It’s 10:00 p.m. There isn’t hatred in my stare, it’s more like annoyance. It isn’t doing anything, my “big blue ball” just sits there…staring right back at me. It’s going to win since it doesn’t have eyes and I blink first. Time to work on my core.

I don’t hate much in life but working my core…I HATE!!! I’ve never like sit ups. OK, I hate doing sit ups. Just the mere thought of them will make me consult my “honeydo” list for something BETTER to do. I’m stuck between two rocks and a soft place. The faster my running has gotten, the more I realize that I need my core now more than ever.

So I consulted my friend Heidi for some help. I’d seen people working out with their “blue balls” but had no idea how or what to do with them (yes, the connotations are intentional – just for you Heids). Her reply was easy. Do crunches in all four directions and stretch your back. No problem.

First of all, I must have no balance because getting my fat arse on that ball and to stay in one place is a workout itself – never mind having to eventually workout on it. I quickly realized that this balancing act is what makes using the “blue ball” much more effective. My normal 25-50 crunch rep was immediately cut down to 15 the first week. After 3 sets, I could barely move. Working on the love handles is the biggest spectacle of the whole routine. It took nearly 2 minutes just to find a spot where I wasn’t going to end up on the floor but again, the workout was intense. The picture of a grown man rolling around on a ball even makes me laugh but my disdain for all things abs is lessening.

While a core workout still ranks behind doing the dishes and pulling weeds, I think with a little determination and consistency, I might get it above matching socks and making the bed.

RMFR