Do you think you're too fat and not fit enough? Millions are going to agree with you and let's face it — almost everyone who thinks they need to eat more healthily and exercise more is in fact right. I am one of those people, and I'll say that abdominal fat is fast becoming my nemesis.
Grab your Ab Workouts For Men & Women on iTunes ... or on Google Play
Why? Well, you know, life happened. Food was always my vice, but eating whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it never made me fat before. It could be age, or it could be that I am more sedentary now, or it could be that the foods I am choosing to eat now make me fat more quickly than the foods I chose to eat in earlier years. It could also be a combination of all of those things.
Whatever is causing this expanding waste line, I'll admit that it bothers me. That's why I am really happy that my colleagues at SteadyHealth created an app that promises quick results together with personal trainers.
"Ab workouts for men and women" is an app that raises expectations. It's neither just a bunch of workout videos (which would also be great), or only a diet plan. It's both. And we all know that you can't look and feel your best by going on a diet or exercising alone — you need to address your whole body if you truly want results.
When "ab workouts for men and women" was released, I got excited and decided to give it a try. Don't think that the fact that I work for SteadyHealth is going to make this review — or rather, just my experience, shared with you — biased. This is going to be brutally honest. The app promises quick results (in less than three weeks), but that doesn't mean it promises an easy fix. It's hard work, and the nutrition plan can be truly tough if you're a foodie like me.
The Workouts
My name is Olivia, and I'm lazy as well as a foodaholic. It has been about three years since my last workout. I have two kids that keep me on my feet, and I walk pretty much everywhere despite my hip dysplasia. I also sit around a lot, working on the computer, reading books, or eating. For all these reasons, I chose to start with the app's "total beginners start here" workout plan.
The first day was great. The second day — a rest day — was even better! By the third day, I could feel that my abs were sore. Something must be going on! On some days, I did more sets than the app recommended, while I totally skipped working out on other days. After a week, I noticed the first changes.
The abdominal flab was still there obviously, but I did feel more toned muscles emerging underneath. Untrained abs need just a little exercise to begin firming up. This is very motivating for beginning athletes.
I decided to stick with the "total beginners" workout for two weeks, and then to move on to the next stage, "beginners get better". Because of my hip problem, I had to alter some exercises. Anything that requires legs stuck up in the air and wide apart causes pain, which is probably a sign to stop and do something else instead.
I played around with "Abs, Cardio and Rookies", "Kissable Abs" and "Respect Your Spine" as well. I did a lot of exercises, but didn't follow any plan religiously. Instead, I did more sets than recommended for some exercises, while skipping other exercises completely. The app promises the first results after three weeks. I saw mine earlier than that, but am beginning to see really radical improvements now I've been working out for seven weeks.
I have more energy, actually less hip pain so far — which might be coincidental but I think it's related to the workouts — and am enjoying the exercises now. In fact, they are kind of addictive. Just like food. I will definitely continue working out, and this app will be a big part of that.
Ab Workouts For Men And Women: The Nutrition Plan, And The Results
The Nutrition Plan
Blah! Small portions, foods I don't particularly like, and lots of meat. That sucks, because I am a vegetarian. Thankfully, the meat suggestions can be replaced with vegetarian options. Cottage cheese, eggs, tofu and low-fat bean and lentil burgers are now responsible for getting me the protein that is so important to the success of this nutrition plan.
Grab your Ab Workouts For Men & Women on iTunes ... or on Google Play
No rich sauces? No bread? No pasta? Go easy on the peanuts? Again, blah. This is not easy for me. I have been on this plan for a few weeks now, and I fully admit to not following it fully by any stretch of the imagination. I am cutting down on carbs and adding more proteins, as well as making sure I actually eat breakfast. That is a great start, isn't it?
Thanks to this app, I realized that I wasn't getting enough protein and ate far too many carbohydrates. I haven't given my home-made bread up altogether and still enjoy baking with my kids way too much to say no to cakes and cookies, but I have been bettering my life.
The nutrition plan SteadyHealth offers those who want to feel and look better is rigorous. It will bring you fantastic results. It is not, however, for the faint-hearted. If you don't truly commit to the plan but do take inspiration from it, you will still see some improvement, but for the best results you're going to have to suck it up and just do what the plan says.
I honestly believe that foodies are going to have a big problem following rigorous plans that don't just limit calories but also eliminate the most tasty foods from their diet completely. Is it worth it? I believe so, because though my ab muscles are much stronger now, I still have that horrible flab. I think it will go away eventually, but let's be honest and admit that achieving six-pack abs will be more like a marathon than a sprint for those who don't want to stick to the nutrition plan rigorously. Do you want better results, more quickly? Don't be a wimp — like me — and commit to following the plan completely.
In Conclusion...
The free version of the Ab Workouts For Men And Women app will give you a bunch of really great exercises that come with narration and workout music. You'll both hear and see how to perform these exercises correctly. Using the free version will help you get off on the right start.
Those who want more can get the premium version for a ridiculously small fee. They'll be able to choose from various exercise plans that get their abs ready for summer, improve their stamina, and strengthen their backs.
The price is well worth it if you prefer more guidance. It's certainly cheaper than a gym membership or a personal trainer, but offers good results. You'll also get nutritional guidance. This is incredibly valuable, but not unless you actually have the mental strength to stick with it.
I also want to say that the SteadyHealth boards can be essential for a person's success. If you don't like a particular meal suggestion or want some guidance, the users of the app can ask whatever the want on the boards, and are guaranteed to get replies. That is so important.
At the beginning of my workout adventure, I started a thread with questions and got the support I needed. If it wasn't for the suggestions I got, I would not have been able to replace the meat suggestions with vegetarian ones nearly as easily. So if you are using this app and are a little lost, do post your questions. The answers you'll get will get you through the tough times and ensure you won't want to give up.
- Photo by steadyhealth.com
- Photo by steadyhealth.com