30 days Hanging Challenge - Week 1

10 seconds hanging/ 30 seconds rest x 3 times

Day 1 of the hanging challenge. I went to the outdoor gym, which had plenty of bars and people training calisthenics. I'll be honest, I felt a bit out of place at first, as everyone was doing pull-ups and holding super advanced poses. But I took some courage and started my challenge.

The bar was a bit slippery and smaller than the gymnastics and gym bars, but I managed to complete my target plan with ease. I even added an additional set for good measure: 3 swings in dish shape and 10 tuck lift twisting, repeating 3 times.

During the exercise, my lower back felt stretched and lighter, and my hands a bit sore, but It was a great feeling to know that I did it, and I can't wait to continue my journey.

20 seconds hanging, repeating 1 time

So, I was ready to take on the challenge, the sun was shining brightly, and the bars were quite slippery. Despite my best efforts, I could only hang for 10 seconds. I honestly spent quite  a lot of time at the outdoor gym today, trying to figure out why I couldn't hang for longer. I am that person who doesn't give up easily, and deep down, I felt that I had to find a reason for not being able to hang for longer.

At that point, I tried to mix the hanging work out. First, I started hanging in pronated grip for 10 seconds, repeating it 4 times. I was not thrilled with the results, so I decided to give supinated wrists a try. As expected, I found that my wrist flexors had to work harder, and I felt this grip was more challenging. I managed to hang for 10 seconds and repeated it 3 times. Next I moved to the ladder bar, assuming that the back support would help me hang longer. Unfortunately, I could not last longer than 10 seconds one more time. I decided to focus on my core instead; I completed 6 tuck up twisting, 3 swings changing different bars and 3 upside down handstands, but I felt a bit unsafe due to the poor gripping (DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME).

Overall, it was a great workout, and I am excited to continue exploring different gripping and challenging myself. I didn't achieve my daily goal of hanging for 20 seconds, but I nailed a full 2 minutes hanging workout. On my way home I bought a grip trainer and gym gloves. Time will tell if I have a weak grip or it was just a warm day in the sun.

10 seconds hanging/ 30 seconds rest x 2 times

Wednesday is a special day for me. It's the morning where I give myself a bit of self-care and a chance to recharge (DO NOT DISTURB MODE).

I started my day with a workout at the outdoor gym, which was unusually pretty empty. This allowed me to focus on my present challenges and made the most of my time.

After last night's training and incorporating the supinated grip from yesterday, I felt a bit weaker on my arms and wrists. However, I decided to push through and make it happen. To help with the gripping, I wore my new gloves. I completed the 10-second challenge, repeating it twice! I also introduced a skipping between sets to keep things interesting. But wait, there's more! I decided to challenge myself and try hanging for 20 seconds, after a Day 2 failure. To my surprise, I managed to do it twice!

Ending my training with a walk to my favourite cafe, where I enjoyed a foamy soya cappuccino. What a great start to my Wednesday!

25 seconds hanging, repeating 1 time

How did I wake up today? Broken. I could feel muscle aches in each part of my body, the worst headache in centuries, and I could barely grip as my thumbs were aching. I was so poor and the rainy weather completely knocked me down. Well, I skipped my morning training and I let myself rest for the day, hoping that I would have improved with additional recovery. I was also dreading my evening workout. 

Nevertheless, if I put my mind to a goal, I have to achieve it. I felt that at least I had to try. 

Although, I gained a bit of confidence at the outdoor gym, going to the bar set up in my gym was a big challenge. First of all because I am not feeling in shape. Second because the bar is so high that in order to complete even 10 seconds, I have to move the 50 cm block to the area. And third, because I did not feel like falling on the hard floor from that high. With a bit of external support, I moved that block and challenged myself. 

The goal was to last for 25 seconds, repeating once. Once on top, I felt an improvement in the way my shoulders, back and core engagement and helped me compensate the poor grip. My hanging is becoming more active each day. I was holding it with knees up at 90 degrees. Eventually I completed one set of 30 seconds and a second set of 20 seconds, as I was challenged, and I never refuse a good one. 

I felt really happy about the training, and in the end it turned out better than I expected. 

10 seconds hanging/ 30 seconds rest x 3 times

After a long day at work, it was time for my Gym work out!!

My new dear best friend block was waiting for me in the floor area. I moved it with confidence and in a blink I was on top of the bar! My confidence is growing and starting to overcome that feeling of being out of place! By expectation, I completed 10 seconds hanging, repeating three times.

As I previously noticed, my hang is turning less and less passive as the challenge continues. I am engaging those back muscles and I feel 2 cm taller than 5 days ago. And you know what? I have felt less pain in my neck and shoulders since I started. 

It is not only wrist pain! Those benefits of hanging are hitting! :)

Hanging 30 seconds, repeating 1 time

Day 6 has been a race; Busy, Busy, Busy!

Our WAG competition is tomorrow, and there is still so much to do!

I fit my hanging and skip in the afternoon between a chat and walk with my friend. She was really supportive!

Hanging for 30 seconds was challenging! It makes me dread what is coming up and if I will be able to achieve two minutes by the end of the month.

I usually like to train Solo, but having the support of a friend was lovely and increase my motivation to continue with the challenge!

Day 7 was dedicated to rest and recovery.