Constant Chatter: Challenge me, I dare you.

I definitely love me a good challenge. Make it a fitness challenge and I am all in.

I wanted a little strength training before bed but something I could do quickly in the living room after my daughter went to bed.

The first challenge I did was a Plank Challenge. I started out with a goal to hit a 2 minute plank. When I hit my goal well within the 30 days I set my ultimate goal of holding a 5 minute plank.

I didn't exactly stick to the above chart. I simply tried to hold a plank for as long as I possibly could each time I tried. How long depended on what other workout I did that day, what I had eaten and how focused I could stay throughout my hold. Anything over 3 minutes seemed like an accomplishment for me. Every second longer was a celebration. It turns out that I hold a longer plank when pissed off. The nights I was able to hold for the longest I was either determined for some new reason or upset about not hitting my goal. The night I finally hit my goal I believe that I was so focused that I could hear my heart beating through my chest.

One of the best feelings...reaching your goal.

You have to keep doing it to maintain it however. I can easily hold a 2 minute plank, perhaps a little longer but I would have to work just as hard I think to pull off another 5 minute plank. It took me probably 45 days to hit 5 minutes.

As you have probably guessed, it wasn't my last challenge. I quickly moved onto other challenges brought on by what areas I wanted to work on more. The Plank was to help strengthen my overall core including my back.

My next was a Chair or Triceps Dip. What I did wrong is that I didn't set a goal for this one, I just wanted to do more each time. I believe I got to 18 at the most.

Putting your butt all the way to the ground and having your elbows even with your shoulders is a true triceps workout. I definitely toned during this challenge.

The last challenge I did was to do 20 spider push ups. I did reach this goal but I didn't do it every night like I did the Plank or the Triceps Dip Challenge. I could have perhaps pushed well past 20 with more effort.