This April's I wanted to introduce you to the idea of an Abdominal Challenge, a 30 day plan to develop core strength and shrink your waistline. The "challenge" is, you will need to do more that sit-ups every day! If you really want to see results here are three tips for success. Be mindful of doing too much all at one and give yourself grace if can't be 100 % every day. See the challenge as an investment into your most important asset, your body!
Incorporate HIIT Cardio into your routine 3 to 4 times a week.
A strong core is essential for overall fitness. To enhance your midsection, consider adding cardio intervals to your workout regimen. Despite not everyone enjoying cardio, the effectiveness of HIIT cardio has been acknowledged by many athletes. Here's a simple routine to try:
Set a 20-minute timer.
Walk or jog at a moderate pace for 2 minutes, then increase intensity for 1 minute to raise your heart rate to 140 to 160 BPM.
Not a fan of running? Opt for a stationary bike or climbing stairs.
If 20 minutes seems too long, start with 10 minutes. This routine will enhance strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health.
2. Reduce or eliminate sugar and starchy carbohydrate:
Abs are made in the kitchen, which means changing out simple carbs, for complex carbs with shrink your waistline fast! Sugar creates inflammation in the body, so bloating and carrying extra water weight will be reduced when you take sugar out of your diet. Start small, too much too soon may leave you with a sugar hangover and that can set you back. Try adding more protein first, then start reducing sugar.
This has massive benefits not only for your tummy but you will notice improved joint mobility and better sleep. Sugar is more addictive than cocaine they say, so be gentle with your self. Small sacrifice, huge rewards!
3. Stay Hydrated, Drink more water:
Everyone talks about the benefits of water, but here's a tip to try out. Start your day with a large glass of water (500ml) before coffee or tea, adding a pinch of sea salt. I've been doing this for over a year, and it has made a significant difference! By consuming electrolytes first thing, you can stay hydrated. Celtic sea salt, containing potassium, calcium, and magnesium, helps keep your muscles hydrated. If you frequently experience leg cramps, you might be lacking these essential micronutrients! How much water you need depends on how your weight. Here's an easy calculation to remember. Take your body weight in kilograms, divided by 1o and that will give you the number of cups water to drink each day. (70 kg / 10 = 7 cups). The standard 8 cups of water a day isn't enough for some people. But if you use that as your base line drink more if you are more active.
Join us for the ABS-olutely April Abdominal Challenge!