Challenge Week One

Last week I announced my intention to start a series of '30 day' challenges alongside my regular (i.e. quite sporadic) workouts, in the hope that it would force me into doing more exercise, that I'd see an improvement and that I'd actually finish the challenges!

So, how's it going?!

 

 

Quite well, actually; thank you for asking! I did miss a day or two at the end of the week, but then realised that on a couple of the challenges I'd been allowed a rest day on the days I'd missed, and I made up the numbers by doing two workouts on one day.

I've noticed some changes already, especially in my arms; my biceps are much more defined, and I can feel that I'm getting stronger. I also had my first comment today, saying I looked more toned, so woop!

Inspirational Image of the Day

4th May would have been Audrey Hepburn's 85th Birthday - so here's my inspirational image of the day, in honour of St. Audrey of Hepburn!

How did she still manage to look so gorgeous doing yoga in a morph suit?!

Challenge Accepted!

I want to introduce a couple of challenges into my regular workout as I'm not seeing the results I would like.

 

 

So yes, alongside my regular workouts, I am going to try and do these challenges and see if the rewards are reaped. I made it my New Years Resolution to finish things I start, so here goes nothing!

Stretching For Splits 1.

While we can't all become contortionists (although if I had a genie in a bottle, it would be one of my wishes!) we can increase and improve our flexibility.

The holy grail of flexibility for many people is a perfect split, so here are some stretches I do, working towards this goal... Stretches should be held for at least 30 seconds to allow the muscle fibres to elongate. Don't overstretch! Hold the stretch at the limit of your comfort level for as long as you can. And don't forget to BREATH!

Lunge Sequence for Hip Flexors
Stand with the feet together and take a large step forward with your right foot. Bend your right knee and place your hands on the floor: (I have a very long body as opposed to my legs so I actually can't place my hands either side of my knee and have to place bot hands on the inside of my legs!) Make sure your knee doesn't come over your toe; push your left leg further back if you need to.

Increase this stretch by bending your left knee to the floor.

Increase further by bending the right leg to the floor: imagine that you're almost trying to sit on your right foot.

Next, bend the left knee and take hold of your left foot with your right hand.

Then wash, rinse and repeat on the other leg!

xx

Warm-Up and Stretches for Aerial Hoop

I came across this really useful video for Aerial Hoop warm-up: although it's just as good for other forms of exercise too!

Courtesy of Fly Fit Channel on YouTube and www.flyandfit.com
xx

Inspirational Image of the Day

Luna Rosa is a Burlesque Dancer and Bikini Fitness competitor. She is one of the most beautiful women I've ever met and she is gorgeous inside and out.

Her company The Body Odyssey is on Facebook
xx