John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Monday, February 22, 2010

Flab to FAB abs?

I had the opportunity to update my "current weight" picture yesterday. To the right of this is the picture that my darling hubby took before church yesterday. I tried to post a picture of my daughter and I, and my husband and I , but my camera stinks - lots of wear and tear. (So, I bought a new camera today on Amazon.com. Got a great deal (steal) and it came with a free memory card. I cannot wait for it to get here. Also, since it only weighs like 4.7 oz, I will be able to carry it on my runs.)

I have already received some criticism that the picture is too far away; but trust me, there is a huge difference from weighing 197.5 to 148.8. I will have to add a disclaimer here though (here because maybe people won't read the whole blog entry as opposed to looking at the pics): I may have weighed more or less than 148.8 yesterday. As I reported, I gave up my scale for Lent - I have no idea what I really weigh now. I would assume it is less (or the same) as I had a nice "long" on Saturday but I won't really know until April. That's my story and I am sticking to it.

I got in a  3.75 run this morning with the Baby and the stroller. I did not bother to record my time as it isn't important when pushing a stroller, right? I cooled down for a mile walk with my friend. It was 37' but it felt colder because it is cloudy (with a chance of meatballs) and Mr. Sun decided to hide from me. During my run, my right arch started to hurt. I guess I will have to put the superfeet in my new shoes. I was testing them to see. Saturday's run felt fine, but it definitely hurt this morning.

On this afternoon's P90X schedule is: Kenpo X - my favorite. I have to admit that I am looking forward to Week #4 starting on Wednesday, although Yoga X is in the rotation twice that week - UGH! But there are two rest days ( or X Stretch which is what I will probably do). I mentioned that I am doing P90X Doubles and the Doubles part starts on Week #5. Doubles means that I do a morning workout and an evening workout. My hubby will only be doing the Classic version which does not include the Cardio X in the mornings. Not sure how much running I will be able to get in there during the 3 weeks of Doubles, but only time will tell.

I have another confession: Since getting fit, I have been buying, reading and re-reading fitness magazines. The magazines are filled with beautiful women with perfect abs. I want to know: Can you really go from semi-flabby abs (current state) to abs that rock? I would just like to rock a bikini one time at the pool. Not really a bikini gal, but just once.

Can your abs go from flab to Fab?

22 comments:

Kirsten said...

Yay! I get to be the first comment today unless someone else finishes posting before me...

First of all: Remember probably most if not all of those women are air brushed.

Second: Yes, you can get definition in your abs. But you can work them 24/7 and have the most defined abs ever that are covered by a layer of skin/tissue/fat--to use a negative word. :( But the more pounds come off, the more those abs will be able to be visible.

You can do it, bikini season is months away! :)

karen@fitnessjourney said...

I have two children, am over 40 and had a c-section and my abs are getting in pretty good shape. Since I started with my trainer he has taught me the value of core training and that works the entire mid-section of the body.

Like the previous commenter mentioned, airbrushing and evening the application of airbrushed tanning is used to get that chiseled look on the models.

(BTW, your little puggy is so cute. We have a fawn pug. I may be partial, but I think pugs are about the cutest dogs ever!)

Unknown said...

Well, I'm not the person to ask about the abs, having always had flabby ones, lol! But you are looking gooood, girl!

Marlene said...

I'd say fitness mags are a great treat for yourself! Awesome after shot - you look so lean & trim!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Okay reading the other comments, it's all be said.

Those magazine abs are (for most people, Shut up and Run excluded - do you follow her yet! Crazy lean!!) Anyway, for most moms of multiple children who are not in our 20s anymore, I just don't think those abs are even in the neighborhood BUT I do think that core/ab work is very important to overall fitness. So work that core, eat a lean diet and who knows maybe you will rock some serious REAL not air brushed abs!

Amanda said...

Wow...so much progress. no scale and no watch! i'm impressed. i gave up the scale a couple years ago after watching it determine my mood, good and bad, for too long. i don't even miss it now.
bear in mind that those beautiful women are paid to look that way.

Teamarcia said...

I bow to you your royal hotness! Gorgeous pic! My abs are probably the best they've ever been right now. But they're still not crazy lean and ripped because I'm not strict enough on what I throw down the piehole.

Allie said...

Lookin' good, hot mama!!
I know my abs will never be fab (without the assistance of a doctor) because having 2 kids left all kinds of extra skin (gross, I know) but I really hope it works for you. :)

Pam @ herbieontherun.com said...

You look fabulous!!!!!

gba_gf said...

Thanks for asking, I am feeling better. I felt a little "ew" on my "long" on Sunday, but no telling if that's b/c I am out of shape or what. Wow. You look awesome.

So, to answer your ab question, who knows if you can get rock hard 6 pack w/o surgery. I know that right before I broke my foot in 2008 I had a 2 pack. I had weighed as much as 155, and at 138 I had a 2 pack and was darned proud of it. Last summer I didn't ever see the 2 pack so I don't know if it existed or not. It's a mythical creature, tough to find, even tougher to photograph...

This year, I would like to find an even more illusive 4 pack "abs". I'm hoping that P90X and training for the TRI (THAT YOU'RE COMING DOWN FOR???) is going to get that done for me.

April said...

You look great!!
Of course you can rock some great abs by bikini season!! Especially with your determination!
BTW, I tagged you in my blog today! I gave you a blogger Sunshine Award! I know you already have one, but you deserve another!

Unknown said...

I have had 4 children and am almost 33. I have some definition in my abs and I know they are there but there is some loose skin on my lower belly that will always be there. I can see my upper abs and my obliques. I think it just depends on how lean one is. I carry my weight more on my midsection in particular. Sounds like you are on the right track though! Good luck girl!

ShirleyPerly said...

Not to sound negative but I've heard that most magazines these days touch up their photos to make people look slimmer, more toned, more tanned, more muscular, etc. But that is not to say that you can't have great looking abs. Just don't believe magazine photos are showing people as they really are.

PS - The new photo of you looks GREAT!

Julie @ ROJ Running said...

wow looking great! I would LOVE to be able to rock a bikini too

Julie said...

Hi Jen,
I would love to look like a hot mama in a bikini too!! There is no such thing as perfection...it is called airbrushing:) Do you feel better? I do:)

Also, thanks so much for your kind words and suggestions...I really do appreciate it:) I hope that you have a wonderful week!!

ajh said...

Excellent new picture. You must be very proud.

Mrs. Mom said...

You are such an inspiration! Losing all that weight and doing P90X! I've tried P90X and KenpoX was my favorite, that is if one can have a favorite form of good butt-kicking! :) Keep it up! I also love health magazines. My faves are Women's Health and Runners World, I turn to the weight loss stories first thing to get reinspired!

God's daughter said...

It was raining meatballs here. Hehe. You're doing great keep it up. I agree no reason to count your time with a baby stroller. I actually would think you would burn more calories pushing one, but have less time. And calories is much more important than time.

H Love said...

You look great! I think giving uo the scale is a great idea. Maybe giving up those magazines as well? Hee Hee! Glad you were able to get your run in. I can not wait to get a run in....hopefully I will have some time in the morning.

Also quick question...is Lola a Garmin 305 or 405?

Michelle said...

Awesome picture!! Way to rock it!

I love Fitness Mag, but that is the only one. My mom sent me Self, Allure, and Health for Christmas presents and they just make me feel crappy about myself. I call those the "Come in from running 9 miles, check the mail, and then make yourself feel like crap reads." And, yes, the abs can go to fab, but I am finding that it is a very slow process for me. Good luck!

Paige (The Last Doughnut) said...

I love the new picture! It is great!!! You can get toned abs. According to everything that I have read, abs are made in the kitchen...lean proteins and a lot of fruit and vegetables. I am working on my abs too! Springtime is AB time!

Ewa said...

Talk about huge change. You look fabulous!

As for abs, I know I have great abs. Too bad they are hiding under a layer of fat. Oh, well, maybe one of these days they will decide to show themselves.