Tilt, Tuck, and Tigthen

Okay, so Insanity has been over for a little over a week now and I'm still trying not to go into withdrawal. My sister and I are still doing Shaun T's Hip Hop Abs, which is a lot of fun... but let's face it... it's not nearly the same. I miss the muscle shredding intensity and exhaustion. I'm still trying to decide on what to do that will work my upperbody, not just my legs and abs (though HHA certainly does work your abs).  Maybe I'll just randomly start doing plank punches and pushup jacks in the office when I need a break. ;-)

Just in case you haven't looked at any information on Hip Hop Abs, here's the general jist: through a variety of hip hop moves and specific positioning, you get a standing ab workout. There are no crunches, sit-ups, or (thus far) teaser style positions. In one of the workouts, you do have some on the floor work, but it is all crafted around a C-sit position. Basically, you sit up straight on the floor with your feet flat on the floor and knees bent, from there, you place your hands under your knees and lean back until your arms are straight and your knees, hips, and back create a C-shaped form. While in this position you do a variety of twists, hip lifts, and leg lifts. It's hard. Your lower abs will be on fire. And you really do have to concentrate on breathing.

The majority of the workout, however, is standing dance moves that target your abs by using Shaun's "tilt, tuck, and tighten" method. As you do the moves, you slightly pull your shoulders over, tuck your butt under, and exhale with every move so that all six of your ab muscles contract. With every step, you do a standing ab contraction (almost like a crunch). It's easy to also go at your own pace and take a break while still moving if you need. Simply stop TTT-ing, but keep your feet moving.

It really is a good workout and definitely gets you sweating, even if just only 30 minutes. HHA combined with kickboxing class twice a week and now Zumba class again twice a week... I'm turning into a fitness junkie. Alright... let's just be out with it... never thought I'd say this but...  I LOVE WORKING OUT! The radical increase in energy, stamina, and just overall mood is incredible.

I saw this picture on Pinterest and it made me laugh... cuz this is truly something I promised myself this year: 

As I'm going through this journey, though, I'm realizing that health is about SO much more than just your weight. Because we've been fearfully and wonderfully made, everything within us is connected to something else. Our physical health is connected to our mental health which is connected to our emotional health which is connected to our relationships which is connected to which is connected to which is connected to. I'm quickly discovering that it's not just about being a size 2, 4, 8 or whatever your ideal dress/pants size is. It's not just about having the scale read that glorious number you want it to read. It's not about going on a diet for a season or working out like crazy just until you reach your goals.

I tried that. It didn't work.

It's about an all and out lifestyle change. It's about eating healthily not because you need to lose weight, but because fresh and natural food is what's best for your overall health. It's about exercising, not because you want to get rid of the extra flab around your waist, at your hips, or under your arms (maybe all three?), but because you know you need to have strong muscles, a strong heart, and strong lungs in order to do more than just exist or function; but in order to thrive.

Three months ago I started a lifestyle change. Since then, Life has been pretty good and I'm never going back.