Core Value

On top of the swimming, biking and running each week, my training group (T3) encourages us to do two core workouts, which consist of at least 30 minutes of exercises to build up the core muscles: sit-ups, plank, and lots of work on those big exercise balls.  Natasha is our kick ass core instructor, and I've been sore for at least 3 days after each of her classes I've attended.  But with the holidays upon us, T3 reduced its workout schedule, so I'm left to do core on my own.  I have completely drunk the kool-aid with regard to the importance of core to stay injury free, so I wrote up a workout for Monday night.  Jody agreed to join me for it.  Having a bad back that he's constantly trying to manage, he is an expert at core exercises. 

We trudged into the office/workout room, turned on my bad-pop-music-that's-good-to-workout-to playlist, and spent 45 minutes holding each other accountable on the exercises that become increasingly painful as the minutes pass.  If I had been doing the workout by myself, the last half surely would have been wasted with lots more rest than exercise.  Instead, anytime I stopped, I'd hear "You're not done yet," "No rest for the weary," "Get your butt down!"  That was intermingled with "Oh, the hurting," "Please tell me we're not listening to Lady Gaga," and "Do you have any clothes that you need to wash out on my ripped abdominal muscles?"  What could have been a real drag of a workout turned into a fun and funny 45 minutes thanks to my husband.  His encouragement, support and humor in this endeavor are phenomenal and things I truly value.  And an added bonus - two days later, and I'm still sore.  Jody may give Natasha a run for her money.