Lifting Move of the Week: Decline Sit Ups

Up early and headed out to the gym to get a little more of a workout in. I ended up having a little binge on peanuts and chocolate chips last night and I felt like sweating it out today.

I started off with a 1.5 mile jog on the treadmill, then hit the iron.

Exercise Set/rep/weight Muscle worked
Barbell Stiff-legged deadlift 3 set of 10 at 85# Lower body
Decline Sit ups 3 sets of 10 Core
Front Raise 3 sets of 10 with 10# DBs (20# total) Shoulders
Cable Squat-to-Row 3 sets of 12 at 60# Full body
Barbell Chest Press 3 sets of 10 at 55# Chest
Seated Calf Raise 3 sets of 10 at 140# Calves
Triceps Pull down 3 sets of 15 at 30# Triceps
Low Back Extension 3 sets of 10 at 100# Low back

Then I hopped back on the treadmill and jogged for another 1.5 miles. I normally don’t run and lift so close together, but it wasn’t so bad today. John was walking to the gym during this time and was just about there when I left. We headed out for bagel day! Don’t you love this sign by the coffee?

Now *that* is some indulgence! (come on Thanksgiving, I want nog!).

I got a poppyseed bagel today. I was hangry! My protein drink didn’t last all the way through the last run.

Today’s Lifting Move of the Week. The decline sit up! It’s a serious core challenge today. All you need is a bench that you can do set up for a decline and hook your feet, although I suppose you could hang off of pretty much anything to do this LOL! I have seen people do these in the air, but post herniated disk – I am not about to mess with that. You want to keep your abs in and don’t clasp your hands behind your head or you will pull up on your neck. Keep them by your ears.  Or you could cross them in front of your chest.  ** Note before viewing the video, if the mute box isn’t checked, you will hear Eye of the Tiger LOL **

I have read that you should not let your back touch all the way to the bench, but cannot find out why.  Any ideas?  I thought maybe it was to keep the tension in the abs, but I don’t know.

Nice move, eh? You can vary the incline for more challenge.

Lunch time today included a new-to-me product.  Normally I buy Cedar’s hummus, but I had a coupon for this:

It’s quite good and they make it look real purty, too.

I mixed some with tuna:

I have to admit that I have been in a bit of a funk for the last few days.  When the AOL article came out, I was shocked at some of the absolutely mean-spirited comments that came my way, via email and that site like I needed a boob job, I was still fat, and that my skin was like a sharpei after losing 100 pounds.  Some real mature people there.  Thank goodness the really mean ones were taken down, but they still hurt, you know?  And then with weenus’ comment about my lower half the other day, it sort of just piled on.   I’ll get over it, but John was saying how I was finally getting to feel good about my body image and then to have all that happen.

Anyhoo – enough of that stuff!  John won the football picks for the first time in weeks.  He wanted to go back to Denny’s!  I was thinking the custom omelet again, but they didn’t have that choice on the menu anymore.  However, never be afraid to ask for what you want.  I got an egg white omelet with cheese, wheat toast and asked to swap out fresh fruit for hash browns.

My fruit was all prettied up:

My omelet actually came out as a regular one, and I almost ate it (cause I do love whole eggs).   However, that is not what I ordered, and I ordered that for a reason.  The server brought the correct one right out and I was happy 😀  We were saying how this particular Denny’s has really great service, unlike pretty much every other one we have been to.  Nice change, and I gave our server a good tip.

Pixie was also happy because we brought home food and a new catnip toy for her.  I  spoiled Chloe for 18 years, and Pixie is following in that trend!

I hope to catch up on some blogs tonight.  I haven’t even opened up my reader 😯   Where does the day go, anyway?

43 thoughts on “Lifting Move of the Week: Decline Sit Ups

  1. Malinee

    The meanies have nothing on you..You are such an inspiration Lori… not just to those around you.. but even all the way across the planet 🙂

  2. Pubsgal

    I’m normally a peaceable person…

    But DARNED if reading about the nastiness that came your way didn’t make me want to SMACK those “people” (using the term loosely) upside the head! And they obviously haven’t seen any of your “Lifting Move of the Week” videos, because you could seriously kick their respective rear ends clear into next month. OH, it just BURNS MY BACON that YOU (of ALL people! you’re so darn nice!) were targeted for trash talk. GRRRRRRRRR!!!

    [wiping eyes…wishing I had a kickboxing class or something to work out my little rage-fest…taking deep breath…focusing on cute picture of Pixie…]

    I’m in awe of those sit-ups. I can’t even do that on a level surface, never mind a declining one!

    And nicely done with the foodstuff today – that bagel looked totally worthy! – way to hang tough on the ‘nog, too! Eggnog is not something I like, but the pumpkin lattes have been sounding kind of tempting. Maybe I’ll have to try making a homemade one this weekend!
    .-= Pubsgal´s last blog ..2010 Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Run =-.

    1. Lori Post author

      Thank you! It’s always nice to know people have your back.

      I’ll take your share of the eggnog lattes, then, if you don’t care for it 😉

  3. Cilla

    You are absolutely an inspiration. Thumbs down to mean people.

    Love love hummus (I had pumpkin and sweet potato hummus today), but not eggnog. I think my Grandma’s alcohol-laced version put me off for life.
    .-= Cilla´s last blog ..Holiday Nostalgia =-.

  4. Joanne

    I haven’t done decline sit ups in AGES! I forgot that one. That’s the draw back about having a gym at home – you don’t see anyone else working out so you tend to forget some of the key moves.

    I’m a Cedar’s hummus fan as well: Red Pepper Hummus. This past weekend I bought Joseph’s. Haven’t tried it yet but it better be just as good – I’m pretty picky about my hummus.

    Don’t get in a funk. There will always be people out there who want to take you down when you’ve accomplished so much. Because they can’t do it, they don’t want anyone else to succeed or be recognized for positive changes/accomplishments. You’re happy with who you are right now Lori and that is the number one most important criteria of success.

    One more thing – make sure you keep spoiling Pixie. She’s too cute not to. 🙂 Big hugs sent your way.
    .-= Joanne´s last blog ..Strength Training and Yoga Plus Pumpkin Fruit Low Fat Muffins =-.

  5. Desert Agave

    Hmmm. I wonder if I could do a decline sit up? I just in the past couple of weeks managed to do some regular sit ups. My abs weren’t strong enough before.

    I hate that you got those mean comments. People can be such jerks. You look fit, healthy, and trim — don’t let any stupid and/or mean people convince you otherwise.
    .-= Desert Agave´s last blog ..Weigh In and Workouts =-.

  6. Kim

    Ignore the mean ones – you look awesome and give the blog world an awesome gift by sharing your journey. Kim

  7. South Beach Steve

    You know what Lori? People usually only make comments like that when they are jealous or feeling bad about themselves. I think you look great, and I think you are doing awesome!

    BTW, I love the decline sit ups. I need to try to find a bench to try that on. Great job!

  8. Julia

    Hello Lori-

    I’m very new to your blog, I just started reading it late last night. That’s Fit mentioned your amazing journey on their successful stories website and I’ve become hooked to your blog! Those who have written negative comments do not fully understand your weight loss experience. They can be mean spirited and cruel because they can. There is no point listening to such comments- they are a waste of energy!

    Your story has inspired me so much. I may have only begun to read your blog, but I know that you are a fantastic inspiration. Your tale has made me interested in your blog as I want to improve my physical and mental health.

    Congrats to you for being so amazing Lori- you are a wonderful person inside and out!

  9. Alissa

    I am so impressed by your video. That is some serious strength! And forget those mean spirited people- as I was watching that video I was thinking about how thin you looked!!
    .-= Alissa´s last blog ..70 lb Goal!! =-.

  10. Brenda

    Lori,

    I just found you on the internet…you are amazing. I am struggling everyday with my weight emotionally and physically to the point I am avoiding people and friends because of my shame. I plan to continue to follow you. Don’t let the “insecure” jerks live “rent free” inside your head. I am sure if you could see what those jerks looked like in person…you’d be seriously surprised…so sad they feel they need to do that to feel better about themselves. I think you are fantastic and I plan on working on me so I can get healthy.

    1. Lori Post author

      Hi Brenda – you are right not to let people take up ‘rent-free’ space. Great though!

      The blogging community is really supportive, so any time you struggle, there is always a blog out there to read and get inspiration from. 😀

    1. Lori Post author

      “Enjoy your greatness” LOL! My husband is going to love that one cause I don’t need much encouragement there 😀

  11. Jan

    Those comments were really ticking me off as well. (I was getting them in my email because I posted on there) I kept reporting them and then I finally sent an email to the website. Mean mean people! Obviously they have nothing meaningful in their life. Don’t ever let any of their tiny thinking meathead minds get to you! You are one very awesome woman! ROAR!!!!!

  12. Destination:Athlete

    To say that those “people” (I use the classification loosely, here) are so ignorant, rude, and classless is really not even a good enough descriptor.

    Anyway.

    As for your question re: back touch/no touch, for *most* people – if your back touches, we automatically release the abdominal tension and arch our back slightly. (Mainly because of the tension in our hips from having the feet hooked underneath…but that’s another anatomy lesson for another day) With your back arched, your hip flexors will initiate your trunk coming up, which eliminates the total point of ab work that you’re trying to achieve. So if you maintain that slightly “rounded” appearance, your abs will do the primary work throughout the entire activity. Does that help? 🙂
    .-= Destination:Athlete´s last blog ..an update- of sorts… =-.

  13. Ishmael

    I read the same article as those idiot people who wrote those stupid things and I’ve read your blog for over a year now and I can honestly, swear-to-Goodness tell you that a) I’ve never ever looked at you and thought that your skin appeared anything but great b) anyone with pecs like yours does NOT need a boob job and c) I find your videos and pictures inspiring and challenging and think you look supremely fit and happy, and have a positive attitude I try hard to emulate. Forget the online *trolls* whose input isn’t worth the time they took to type it out. I wish such comments didn’t sting so much – why is it that negative comments are so much easier to believe than the positive ones? Lol!
    .-= Ishmael´s last blog ..The Podiatrist- Part 1 =-.

  14. Jody - Fit at 52

    Pixie is my cat away from home.. and my friend too! Sent her this pic asap! 🙂

    Lori, sorry about the AOL thing. People think they can just say anything when it is anonymous or on the web & you don’t know them. I don’t understand the need to be mean like this. I think it shows their ignorance & maybe lack of their own self esteem…. what is wrong with people these days! Just talking about that on Mary’s blog & how we have people haters a lot more right now.. sad!

    I have a new fav/hard core exercise but I have to take pics.. too hard to write & explain! You are amazing!
    .-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blog ..Exercise Dos &amp Donts Happenings Next Week! =-.

  15. Judith

    Isn’t funny that we allow nasty comments to nag at us but we don’t value the nice comments in the same way. Come up with a positive mantra to banish the negative thoughts – “I am woman, hear me roar” or something to that effect. Good luck and thanks for keeping an inspiring blog.

  16. Susan

    Trust me Lori, there are WAY more people who love you than hate you. And those that love you, love you enough to overshadow all those haters! Even though we’ve never met, you have inspired me WAY more than you know. So keep doing what you’re doing because you are doing it well 🙂

    “I thought maybe it was to keep the tension in the abs, but I don’t know.”

    Yuppers. No rest between reps! Muscles are always contracted! (yelled in scary trainer voice)
    .-= Susan´s last blog ..Grateful for Cafe Gratitude =-.

  17. Kim Zepp

    So sorry to hear about the crummy negitive comments. Don’t those people know, “If you don’t have something nice to say, say nothing at all!”?? Not sure why they’d take the time to do that. I think when people try to pull other’s down, it’s because they’re laking something in their own life.
    What you have accomplished is HUGE! Don’t forget that!
    .-= Kim Zepp´s last blog ..Someone woke up my legs! 5k race report =-.

  18. Fran

    Don’t worry about those comments, it’s just jealousy and nothing more.

    You have accomplished so much and I’m very proud of you. To me you are an inspiration and motivation!

    You’ll never guess what I found in a store here: coconut water!!!!!
    I bought 2 flavours and will try it soon. Can buy it through the internet too I found out. Yeah!

  19. Sandi

    People who have nothing better to do than spew negative, cruel comments towards others on the internet must be living very sad, pitiful lives. As for the weenus at the gym, he evidently doesn’t know a fabulous fit woman when he sees one. He must be basing his ideas on what a woman should look like off a magazine cover where the women aren’t real, or fit, at all. All of us who are in the same struggle with weight and trying to be fit really appreciate what you’ve accomplished. It’s nothing short of amazing!
    .-= Sandi´s last blog ..Very inspiring! =-.

  20. Jenn@slim-shoppin

    Hi Lori! First off, DO NOT LISTEN TO THOSE PEOPLE!! It’s so insane that people are so mean spirited that they would have the gall so say nasty things to someone who has done as fantastic as you, not only losing the weight, but keeping it off. I have no tolerance for those people, and from what other people have said here, I have to agree that they are super shallow, awful people who are just like bully’s in school!

    You are wonderful, awesome and you INSPIRE ME TO KEEP GOING!!!
    .-= Jenn@slim-shoppin´s last blog ..Make ahead chicken enchiladas! =-.

  21. Helen

    My BJ’s sells that brand of hummus in individual serving size – 12 to the box. I buy it every so often just because it’s nice not to have to actually measure it out and it’s portable for work.

    As I was reading this I suddenly realized that I was sitting here with my mouth WIDE OPEN over some of the comments you shared. The anonymity of the internet disgusts me at times. I hope you are able to see how wonderful and inpiring and beautiful you are!

    I bet your poor John would like to help some of those folks get over themselves!
    .-= Helen´s last blog ..Seeking Comfort =-.

  22. paula

    Lori, sorry you had to endure those mean comments. You’re just awesome! I read your blog every morning and am so inspired by your workouts i.e., weight lifting, bike riding, running. You look absolutely amazing! Don’t let them take it away from you.

    btw–I love that hummus and only buy it occassionally since I could eat all of it with crackers. Cuz of you, I”m gonna try cilantro & jalapeno hummus in my tuna today. Yea, living it up over here in Sacramento!

  23. Dawn

    Nope can’t have eggnog. I have a memory of gaining 21 lbs in a month from the stuff, yep you read that right. So none for me. I still go in the store though and look at it, now they even have it in soy milk lol. Will I ever be fixed? lol

    I’m sorry mean spirited people made you feel bad, they aren’t worth it though Lori. You know you have done wonderful and you look great.

    As for the decline situps there is a special bench at the gym for them but I see some of the men half losing their pants getting on and off the thing so nope not going to try that lol.

    That Pixie girl is a lucky kitty. Her and Sassy need to get together, I can picture them now laying on their special queen pillows lol.
    .-= Dawn´s last blog ..Whats in a Title =-.

  24. Biz

    You look beautiful Lori and you are strong! Don’t let a few asshole comments get in the way of how great you are doing or how far you have come.

    Just listen to your readers! 😀

    Okay, now I want a poppy seed bagel!
    .-= Biz´s last blog ..No More Food TV!! =-.

  25. Heidi

    I am constantly amazed by people. Were they raised by wolves? I watched Glee (and Community) this past week and was reminded that negative reactions by some people are simply the manifestation of their own insecurities and self-loathing.
    I hope that you know how truly amazing your story is and what a beautiful inspiration and motivation you are. Please don’t let the negative comments get to you. There are so many of us that look to you as a model for healthy living. Keep up the good work and the inspirational posts!

    I adore the Pixie pic. That kitty sure does live the good life!
    .-= Heidi´s last blog ..Shoes &amp Burdens =-.

  26. Roz

    MMMM….eggnog!!! And I flip my middle finger to the twits who said less than stellar things to you!! You are my blog role model, and I so have your back!!!
    OMG, speaking of flips, Neva flips on her back just like Pixie! Is that a female cat thing ’cause no male cat I’ve ever had does that!!!!
    .-= Roz´s last blog ..I Got Nuthin’ =-.

  27. Shelley B

    I’m finally caught up with my blog reading, and I just have to say that I’m so sorry you were hit with stupid comments – boy, some people are just crappy. I know it’s hard to brush them off (and that dumbass in the gym – wtf?), but for crying out loud, look at everything you’ve done – those wimps don’t have a fraction of your mental strength, your physical strength, nothing. They are lucky that we bloggers are spread out over the country, because if we were in the same area as them, there would be a massive uprising and beatdown!

    Oh, and your bike trainer is really cool. 🙂
    .-= Shelley B´s last blog ..Friday Mishmash =-.

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