Prepare to be Shredded!

To train for this marathon, along with walking, jogging and running, Traci and I are doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred DVD. I've done her 30-day program once before. It was about a year ago now. It was hard to make time to do it every day for 30 days, but at the end, the results were awesome. I lost a few pounds, and felt great. It may have even helped that my dear husband told me that the dumbbell plates I was using were 2-pounders. Come to find out, after finishing all 30 days, that these plates were in fact, 5 pounds each. No wonder why it was so tough to get through those first few days!

For those of you who are new to Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, here's a breakdown of what to expect. [Also, be sure to check out the stellar reviews on Amazon - 2133 reviews and counting!]

• Levels - The DVD includes 3 levels of workouts - Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. Jillian does not specify how long you should stay at each level. It makes sense that you might do each level for 10 days given that the program is 30 days long.
  
• Length - Each level is about 20 minutes long with a 2 min warm up and 2 min cool down, to bring the workout to a total of about 25 minutes. Only 25 minutes a day - that's not bad at all, right?
  
• 3-2-1 Method - The bulk of each level consists of Jillian's 3-2-1 method - 3 circuits each containing 3 min of strength, 2 min of cardio, and 1 min of abs.
• Diet - There is no prescribed diet that goes with the workouts, though I'm sure Jillian wouldn't mind if you bought her nutrition book or supplements. Generally, eating healthier is a good idea if you want this "lean, shredded body" that has been promised.
• What You Need - the DVD recommends hand weights and a mat if exercising on a hard surface. I'd say even the hand weights are optional depending on your fitness level. I think you'll still benefit without using any weights (Tracy Anderson-style). I like 2 -lb weights, personally. Oh, and you'll need the DVD of course, which can be purchased on Amazon, or at most mass retailers such as Walmart and Target. You can also get each level separately on iTunes. The DVD should set you back about a whopping $5-$10.

I did Level 1 today, and after not exercising for about a week, lemme tell you, I was feeling it. Broke a sweat by the end of circuit one. And I forgot how much Jillian loves jumping jacks.... and how much I hate them!

A few tips on using the DVD and program:

• Music - I'm not crazy about the music that goes with the DVD. I put the DVD on mute and listen to Pandora's pre-mixed Dance/Club internet radio station. If you're new to the 30 Day Shred, I recommend listening to Jillian's commentary while you workout at least a couple times per level. She has lots of tips on form, safety and modifications. And you'll get to hear all those great Jillian-isms like "false message of lethargy" and "don't phone it in."
• Clothing - wear something comfortable that you can lie down in because you'll be getting up and down off the floor quite a bit.
  
• Modifications - do take Jillian's advice on modifications. I do the modified push-ups on the knees and don't go crazy low on the lunges. Just gauge what feels right for you.

Traci - how'd it go on Level 1 today? I am sweat-tay!