Ok, so that sounds like some tacky news headline, but I've been very bad about posting so I have to do a week in review.
I started the 30DS last Sunday, and as expected, Jillian kicks my ass each and every time. I really don't know if I will ever be able to keep up with Jillian but it can be rather fun to try.
So, I'm still doing modifications, but I have been able to crank out a few push-ups without the modifications. Yay for me. On the other hand, I am still following Anita a LOT. By the time the 20 minutes is up I'm breathing like I've lost a lung but feel rather good about it.
I've also started up my walking again, and think that I'm going to start walking to work so that I can really increase my mileage ... perhaps that will make a difference in the way my body reacts to this punishment.
Today, I took the day off of Jillian and decided to go hiking instead. Three hours and seven miles later I made it back to my car, feet covered in red dust/turned to mud and I am SOOO glad I had my camelbak with me - that thing paid for itself. I drank about 3L worth of water and the miles didn't seem as bad when I stayed hydrated. That thing is definitely going with me on the 25th ... it will be much easier when I'm hydrated. That's one thing about Surfside, I wasn't hydrated ... and while I drank at every station, I was parched.
Ok, so back to Jillian - with the upper body changes, I'm noticing the shoulder workouts are getting easier, but Jillian v. walking v. hiking v. biking ... all different muscle groups. While Jillian does help with the walking and hiking, all those damn squats, it doesn't do a damn thing for biking. I think the only thing that is going to get my ass in bike shape is actually biking (or getting an indoor trainer ... why in the hell did I throw out the one I had in Cleveland???).
Tomorrow and Wednesday will finish up level one, and then we shall see about level two. Fun fun :)
Showing posts with label jillian michaels 30 day shred. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jillian michaels 30 day shred. Show all posts
Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred - Back in Action
After working several weeks with long hours and bad food, I decided it's time to get off my butt again before my muffin top completely spills over my pants. After some back and forth with myself about what to do for my daily workouts (bike? I can read and kill two birds with one stone... P90X? nah, too intense), I finally settled on doing the 30 Day Shred again.
Level 1/Day 1
This time, even after not having worked out regularly for a couple months, the workout was much more straightforward and easier. I found that I wasn't fiddling around with the moves anymore, trying to adjust my positioning and such. Each exercise just came more naturally. And while the workout overall was easier, I still broke a sweat halfway through and was dripping by the end! I think this workout DVD is great because you really can adjust the moves to your own level. I still can't do a single regular push-up, but doing them on my knees felt easier this time than last.
Random Goodies
To motivate myself out of my swivel office chair, I decided a bribe was in order. Off to Lululemon I went, and back I came with cute outfits. Indeed their prices are astronomical, but nothing beats their style and quality. If you get one workout top from Lulu this season, make it the Push Ur Limits top. The way it looks in the online pictures do not nearly do it justice. This top, as with most of their tops, do something magical in the back that just makes your shoulders and back look toned in all the right places. Who doesn't want to look like a Roman goddess from behind? One little note though: this top would not be good for high impact. For that, you should pick up Lulu's Tata Tamer... but that's for another post.
Level 1/Day 1
This time, even after not having worked out regularly for a couple months, the workout was much more straightforward and easier. I found that I wasn't fiddling around with the moves anymore, trying to adjust my positioning and such. Each exercise just came more naturally. And while the workout overall was easier, I still broke a sweat halfway through and was dripping by the end! I think this workout DVD is great because you really can adjust the moves to your own level. I still can't do a single regular push-up, but doing them on my knees felt easier this time than last.
Random Goodies
To motivate myself out of my swivel office chair, I decided a bribe was in order. Off to Lululemon I went, and back I came with cute outfits. Indeed their prices are astronomical, but nothing beats their style and quality. If you get one workout top from Lulu this season, make it the Push Ur Limits top. The way it looks in the online pictures do not nearly do it justice. This top, as with most of their tops, do something magical in the back that just makes your shoulders and back look toned in all the right places. Who doesn't want to look like a Roman goddess from behind? One little note though: this top would not be good for high impact. For that, you should pick up Lulu's Tata Tamer... but that's for another post.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Needed a Baseline
So, when I woke up this morning I was exceptionally sore - particularly in my hamis and calves. I thought back to the moves from the 10 Minute solution and really couldn't pinpoint what required that much work, so I decided I needed to run a baseline today to see if it was me being out of it or if that 30 minutes yesterday was really just a lot tougher than I've been used to.
Guess who I turned to for my baseline - you got it. You can always count on Jillian. So, I did Level 1 of the 3DS to see if I was just that out of it, and I chose this workout because it's something we've done extensively and I know how I felt when we first started out and at the end of the second 30 days. It turns out it isn't me - the 30 minutes yesterday was just harder than I'm used to.
So, it looks like the 10 Min. Sol. is actually a good routine to add into the mix. It worked out muscles that normally don't see the time of day (btw, that instructor is totally ripped in her shoulders and chest - crazy ripped). I figured this was the case as I was able to make it through level 1 maintaining a decent HR (yeah I pulled out the HRM to make sure I was kicking my own ass) and finished with just the Anita modifications. Given this and my baseline from the first time we went through the 3DS, I know I didn't lapse all that much from my slacking off.
If you have a chance, this is just another reason to give 10 Min. Sol. a shot. I think tomorrow I'll try the kickboxing DVD from 10 Min. Sol. and see how that goes. My Kathy Smith stuff should be here by Friday at the latest.
Guess who I turned to for my baseline - you got it. You can always count on Jillian. So, I did Level 1 of the 3DS to see if I was just that out of it, and I chose this workout because it's something we've done extensively and I know how I felt when we first started out and at the end of the second 30 days. It turns out it isn't me - the 30 minutes yesterday was just harder than I'm used to.
So, it looks like the 10 Min. Sol. is actually a good routine to add into the mix. It worked out muscles that normally don't see the time of day (btw, that instructor is totally ripped in her shoulders and chest - crazy ripped). I figured this was the case as I was able to make it through level 1 maintaining a decent HR (yeah I pulled out the HRM to make sure I was kicking my own ass) and finished with just the Anita modifications. Given this and my baseline from the first time we went through the 3DS, I know I didn't lapse all that much from my slacking off.
If you have a chance, this is just another reason to give 10 Min. Sol. a shot. I think tomorrow I'll try the kickboxing DVD from 10 Min. Sol. and see how that goes. My Kathy Smith stuff should be here by Friday at the latest.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Day 13 - JM Rocks My World
Day 13... and I'm still here. I wasn't able to work out this morning, so I did my workout this evening when I got home from work. Despite a big Thanksgiving lunch, I was able to complete the workout without feeling like I was going to throw up. Planks omg planks are still killing me. My shoulders have been sore every day since starting level 2. The double jump ropes just don't happen. I do a couple doubles, then go back to singles. Overall though, I'm feeling good. Let's see how I feel tomorrow after all this mac and cheese settles into my body.
As for my Jillian love, I gotta say, I love her in this level 2 video. She's funny and very motivating. No messing around and straight to business. I was watching Biggest Loser today too, and it just amplified how much I think JM rocks. She is inspiring and positive, but very very tough. Don't get me wrong, I love Bob too... but I've spent the past 13 days with Jillian, so I'm really feeling the Jillian love lately. Also, did you know Jillian was overweight as a teenager and that's why she's a personal trainer? Shucks, I just think she's great.
As for my Jillian love, I gotta say, I love her in this level 2 video. She's funny and very motivating. No messing around and straight to business. I was watching Biggest Loser today too, and it just amplified how much I think JM rocks. She is inspiring and positive, but very very tough. Don't get me wrong, I love Bob too... but I've spent the past 13 days with Jillian, so I'm really feeling the Jillian love lately. Also, did you know Jillian was overweight as a teenager and that's why she's a personal trainer? Shucks, I just think she's great.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Day 11 - How Do You Like Me Now?
The answer to Jillian's question (and I'm confident I'm answering on behalf of Traci as well) is, we don't!! Level 2 is NO JOKE. As Jillian says, she is NOT playing around. The moves in this level are more compounded to work several muscle groups, and cardio is an element of the strength and ab moves now too. I am so sweaty right now that all of my workout clothes have changed colors. Near the end, I was dripping so badly I couldn't even see the tv. Anita was my best friend today. Forget this Natalie girl with all her plyo and smiles.
Thoughest Part - ahem.... all of it! Though if I'm pressed to pick one thing, it'd be the plank jacks. I tried two unmodified, and oh boy. Like I said, Anita all the way! Traci's right, there are a ton of plank-based moves in Level 2, and they no bueno.
Easiest Part - ab work. Anything that involves lying on the ground is my style. The ab routines in this section are much harder than level 1 though.
Goals for Level 2:
1. Do my workouts in the AM.
2. Do one move that I'm modifying right now as unmodified in the end.
3. Cardio 5 out of 10 days of Level 2.
I'm gonna go put my sorry body in a bath now.
Thoughest Part - ahem.... all of it! Though if I'm pressed to pick one thing, it'd be the plank jacks. I tried two unmodified, and oh boy. Like I said, Anita all the way! Traci's right, there are a ton of plank-based moves in Level 2, and they no bueno.
Easiest Part - ab work. Anything that involves lying on the ground is my style. The ab routines in this section are much harder than level 1 though.
Goals for Level 2:
1. Do my workouts in the AM.
2. Do one move that I'm modifying right now as unmodified in the end.
3. Cardio 5 out of 10 days of Level 2.
I'm gonna go put my sorry body in a bath now.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Day 9 - Hot Yoga in the City
Hot Yoga
It feels like days ago now, but I started off this morning with a 6 AM hot yoga class at YogaOne. It's been a while since I went, and I was surprised to find that my balance has really improved. I did invest in a PowerBalance bracelet, which is probably just a pricey placebo. So I think I must give the credit for the better balance today to Jillian.
Today/Yesterday's Goals
Day 9 - wowza, only one more day to go before being done level 1! I too dread the thought of what wonders level 2 holds. Like Traci said, it's been so long, that I forgot what level 2 and 3 even look like. Fear of the unknown my friend, fear of the unknown. Day 9's workout went well. Wobbly left knee still threatening trouble, but no trouble as of yet.
Push-ups - I tried to go deeper on the push-ups, and did it for one set. As for the second set... Josh did the workout with me for the first time today (yeah Josh!) and was doing the push-ups alongside me. Noodle, our friend's dachshund came and lay under his face, so when he dipped down, he stuck his face right into her back, and she refused to move. He kept banging his head into her. It was so funny that I fell over into a heap of laughter for a few seconds. So, let's call that a warm-up for the ab routine.
Abs - I crunched/twisted harder on the sit-ups today, and felt a little something. I'm not sure if it was from my ab work today, or from my yoga class yesterday, but any sign of life from the abs is a good sign. Oh yea, by the way, I did yoga yesterday at lunchtime at work. I'm blessed to have a yoga instructor at my building who runs Heart Full of Yoga, and teaches yoga therapy and our building's lunchtime classes.
Cardio - I really really did not want to do this today. It was 9 PM by the time we got home, and I really just wanted to relax and tidy up the house a bit. But I said I'd do this, so by gosh, I was going to do it. I set off on a trek through deserted Houston streets with my restless sidekick, Slater. It's so strange- we live next to a gorgeous park and gravel running trail, and it's relatively empty by day and entirely empty at night. I was one of a handful of people on my entire walk. It was a beautiful night out too. Ah well, it was mine to enjoy. I forgot how much I enjoy walking and thinking as I go. I also forgot how much puppy energy Slater has. He pulled the entire way, basically dragging me behind him, and zigzagged all over. I would have put his harness on him, but he chewed it the other day.
It feels like days ago now, but I started off this morning with a 6 AM hot yoga class at YogaOne. It's been a while since I went, and I was surprised to find that my balance has really improved. I did invest in a PowerBalance bracelet, which is probably just a pricey placebo. So I think I must give the credit for the better balance today to Jillian.
Today/Yesterday's Goals
Day 9 - wowza, only one more day to go before being done level 1! I too dread the thought of what wonders level 2 holds. Like Traci said, it's been so long, that I forgot what level 2 and 3 even look like. Fear of the unknown my friend, fear of the unknown. Day 9's workout went well. Wobbly left knee still threatening trouble, but no trouble as of yet.
Push-ups - I tried to go deeper on the push-ups, and did it for one set. As for the second set... Josh did the workout with me for the first time today (yeah Josh!) and was doing the push-ups alongside me. Noodle, our friend's dachshund came and lay under his face, so when he dipped down, he stuck his face right into her back, and she refused to move. He kept banging his head into her. It was so funny that I fell over into a heap of laughter for a few seconds. So, let's call that a warm-up for the ab routine.
Abs - I crunched/twisted harder on the sit-ups today, and felt a little something. I'm not sure if it was from my ab work today, or from my yoga class yesterday, but any sign of life from the abs is a good sign. Oh yea, by the way, I did yoga yesterday at lunchtime at work. I'm blessed to have a yoga instructor at my building who runs Heart Full of Yoga, and teaches yoga therapy and our building's lunchtime classes.
Cardio - I really really did not want to do this today. It was 9 PM by the time we got home, and I really just wanted to relax and tidy up the house a bit. But I said I'd do this, so by gosh, I was going to do it. I set off on a trek through deserted Houston streets with my restless sidekick, Slater. It's so strange- we live next to a gorgeous park and gravel running trail, and it's relatively empty by day and entirely empty at night. I was one of a handful of people on my entire walk. It was a beautiful night out too. Ah well, it was mine to enjoy. I forgot how much I enjoy walking and thinking as I go. I also forgot how much puppy energy Slater has. He pulled the entire way, basically dragging me behind him, and zigzagged all over. I would have put his harness on him, but he chewed it the other day.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Day 7 - Half an Episode of Law and Order
Fighting C.P.S. - It's a Dangerous Disease
Day 7 almost didn't happen for me. I woke up late this morning and rushed out the door, so I didn't have time to do an AM workout. At work, I kept thinking, I'll just do it when I get home since I don't have anything going on tonight. Well, home came along, and then dinner (and you know you gotta let that settle). Then some new show called Human Target was on tv and it wasn't awful, so I watched that. That was followed by Hells Kitchen, and I just adore Gordon Ramsey and his fury and foul mouth. And then Law and Order Los Angeles, and who can pass up that ever compelling Terrance Howard? I know I can't.
Finally, enough was enough. A 30 Day Shred workout is only half an episode of Law and Order. I had to get off the couch.
Once I fought off couch potato syndrome (CPS), today's workout actually felt very reasonable. This only served to make me feel that much worse for putting off the workout until so late in the day. My only big issue today was this left knee that's been acting up. I was able to do all the exercises today without pain, which makes me wonder how I hurt that knee anyways. Yesterday the knee hurt when I straightened or bent my left leg all the way. Today it only hurts when bent. Mysterious.
Nutrition
On another note, today's jumping rope cardio portion served as a jiggly little reminder that I need to start eating better if this 30 Day Shred is really going to shred anything at all. When your tum tum does a petite flop with every jump, it's a sign that maybe all that bratwurst, McDonald's, fried plantains and coconut rice, taco and tostada, and bourguignon (yes I had to look up how to spell that) was not the choicest of nourishment. Those are indeed all items that were on my plate this week, and I think they need to disappear in the weeks to come.
One week, officially complete! Good for us for keeping at it!
Day 7 almost didn't happen for me. I woke up late this morning and rushed out the door, so I didn't have time to do an AM workout. At work, I kept thinking, I'll just do it when I get home since I don't have anything going on tonight. Well, home came along, and then dinner (and you know you gotta let that settle). Then some new show called Human Target was on tv and it wasn't awful, so I watched that. That was followed by Hells Kitchen, and I just adore Gordon Ramsey and his fury and foul mouth. And then Law and Order Los Angeles, and who can pass up that ever compelling Terrance Howard? I know I can't.
Finally, enough was enough. A 30 Day Shred workout is only half an episode of Law and Order. I had to get off the couch.
Once I fought off couch potato syndrome (CPS), today's workout actually felt very reasonable. This only served to make me feel that much worse for putting off the workout until so late in the day. My only big issue today was this left knee that's been acting up. I was able to do all the exercises today without pain, which makes me wonder how I hurt that knee anyways. Yesterday the knee hurt when I straightened or bent my left leg all the way. Today it only hurts when bent. Mysterious.
Nutrition
On another note, today's jumping rope cardio portion served as a jiggly little reminder that I need to start eating better if this 30 Day Shred is really going to shred anything at all. When your tum tum does a petite flop with every jump, it's a sign that maybe all that bratwurst, McDonald's, fried plantains and coconut rice, taco and tostada, and bourguignon (yes I had to look up how to spell that) was not the choicest of nourishment. Those are indeed all items that were on my plate this week, and I think they need to disappear in the weeks to come.
One week, officially complete! Good for us for keeping at it!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Day 4 - Ella is Not Invited to the Party
What a lovely Sunday morning. Sleeping in, some veggie soup for a cool fall day (64 is cool in Texas) + Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred, Day 4. A recipe for delicious fun.
I actually woke up today feeling well-rested and ready to tackle the workout. Hams, quads and calves are still quite tight, so squats were a toughie today. But that aching shakiness from yesterday is all gone. I can walk again! Could it be that jumping jacks are starting to grow on me?
The biggest challenge for me today was fending off my dogs. Miss Beastlie aka Ella kept showing up in my face for all the sit ups with a chewed up stuffed squirrel. Nobody wants to breathe a chewed up stuffed squirrel.
Traci, did your body forgive you for Day 3 torture?
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