Russian Twist and The Plank

I changed up my workout routine last night. I decided to do my Return to Run plan first instead of last. Last night was also the last workout for Week 1 of the plan.

My gym is going through construction right now which means it’s a disaster zone everywhere. It also means they apparently aren’t fixing broken machines or the broken TVs. I decided that I would check out a video on my Netflix iPhone app.

Even just watching the first 20 minutes of it, I got choked up with emotions. I’m looking forward to watching the rest of it this weekend.

I set the pace for the walk portion a little faster than last time.

It took me less time to complete one mile.

After the treadmill, I worked out with weights for about 40 minutes. Then I went to focus on my core.

The Russian Twist

I’ve mentioned this move before and I want to describe it in more depth. It’s a really easy exercise and it will get your blood pumping. It’s also an exercise you can do at home. I bought a Medicine Ball at Walmart for less than $20. I used the one at the gym.

How it works is that you sit in a sit-up position with knees bent a bit. Then hold the medicine ball (or weight) straight out in front of you and twist your abdomen.

I attribute the loss of my love handles to doing this exercise. It really works!

Now, onto the dreaded Plank.

The Plank

First off, the Plank is HARD. You’re entire body will shake when doing it. The plank is excellent for your core and it’s simple. Get in the push up position but don’t do push ups.

Just hold it as long as you can. Don’t sag in the middle, that will hurt your back, but don’t stick your butt high in the air either. Tilt your pelvis inward and hold in your belly. Hold it for 10 seconds, then 20 seconds and so on.

Check out this link to Men’s Fitness for some alternates to the Plank. Or watch the video to see it in action.

Last night at the gym I was able to hold the plank for about 20 seconds at a time. And my body was shaking the whole time. After the core work, I spent some extra time doing my strengthening exercises from the doc.

Gym Stats:

Time: 1:09

Calories Burned: 520

Workouts: Treadmill, weights, Core, Strengthening

QUESTION: What exercises do you do for your core? Are you going to try the Russian Twist or Plank?

Michael made Annie’s Organic Mac n’ Cheese (jazzed up with white cheddar cheese and hot dogs). 🙂

He used Nathan’s Kosher hot dogs.

I made myself a salad too.

I’ve been craving creamy salad dressings lately instead of oil based dressings. Luckily I had some light Thousand Island dressing.

We got caught up on Mad Men too. I really liked the last episode where Don put that anti-smoking ad in the paper. It was pretty brilliant.

I realized this morning that Fall is officially here. I’m wearing gloves every morning to work, and check out this fog:

QUESTION: Has autumn arrived in your neck of the woods?