8 minute abs

About 6 weeks ago I decided I needed to start working out, mostly because I've put on weight, but also because I should incorporate healthier habits into my daily routine. Since I can't afford to join a gym, and frankly I know I probably won't actually go to the gym, I decided to look into what I can do at home. I started by looking for an old favorite on youtube, 8 minute abs. My mom has a copy of this at home and I've done it before when I was in high school. I know that this is a really good ab workout because 1. it's only 8 minutes and 2. it doesn't require any special equipment or athletic skill. It took about a week for me to memorize the entire workout and about 4 weeks to start seeing some results. I found a copy of it on youtube that is muted, except for the beeps to change position, and it is followed up by a 2 minute pilates ab workout.

This week I came across another pilates ab workout video, and it's only 10 minutes long. Honestly, everyone can manage to fit in a 10 minute workout at some point in their day. If you can't, you're only making excuses for yourself.

I've also modified my eating habits. First, I cut out soda and sugary beverages. I've been sticking to mostly water and unsweatened fresh tea (coffee in the morning). Also, making sure that I eat some sort of protein in the morning...even if it's just a spoon of peanut butter. I have noticed a good boost in energy from this. Another change I've made is attempting to eat most meals at home. This has been an easy change for me because I live very close to work and my summer work hours get's me home by 2pm. Since my lunch is at 11:30 and I'm not yet hungry, I've been eating lunch when I get home. When the regular school year starts up in September, I'm going to make an extra effort to bring a lunch with me, rather than ordering out. This will *hopefully* allow me to save some ca$h since times are tough! I'm not a big fan of cutting certain foods out of my diet because I like food. I like to cook, and I like to eat. If I'm craving chocolate cake, I don't want some sugar-free substitute, but I am cutting down portion size.

In the past 2 weeks, people have commented that it looks like I've lost some weight. Positive reinforcement helps so much. Whenever I don't feel like working out, I try to remind myself that people are starting to notice and I can't give up now. I think it's working. I usually do some form of a workout in the morning and again in the evening. I believe that working out in combination of my improved eating habits will help me to shed these extra pounds. I've also decided not to weigh myself more than once a month. I don't want to be fixated on the numbers, and I also haven't set a goal weight. I know that my body weight fluctuates throughout the month, and if I'm weighing myself every week it may be easier to become discouraged. If clothes are fitting better and people are commenting, then I must be doing something right. The changes I'm making are not going to hurt me in anyway, they can only help. If you're looking to make changes in your life, it's easier to start small and be realistic. You're not going to lose 30lbs in a month. Be healthy and realistic.