Jillian Ripped

So, I've been out of this for a while. My schedule has been going schizo for the past few weeks and this week it is finally settling into what it will be for the near future, so I'm trying to get back into a schedule. My free time is going to be few and far between, but my weekends will be free and my hikes and long runs will totally be fitting in on those days. My weekdays will get in some short workouts and some walks if I'm lucky. I'll have to see how the first few "long" days go and how I'm adjusting to see whether or not it is something I can maintain for the long term. This is all trial 'n error right now . . .

I decided that I was going to give Jillian another shot and try out another DVD of hers - this one is Ripped in 30. It utilizes the same 3-2-1 method as her 3DS, so I was excited to give it a shot. Plus, I wanted something more to change things up. Now, granted, I have the 10 Minute solution workouts that add to my routine, but I really liked the way Jillian kicked my ass from October to November and decided she needed another chance.

I also got some more Bob DVDs (these are an hour in length, so they are reserved for my weekends when I will have that time), so look out for those reviews as well. I have 3 hour long ones to review and another Biggest Loser one to review (that one will be a weekday one since it is a 25 minute workout).

So, onto Jillian and her "Ripped in 30." For starters, this one is a little different than 3DS - it has 4 workouts instead of the 3 in 3DS. So, instead of having 10 days to get used to the difficulty level, I only have a week. We shall see how this goes - I need something to kick my ass because I've been slacking quite profusely since the run in February and I can tell that some of the weight I've lost has come back with a vengeance.

There are some recognizable moves from the other Jillian programs we've been blogging about, but there are some new ones as well. In the strength moves, instead of being 2 moves that are repeated, she does 3 that are repeated. So, while you are not doing the same move for as long, you are getting more muscle groups involved. The cardio ... well, let's just say I don't care for this one as much as I enjoyed the 3DS cardio. These ones don't get my heart rate up, save for the 3d round when she throws in some running in place. As far as the abs go ... um, fricking plank moves. So the first round isn't bad at all. The second round has those damn plank moves where you keep your elbow down and then lift at the hips, my ability to move in that manner has NOT improved. The third round is nice ab work that I can do without problem - crunches and reverse crunches.

With this being week one for abs, I'm dreading what weeks 3 and 4 look like. Cardio, well I just hope it improves, otherwise I am going to have to supplement the moves from 3DS into the segments. Strength - overall, I like the variety.

We shall see if Day 2 provides any changes (other than my own subs to get my heart going). Tomorrow I think I am also going to sample one of 10 Minute Solution segments since those get my heart rate going without any trouble at all.