Isn’t this what everyone wants?? I know I do. 🙂
As some of you know, my project at the end of 2014 was filming a postnatal workout program. The focus of these workouts is to help moms regain their core strength and lose the baby weight, but these goals are not so specific to new moms. Most people I know have these same goals: tight abs and weight loss. Yes, my new workout DVD, to be released in February, is designed for new moms, but I’ve taken some of the methodology from my postnatal training program and am sharing with you what I’m calling my 30 Day #SayNoToCrunches Challenge.
As someone with a healing diastasis recti (the separation of the abdominals, specifically the rectus), saying no to crunches has been key in my recovery. Sometimes I honestly think that no one should be doing crunches . . . hence this challenge was created. In my opinion, crunches don’t really do a ton for you, especially for weight loss and creating true core strength. Crunches don’t give you what the exercises in this challenge will – a strong core from the inside out. Plus, the addition of the cardio will help you burn the fat away.
The other part of this challenge is ACTUALLY doing exercises for 30 DAYS! I don’t know about you, but I usually don’t focus on a certain area, in my workouts, for 30 days in a row. And to be honest, there are a lot of days, that I don’t even get a workout in, so I’m excited that this challenge will make me do something on the days that I can’t fit a workout in and do even more on the days that I actually do. So . . . yes, that means you can take the challenge and just do that much for the day, or you can add it on to your workout of choice. I can tell you from having done my Burpee Challenge, that it works in your favor to do the challenge first (if you’re doing any additional workouts) and as early on in the day as possible, so you don’t forget.
I hope that you’ll join me. I’ll be sharing a calendar ASAP, as well as new exercises each week, so you know exactly what to do and when to do it. I know I’ll be putting a big successful X through each day that I complete. I’m starting mine on January 2 and going to January 31, but you really can start whenever works for you. I just think it’ll be more fun if we do it together! Plus, it’ll be a great way to kick off the new year, especially if you have any serious fitness goals.
The sheets I provide you will have the basics, but I encourage you to check back in on the blog for more detailed outlines of the exercises and tips for perfecting them. I’ll also video them on Instagram, so let’s make sure we are following each other. I’m @sarahaleyfit. If you hashtag your workouts, use #SayNoToCrunches, so I can find you! Plus, this way you can enter into some fabulous give-aways I’ll be doing throughout the 30 Days. Yay!
Comment below if you think you’d like to join me and leave your instagram name, if you have one. I’ll have the workouts available ASAP, so stay tuned!
Can’t wait to start!!
Yes! Stay tuned . . . the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this!
Me please
@louisevfleming
Louise, So glad you are on board. The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow!
I would love to be part of the challenge.
I’d love for you to be too! Stay tuned . . . the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this!
I’d love to. 4 weeks post baby and ready
To get in shape again. Instagram is @nmasay
Hi Marie. Congrats on the new addition! I’d love for you to be part of the challenge, but have you had your doctor’s approval yet to start working out again? This challenge is definitely more intense than I would recommend for immediate postnatal. My new DVD, however, will be perfect for you, which is coming out in early February.
I am interested!!! @mrsmillersmiles
Yes! Stay tuned . . . the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this!
Me! 🙂
Yay! Can’t wait! Stay tuned . . . the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this!
@korozco21
Can’t wait!!
Whoohoo! Stay tuned . . . the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow!
Yup! @erinjean25
Sweet. Stay tuned . . . the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this!
I’m definitely interested!
Yes! Stay tuned . . . the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this!
I’m interested! @tranderegg
So glad you are interested. The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! Stay tuned . . .
#marionyoga
I’m game!
Marion, I’m so happy you are going to do the challenge. The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! Let me know if you have any questions.
I’m in! @danaschrenk
Awesome! The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! Hope you love it! Keep me updated on your thoughts and progress!
Just had my first baby about 7 weeks ago and I can’t wait to get back to working out!
@OlenaNutrition
Congrats Olena! What did you have? Just so you know, this challenge isn’t designed specifically for postnatal (but my DVD coming out in February is), so just be conservative and listen to your body. Also, let me know if you have any questions. I’m here to help! The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow!
Love it! I’m in! @erinstrongmom
Love that you love it, Erin! Can’t wait to hear what you think. Yes! The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this!
I’m interested! Instagram @meganlperdue
Awesome, Megan. Stay tuned because the first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! So glad you are doing this! Happy New Year!
I am ready to dive in – Joshua was born 8 weeks ago and it is time to start working!
Congrats Bridgit! Little boys are the best! 🙂 Like I’ve mentioned to some of the other new moms on here, please be conservative and use the modifications. My postnatal workout program will be available in February, which you’ll really love. You’ll like this challenge too, but it’s not specifically postnatal, so just listen to your body, and let me know if you have any questions.
Masondancer1 🙂
Great Sarah! So glad you are on board! The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow.
Very excited for this. 9weeks post partum for me @reneegroenland is my Instagram
Congrats, Renee! You’re going to love it but please be conservative since you’re still 9 weeks post! I’m offering modifications, so you may want to stick with those, especially the cardio ones. The first week of workouts will be available on the blog tomorrow! Let me know if you have any questions. I’m here for you.
I’m in! And stoked. Do people still say stoked?
Instagram flywithcoop
LOL – Yes, people stay stoked in Southern California! Can’t wait to hear what you think.
I can’t wait!
Yay! Cousin teamwork. I love it. I’m starting tomorrow but here’s the first week: http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
I am in!
Awesome! You’re going to love it! Here’s the first week of workouts: http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
@syeags18
Happy New Year Sara!
Happy New Year Suzy! So glad you’re joining me. Miss your face!
Yayyyy!!! Let’s do this!!!
Let’s do it! The first workout is up but I’m not officially starting til tomorrow http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
Wow!!! Exactly what I was looking for!!! Count me in!!! 😀 😀 😀
Super! Can’t wait to hear how you like it, Karine. First week’s workout is up! http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
Set!
Go! 🙂 Glad you’re on board! I”m starting it tomorrow but here is the first week of workouts: http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
@susanluss is my Instagram
I’m officially in!
Whoohoo! Here’ s the first workouts: http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
I’m game! Been working hard to get back into shape after having twins. Still have a diastasis that needs some help.
Hey Christi! How old are the twins now? Do you know how big your diastasis is? My postnatal DVD will be perfect for you as both me and one of my backup moms have had one as well. It’ll be out in February. You may want to do some of the modifications for this challenge. I wouldn’t want you to make your diastasis any worse. Let me know please so I can help you make the best decisions.
I’m in. Let’s do this!
Yes, Tyler! So glad you are in. First workouts here: http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
I am gonna try, Instagram is leckert78
Girl, you are going to do it! So glad you’re on board. http://sarahaley.com/general/30-day-saynotocrunches-challenge-week-1/
I’m totally in! I’m almost 6 months postpartum from a big baby and have been dealing with diastasis recti so I’m glad for this and your postnatal exercise offerings! Instagram is ebs_yoga
Congrats on your new baby! I know – diastasis can be so frustrating. Do you know how big your gap is? You’ll def want to check out the new DVD when it’s out, as it’s very appropriate for diastasis. Just be conservative with the challenge so you don’t frustrate your diastasis, and definitely let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks, Sara!