Stressing about school? Go for a run!

In the summer I had all the time in the world to workout for extensive periods of time and stick to the three days a week workout plan. However, now that school has began and homework keeps piling up this plan has become unrealistic. So to keep up with my health and fitness I have decided to eat healthier. This is by making my own food instead of going out and eating processed food that I always end up regretting. In terms of fitness I have been going out for 10 minute runs around my community park. I do this for once or twice every week. By doing these runs it has really benefited me with stress related headaches. My doctor told me that running for at least 10 minutes will help allow oxygen to reach my brain to circulate the blood flow which will reduce the tension building on my head. This has allowed me to better concentrate on my school work and reducing my headache without having to take any type of medication.

Whats next....

I want to be able to work out all parts of my body. This includes abdomen, legs and arms. So, 3 days out of the week I will do that. On Each day I will focus on a different part. 

Workouts:

Abdomen 

(Do as many as possible in a 30 second time span)

• Side crunch 
• 90 degree crunch 
• V touches 
• V ups
• Scissors 
• Full body crunch 
• Turtle 
• Bicycle 
• Leg rises 

Legs 

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20695946,00.html

plus going for runs and walks

Arms

• Alternating dumbbell press  
• Alternating dumbbell curl 
• Seated dumbbell extensions 
• Overhead triceps extension 

End of 30 day ab challenge

After finishing the ab challenge I have noticed a change in my overall mood. In some sense working out makes me feel more productive throughout the day, especially when I am having a lazy day. What I like about doing challenges such as the ab challenge is that it is very structured in that I know how long it will take me to finish the workout and the exercises work out all the right places. Another thing I enjoyed about doing the ab challenge is the level of difficulty, which was reasonable. Also, with a end date it seems more realistic then doing the same workout over and over. The Ab challenge mixes it up a bit. 

Day 13 out of 30 for the Ab Challenge

Even though it has been only 13 days I have noticed muscle beginning to build up. Each day it seems to get a bit easier to reach the days goal. I feel my level of energy has improved giving me a balance of fitness throughout the day. I think the ab challenge is a great way to get in a workout in ones busy schedule. It truly takes 10-20 minutes to complete the days goal and I do the exercises when I need a break from doing homework. To me being fit makes me feel great about myself, which can be difficult to keep up during stressful times. However, these workout allows me to break a sweat while releasing the tense feeling of stress. The ab challenge is definitely something I will do when I am busy and cannot get in a full workout. 

30 Day Ab Challenge - Started

The 30 day ab challenge is a series of four exercise preformed each day. As the days progress the difficulty of these exercises increase.

Image of 30 day ab challenge schedule

First day

Right know the exercises are not too bad. I am able to do the exercise with more ease than difficulty. However, it is hard to tell if the feeling will continue because this is the first time I have ever done the ab challenge. My goal is to finish this challenge by reaching day 30. Also alongside the ab challenge I have been doing leg exercise to make sure that I am constantly working out other parts of my body too. It is important to focus on all parts of your body. It does not have to be all in one day but regularly switching is essential in order to be fit.   

Squat Challenge

What is the squat challenge?
It is a 30 day challenge, where the amount of squats increases each day.  This challenge focuses on the lower region of the body, which will tone your legs and buttocks.

http://commonsensehealth.com/wpcontent/uploads/2013/08/squat.jpg

Before starting the challenge I had doubts about reaching day 9 because I have tried this challenge many times but usually stop after the second rest day. In completing the challenge I have noticed that my legs have become more toned in my upper thigh area (hamstrings, quadriceps and gluteus maximus). Also, the strength of my legs has improved. I notice this when I am doing everyday activities, such as, walking. I feel that I have the strength to run for a greater distance, but my stamina being as it is not great restricts me from running long distances. Overall, I feel that by doing a simple squat it benefited me mentally too. This is because I felt more proactive and energized while being in a good mood.