either!! I did run another 3.1 miles yesterday, putting me at 9.7 miles towards my 100 mile goal. I'm buying myself a pair of real running shoes this weekend, so I'm pretty excited about that. I've been under my calorie goal every day. But I haven't been doing the extra challenges. I just can't manage to work them in. There just isn't time. I wasn't expecting those, and while I thought they were a great idea, I just plain don't have the time to do them. The only one I did do was drink the 100 oz of water on day 1.
Hopefully I'll have time to check in again later tonight. 0 -
*** SPARTANS! HERE IS YOUR CHALLENGE FOR TODAY ***
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==== DAY FOUR CHALLENGE ====
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CORE. Super intense abs! Not just ANY sit up or crunches - Spartan Style! This circuit will BLAST your obliques, lower abs, and then crush the entire core.
Side Jackknife Crunch
The side jackknife crunch is the most intense oblique exercise there is, but once again, the majority of the resistance is isometric. To perform a side jackknife crunch, lie on your right side on an exercise mat. Place your right hand palm-down out in front of yourself for balance. Place your left fingertips behind your ear. Lift your left leg, performing a side leg-lift. At the same time, perform a side crunch. At the top of the movement, contract your left oblique abdominal muscle as hard as you can. Hold for a moment, then release back down. Perform in sets of 10 to 20 reps.
Reverse Crunch
There is argument over whether it's possible to work the lower abs more intensely during an exercise, or if the entire rectus abdominis acts as one muscle. Still, it's good to perform abdominal exercises that are intended to target the lower abs, if only to add some variety to your routine that will shock your abs into growth. The "Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding" explains that you should lie on your back, lift your legs and point your toes toward the ceiling, keeping a slight bend in your knees. Keep your hands on the ground at your sides for stability. Crunch your abs, lifting your butt of the ground and tilting your pelvis toward your ribcage. Hold the contraction. Release back to the ground. Perform in sets of 10 to 20 reps.
Abdominal hold
The abdominal hold doesn't look like a crunch, but it's a *very* intense one. To keep your body from rotating, your entire core contracts, and your rectus abdominis crunches very hard. To perform an abdominal hold, you need a weight bench or a very sturdy wooden chair. Sit with your hands solidly on the seat and your fingertips gripping the edge. Press down through your palms and raise your butt off the seat and your feet off the ground. Fitness Magazine explains that you should hold this position for 5 to 10 seconds before lowering yourself. Repeat for a full minute.
Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/136948-the-best-kinds-crunches-abs/#ixzz1cdYbK9rP0 -
Hey group. Sorry I wasn't around yesterday. Didn't have any time, and don't have time to catch up on all these posts either!! I did run another 3.1 miles yesterday, putting me at 9.7 miles towards my 100 mile goal. I'm buying myself a pair of real running shoes this weekend, so I'm pretty excited about that. I've been under my calorie goal every day. But I haven't been doing the extra challenges. I just can't manage to work them in. There just isn't time. I wasn't expecting those, and while I thought they were a great idea, I just plain don't have the time to do them. The only one I did do was drink the 100 oz of water on day 1.
Hopefully I'll have time to check in again later tonight.
Great to hear from you. WOO HOO almost a 10th of the way there! Let us know how the shoe thing turns out. I've heard of companies that custom fit you but I've never gone to a place...am thinking about it.
Don't worry about the challenges, they're there for oomph. If you find you have time one day, check my blog. I'm keeping the master list there - do them any time!0 -
Its 11:45 here in the UK and I'm eagerly awaiting today's daily challenge. I guess the problem for us peeps east of the US is that we don't get the full day to complete the challenges!!
Still going well though on staying on track!!
Happy Friday!!
Kay
Hi Kay! Day four was posted with Day three on page 3, I believe. Also, I just put up a blog that will have the challenges listed. I don't know how much my blog is allowed to hold, so it may break into multiple posts Anyway, I hear you, we have a few international people! I'll post the new challenge the night before in the US so you're all ready to go in the morning. 0 -
Loved todays goal of stretching! Fit in perfect after being on the treadmill. Had to finish up the last 20 calf raises today though. :S I completely forgot about them yesterday. Drank a lot today. I feel much better!
GREAT JOB Nichole! Way to BRING IT and push!!!0 -
Okay...yesterday's water was much better, I got in 96oz's. I've decided to do the daily challenges on my days off. I go to the gym 6 days a week and I have more time on my days off to do more exercises. Today I see my doctor and get my lab results back. I'm hoping she'll take me off most if not all of my meds or at least decrease the dosage.
Today is my day off so I plan on completing the daily challenges and I have to go clothes shopping. Have a great weekend everyone and I'll check in later.0 -
Just got done working out. I ran another 3/4 mile and walked 1 3/4 for the 3rd time this week. I am so happy that I was able to do that. I told one of my closest army friends about this challenge and I think I talked her into meeting me for the 5k in december. I hope she can make it we have not run together since we were in Iraq.
I did not do today's challenge as I found out that I have a pt test on sunday. If I did today's core workout I know I would be to sore to do my sit-ups and that would mean a failed pt test which I can not afford to do. BUT I am keeping today's workout in mind to do with my monday workout. I am up to 48 oz of water so far this morning. Should have no trouble finishing the 100 oz today.
I am going try try my best to check in throughout the weekend but if I can't I will be back on monday. Have a GREAT weekend!0 -
Hey fellow Spartans!! Thanks for posting the challenges, Kate. I tried out the ab challenges, and the side jackknife crunch was intense! Felt it burning all the way through my obliques, sides and back. Did about 2 sets x 20 repetitions on each side.
The reverse ab crunch was hardcore too...10 reps in and I could feel my lower abs + leg muscles tightening.
How is everyone else doing? I'm trying to drink more water during the day to hit at least 10 glasses, but so far I haven't been successful yet. Any tips on how to get in more water?
Also didn't manage to go for runs/jogs as its been raining like crazy here...probably due to to monsoon season since I live in a tropical country with a humid climate. Oh well..0 -
Not a bad day Today, for me. Cycled 24 miles, did 15 mins on the Cross trainer and did spinning class. Didn't get chance to try the challenge Today but will have a look through them tomorrow, if I can move my legs!0
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Ok team I've just completed 2 rounds of insanity and 1 round of Billy Blanks Cardio and Sculpt. :explode: :explode: :explode: I'm down 32oz of 02 and will drink the other 32 within the next hour. :drinker: :drinker: I'm going to work in about an hours so it will be nice to do the stretch tonight.:huh: I am feeling it!!!!!:noway: :noway: :noway: TEAM LET'S DO THIS.
OMG, YOU ROCK!!!!! Definitely an inspiration!
Thanks so much it looks like everyone is motivated, this is a fantastic challenge.0 -
Side Jackknife Crunch 3x 20 on each side (Done)
Reverse Crunch 3x20 (Done)
Abdominal hold (could not do for any long than 1 second) lol
2 DVD's Bob Harper and Jillian's Michaels' Killer Buns and Thighs (Done )
64oz of water down
Calories under
Good night :yawn:0 -
I think I need to drop out of this. Sorry. I just can't find the time for it right now.0
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I think I need to drop out of this. Sorry. I just can't find the time for it right now.
We will miss you. Good luck in your journey.
BRENDA0 -
I think I need to drop out of this. Sorry. I just can't find the time for it right now.
Just forget the daily challenges - they are only optional - I've only managed one of them so far! Just stick with the weekly weigh ins and don't beat yourself up for not logging in every day!
Hope you stick with it.0 -
Anyone know what Saturday's mini challenge is yet? Almost lunch time here so only half a day left to build the challenge in.
I think what I am going to do is stay a day behind.......so today......I will do the abs challenge that I didn't manage to do yesterday!
Happy Saturday Spartans!0 -
I haven't done Yesterday's challenge yet, either... Will try to do the abs stuff later, if I get chance and feel up to it!
I hope you decide to stick with it Sarah
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Day 4 crunches done!!
Also plan on a bonus jog, C25K, W8D3. I completed week 8, but not quite sure if I can pull off 3 miles next week.0 -
Anyone know what Saturday's mini challenge is yet? Almost lunch time here so only half a day left to build the challenge in.
I think what I am going to do is stay a day behind.......so today......I will do the abs challenge that I didn't manage to do yesterday!
Happy Saturday Spartans!
Happy Saturday!! Not sure what the challenge for today is. I'll check in again later.0 -
100 crunches done. 40 Reverse and 60 regular
40 Calf raises
60 Push ups
Still can't get in 100 oz's of water but I'm still trying...
Enjoy the rest of your weekend Spartans....tomorrow is my Monday.0 -
hanging in there, still doing the 30DS everyday, I'm on day 10 Getting easier every day to get up in the morning! Trying to decide when to move up to level 2, not quite sure I'm ready yet.
Stuck at a bit of a plateau which was bumming me out, until I re did my measurements and realized I have lost an inch off my waist in a week! That is promising, even if the scale hasn't budged!
spending the day with my family at a science and engineering festival in Austin--I'll definitely get lots of walking in
have a great Sunday all! Go Spartans!0 -
Juls congrats on the measurement loss. I'll take a measurement loss over a loss on the scale. I wasn't losing much on the scale the first few weeks but noticed the difference in the way my clothes fit. Hang in there and enjoy your day at the festival!0
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hanging in there, still doing the 30DS everyday, I'm on day 10 Getting easier every day to get up in the morning! Trying to decide when to move up to level 2, not quite sure I'm ready yet.
Stuck at a bit of a plateau which was bumming me out, until I re did my measurements and realized I have lost an inch off my waist in a week! That is promising, even if the scale hasn't budged!
spending the day with my family at a science and engineering festival in Austin--I'll definitely get lots of walking in
have a great Sunday all! Go Spartans!
I actually found that Level 2 was easier (except for the V raises... still hate those) and have had others say the same. I'm moving to Level 3 today, gonna try to at least. Congrats on sticking with it and on your measurement loss!! 0 -
Hello this is what was posted for SATURDAYS CHALLENGE, for those of you who did not see it.
****SPARTANS!!! **** Your mobile leader is checking in Today's challenge: ARMS. They will be strong and gorgeous! Do 10, 20, 30 extra push ups (40-50 if lower impact) here is a video for some ideas. BRING IT TODAY!! (
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhiHbBWTuqo)
I'm going to do them today.0 -
Ycc...I thought I saw this somewhere but I couldn't find it. Which is why I did the push-ups. Good looking out.0
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Today's challenge completed. Was trying to talk myself out of going hiking but had to add that 60 minutes of cardio in and I did it! I felt so good after it because I'd never been able to hike that trail without stopping and I actually jogged some of it today. Looking forward to next week and the weigh-in on Tuesday!
Also finished week 2 of C25K and moving to week 3 so trying to keep up with my original goal as well to meet my weight goal.0 -
**** SPARTANS! ****
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==== DAY SEVEN CHALLENGE ====
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MENTAL. How did your first week go? Assess your nutrition and exercise. What did you do really well? What will you change this week?0 -
Good morning Spartans! I am back home and back to work. I did well on vacation, except last night when I broke down I had pizza (no bread, just the gooey cheese and pepperoni). I'm about to log the calories and super hydrate today to get ready for tomorrow's check in.
I couldn't get my Mac to connect to the free wifi all weekend, how frustrating! I've caught up on the challenges in my BLOG so if you missed any, go check there.
For myself, I am a few challenges behind. I need to do arms and core, so that is on the menu for me this week, to get those in! Also, I really liked the calf raises, I might add them to my week.
I did a stepper on Saturday at the hotel and the backs of my knees have been sore and killing me. I didn't work out Sunday morning, and plan to work out after work today. A lot of errands to run at lunch!
Sarah - Good luck and we'll see you in December maybe!
Everyone: I want to cheer on the successes but I must get to work! I will check in later
LET'S DO THIS!!!! WOO HOOO!!!0
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