Day 30 of the 30 Day Shred

Last day! Well, the last day of my first 30 days and blogging about it. Jillian Michaels knows what she is doing and it is a tough workout series that produces results. I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who is willing to commit to 20 minutes every day for a leaner body and increased cardio capacity. No excuses, all you need are hand weights and a mat if you are working out on a hard surface. The DVD is around $10 and you can find it just about anywhere.
So here are my results:
Biceps: start- 13" finish 14" bigger! Kinda surprised by that. Less hangy down, more muscle.
Belly: start- 37" finish 36" lost an inch there.
Thigh: start-26.5" finish- 23.5 lost 3 inches there! Whoo hoo!!!
Bust: start- 40" finish 38" lost 2 inches

My weight loss: I started at 177# and I am down to 174#. Not too bad. I have not been real strict with my eating. Way better than before, however, and progress is what I am after.
Sorry, hubby said no pics on the Internet. I'm ok with that!
Thank you for reading my adventure with the 30 Day Shred and I bid u'all farewell and keep after it!! If I can do this, anyone can!

Day 29

Only 1 more day till results time!! I a excited and nervous at the same time. I hope I am not disappointed. I have worked hard!
I am enjoying my post-workout breakfast smoothie made from fresh strawberries and spinach from my garden! For my protein powder I use "Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein" vanilla flavor. It is all vegan, no soy or whey.

Day 28

I struggled to get my workout today. I was more sore today than yesterday. I worked harder yesterday than I did the first day. Those plank poses are really tough if you keep your body straight. My abs were even sore. The scissors are the hardest. I like it though! It seems my belly is getting bigger while the rest is smaller?? Maybe my belly isn't changing as fast as my legs... Idk. It is a little disheartening. My belly was my favorite area before pregnancy. I'll just have to work harder. I would like to see my abdominal muscles again!

Almost done with the first 30 Days!

Yes, I am a little sore. Level 3 works some different muscle groups. I didn't know I had that many muscle groups!
I like this level and I plan on continuing with it after 30 days. I think I will change it up and do different workouts 4-6 days a week. I like my elliptical, I have a couple of other DVDs I like, and of course, my running! I CAN manage 20-30 minutes every day and I WILL continue!
I will do measurements again after the 30 day mark for the results!

26 days done!

Apparently I have forgotten to do my blog posts the last couple of days... Whoopsie! I have not skipped anymore days and in fact, I started level 3 this morning. I was so nervous about moving up in the progression that I put it off for several days. However, I do believe this is my favorite routine. Don't ask me why... it is hard. Some of the exercises I could just barely do and some of them were not a problem. I like the new ab exercises because the level 1 and level 2 were getting very easy. I guess I like the fact I could see that I am stronger and progress seen is always beneficial. :)

23 days!

I almost forgot to sit down and write! It has been a fantastic gorgeous day and we have tried to make the most of it.
I feel so much better when I eat well. The liquid diet really does me good. I had a homemade puréed vegetable beef soup. It was so yummy! I think I'll do the same today.
As far as the exercises go, I have been trying to do them in perfect form. Which means butt down in plank position. Much harder to do than with your booty sticking up ;) Also, doing the squats and static lunge LOW! Couple more days then I will move on up to level 3!

22 days of the Shred done!

I felt really strong today. I feel heavy, however. I have decided to fast; liquid diet only and tons of water. It's so easy to get off track little by little. Yesterday I ate double the calories I am supposed to! I couldn't believe it.
I have alot to pray about as well.

"Let this morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." (Psalm 143:8 NIV)

Day 21 of The Shred

I am still chugging along... Still on level 2 and its still pretty tough.

It has occurred to me just how incredibly blessed we are in this country. I am forcing myself to work hard to loose weight and inches while so many struggle just to find their next meal. I have so many foods available to me at any given time that I have limit myself from overeating. Many people are undernourished because they can only find a few different foods to eat. Is all this exercising and dieting meaningless? Why am I so incredibly blessed? I must be the least deserving...

One of my favorite books and devotions is Made to Crave. I have a lot in common with the author, including age. She focuses on adjusting our need to crave something (such as cookies n such) to craving Him. I am all about more of Him and if that means bearing some burden for the poor and hungry, I will.

20 days done!

Ok, 2/3 of The Shred done! I am trying to wrap my mind around continuing to do this everyday after the 30 day period. Are we just programmed to not want to do hard work? Is it just me? "I know it's good for me; I know it makes me feel better; I know hard work pays off; I know the right things are always harder...",
I say to myself over and over. They say it takes 30 days to develop a habit. I want this to be a habit so badly!

Day 19

Yep. I did it. I skipped a day yesterday. Not only did I skip a day, I ate badly... and the sad part about that is, it wasn't even that good. I had a vanilla Dr. Pepper from Sonic and it tasted bad. I also had Pizza Hut pan pizza and it wasn't very good.
But today is a new day and I got my workout in first thing. Back to better eating today as well by starting off with a protein shake.
I feel so much better when I workout and eat right. I guess it's alright to have a reminder if I begin to forget why I'm doing what I'm doing.
A couple of more days, at least, on level 2 before I move on up. I gotta admit, Level 3 is a little intimidating and I haven't even seen it yet!

Day 18

Boy, it's been a very productive Saturday! I am just now sitting down at 7:00 pm. Tons of yard work: cleaning up trash, mowing, leaf burning, etc. been a good day. We are planning a HUGE bonfire tonight to burn up tree limbs from our fencing project.
8th day of Level 2 and I am feeling very strong. Yay! It is coming in handy for T-post pounding!

17 days of the Shred done!

Today was the first day of level 2 I felt well and strong. I did all of the reps and cardio.

In the past when I have worked out in the gym doing aerobics, I would never look at myself in the mirror. I have a completely different vision of how I look than I actually do. You know what I'm talking about... In my mind, I still look like I did when I was 20 years old. So being confronted with the reality of my post pregnancy, soft body, saggy... well you get the picture. Plus, us women just really do not like to check ourselves out in the mirror. I am, however, wishing I had a large wall mirror so I could see if I was doing the exercises properly to the max. Again, I think I have my knee a centimeter away for the floor while doing my static lunge, but reality may be a different story. Oh well... It's gonna be alright. I am doing more than I have in years and my body is
slowly transforming back to the image I have in my mind. :)

Day 16 of the Shred

Boy, I had to really fight to get this done today. Day before yesterday, I apparently ate something that did not agree with me. (A bunch of whole wheat pasta, I think). Then, yesterday, spent 7 hours in a truck with my children traveling to pick up our new bull. By the time we got home, I was in intense pain. A nice hot soak in the bath helped a bunch then I passed out. This morning I was still a bit painful, sore and fatigued. If I was gonna skip, it would have been today. I did the exercises pretty fair. I could tell I am getting stronger. Push-ups are attainable now, ALL of them!
I feel much better after the workout. That is amazing how that happens... Lots of water today, NO grains and hopefully I will be feeling 100% by tomorrow.

Halfway Done!!

Wow! I made it halfway without missing a day! Today was the first day in level 2 I did almost all the reps, not perfect but that's ok. I am still sore! I had a tough time running yesterday. Back pain, shin pain, fatigue, muscle soreness plus it was pretty warm. 88 degrees. I am NOT complaining about the warm air though!

Grace is starting to mimic me working out. #bigsmile, that's awesome! Teaching my kids how to care for their body properly instead of abusing it: priceless!

Day 14

Whew! This workout makes me sweat! I keep telling myself "sweat is fat leaving the body". The last strength circuit is killer! I am not going to move on until I can do all the reps.
I should have posted my veggie eggs recipe yesterday. It is super easy and you can modify it however you like. I have a special pan that is non-stick (I know, it's my only one..I can't cook eggs without it though) It is small; perfect for 2 eggs. I melt a half tbsp of real butter then dice up some onions and sauté. While those are cooking, dice up some bell pepper and add it. On top of that, add fresh spinach and break the eggs on top. The trick is to cook them very low until you get your eggs where you like them. I do not like crispy on my eggs. I flip mine for "over easy". Viola! 155 calorie, protein packed, 1 serving of veggie, fat burning breakfast.

13 days of the Shred DONE!

I just finished the 13th day of the Shred. I feel great! I am very glad I found this DVD and made my mind up to do it every day.
The third day of level 2 and it is tough. I cannot do all the reps. Pretty much same story as level 1.
I have never been a morning person, therefore I have trouble eating breakfast. I would much rather eat at midnight then skip breakfast and go straight to lunch. I know that eating that way is one of the main reasons for keeping the extra pounds from pregnancy. Therefore, one benefit from getting up early to get the workout in is it makes me hungry! I have eaten breakfast almost every day. I like keeping it simple: either veggie eggs or a fruit smoothie. I do not mind eating the same foods every day. In fact, I think it's better for me to only have several meals or foods to choose from. Eat to live, not live to eat!

Day 12

I just really did not want to do this this morning. My shoulders and back are pretty sore. I'm glad though, this is my main source of pain in my body. Weak back muscles cause all kinds of havoc including obviously back pain, muscle tension and spine misalignment. I had a good friend who shoes horses for a living. If he did not do back strength exercises, the constant bending over would cause him serious back pain. And as a woman heavily endowed, there is constant weight pulling at my upper and middle back. So even though these exercises are tough and I'm sore, I'm thankful! I can see my arms and shoulders transforming! The hangy down stuff from my triceps area is indeed shrinking! I can see more muscle definition and my core is also much stronger than when I started and I'm not quite halfway through the 30 days.
Today is Mother's Day! I want to stop and thank my mom for always being there for me and believing and praying for me when I didn't. You are an exceptional mom and I love you more than words can describe!!
Happy Mother's Day to all!!!

Day 10, Level 2

I began the day with a 5K run for Camp David of the Ozarks. It was a perfect morning for a run and I felt great. Despite the long hills, I ran one of my best 5Ks ever. Covering the distance with an average time of 10:40 per mile.
Now for the hard part.. Level 2 is indeed a step up. I could not do all the strength exercises. The cardio killed me. The abs, however, were awesome. That is my rest time.
Grace was in the room with me and she kept asking me "Mom, what's wrong?" I kept telling her "It's hard, that's what's wrong!" as I'm grunting and moaning trying to do the reps... Reminded me slightly of labor....ok, ok not even remotely as painful, but similar pattern: work really hard, take a breather, work really hard, take a breather.
I did add on some extra stretching at the end. I like to hold my stretches a little longer than she does. Maybe some yoga would work too. I know nothing about yoga though. I'll have to get a DVD! Anybody know of a good one??

10 days done!

I have completed 10 days and level one. I am ready to move on to level 2. Not much new to report, I did 12 push-ups on my toes and all the exercises in good form. The strength exercises are still tough and I have to push hard to get through them. I could probably stay on level 1 ten more days until they got easy, but I am ready for a new workout.
I would like about 10 more minutes of stretching at the end. To me, the stretching and cool down is the reward. Stretching feels soooooo goooood! I may add on my own stretching...

The Shred, day 9

Today was the first day I just really didn't feel like doing it. I tried my best to get busy and forget LOL! I did 12 push-ups on my toes and every exercise and rep in good form. Still not easy though. I am going to do 1 more day on level one, then move on up to level 2!
During the month of April, I was involved in an online FB fitness challenge. It was basically a group of us ladies encouraging and motivating one another. The other motivator was MONEY! Each of us put in $10. There were 6 "guidelines" that enabled you to accumulate points and whoever had the most points at the end would get the pot. One guideline was no sugar or "fake" sugar. And another was only 100% whole grains. So that cut out a bunch of stuff! No ice cream, cookies, soda, brownies, etc... I thought this would be impossible, but it turns out that drinking half my body weight in water every day was tougher! The challenge ended last Monday. Two had perfect scores and tied for first and I tied with another for third. With the tie breaker, I got third. Whoo hoooo!! However, I am finding myself slightly lost. I had some ice cream yesterday, just a little, and I have not felt right since. I also had some graham crackers and I just feel like blah!
Apparently the no sugar, no white flour thing agreed with me. I can see now how important that challenge actually was. 30 days off certain foods and then adding them back showed me exactly how they are affecting me: drowsy, tired, grumpy, unmotivated. I needed this because I could never have "willed myself" off of these foods. It's obvious, it must be permanent.
In conclusion, you have to eat right and exercise to get the results you long for. I have heard that a million times but I have officially proved that to myself. I could run 5 miles a day, but as long as I am eating junk, I can still maintain my overweightness and fatigue. I am eating whole foods and drinking only water now. The only sweets are fruit, plain greek yogurt, and honey. I do think I am going to try some very dark chocolate, cause a girl gotta have her chocolate!

Day 8

Great news! I have lost 3 pounds since I started 8 days ago! My wonderful husband told me again he can tell. He says I'm melting :) praise God! Working hard and getting results= priceless!
Day 8 and I managed to do almost half of the push-ups on my toes. I can remember in high school when I played volleyball that I could do push-ups like they were nothing. My brain seems to think I should still be able to do them like that! My arms and shoulders think different. 2 more days and hopefully I can reach my goal.
It amazes me how STILL this workout is challenging though easier every day. It is working well for me. I am off to go work outside in the garden! Have blessed day!!

7 day of the Shred

Seventh day DONE. I was looking forward to conquering level 1 and I have done it! I did all the reps in good form, though not perfect. It is much easier but still challenging. I do want to do the push-ups on my toes instead of on my knees. That is my next goal. I think I will do level 1 at least 2 more times and accomplish that before I move on to level 2.
It is a fantastical gorgeous morning and I am going outside!!! Have a beautiful blessed day!!

Day 6 of the Shred

Today is the first day of no soreness and I only missed one rep! The exercises are very basic and simple moves, but boy can they be tough for 30 seconds or more! They are excellent to get in the habit of doing because you can always increase intensity by increasing weight resistance. Very functional. Jillian knows what she is doing.
Three more days and I will move up to level 2 with different exercises. Doing the exact same routine is getting a little boring even though it is still challenging.
I find myself engaging core muscles and doing a little dance when I am going about my chores and housework. It feels really good to be regaining my strength. It is definitely true if you don't use it you lose it. Of course, it's such a gradual loss, we don't notice it.
Till tomorrow, love to all

Day 5-halfway through Level 1

I never work out on Sundays. Except for this past month since I have been a part of a fitness challenge. But other than that, never. I knew that I would need to get the workout in before church, so I got up early and got chores done.
Day 5 and only my quads are still just a itty bitty sore. I did almost all the reps in good form except for like 2, so that's exciting for me. I can tell my arms and shoulders are getting stronger, as well as my abs. I feel good physically, awesome mentally and incredible spiritually. Getting these 20 minute workouts done everyday are victories in themselves and are starting to add up as a whole.
Those of you who may be reading this I am going to ask for a favor: please pray for me. Thank you!

Day 4 of Shred

I'm feeling better so I decided to go for a run this morning with the group. 3 miles. I got a little tired at the 2.3 mark, but then regained it back. I should have kept going, but I had stuff to do!
Day 4 and I'm just a tad sore. I can walk normal and do not have to maneuver anymore to sit down. I still don't feel very strong and I could not do all the reps in proper form. I however, did more than I previously have so there is forward progress.
The arms are tough. I really thought I was stronger in the upper body! The cardio is easy other than you need a really good support bra because there is alot of jumping up and down.
I forgot to weigh this morning but I can "feel" things changing. I can't wait to get through 30 days of this!

Day 3 of the Shred

I just got done with day 3, level 1. I am still sore, but not as sore as yesterday. I am running a mild fever with sneezing, stuffy nose and chills. This cold rain is not helping, but I dosed up on vitamin C, gargled with peroxide and got with it. It is still hard. I cannot do all the reps in good form all the way through. But that is ok, still 27 more days!
I think I will rest the remainder of the day as much as I can anyway. I am such a baby when I am sick. I am glad it is Friday!! My sweet, sweet husband can take care of me tomorrow!
----Just now--- Jadon walks in the room wanting to play twister--- is he crazy!??!!

Day 2 of 30 Day Shred

I am super sore. My quads, my shoulders, and gluts especially. I woke up and kinda rolled outta bed. The motion of sitting requires special maneuvering. (I love those squats!) I am also getting a cold. Plus I got sunburned yesterday wranglin baby goats. I had all kinds of reasons why I didn't have to do the Shred today. I wasn't even sure I could actually physically do it.
I got the morning chores done: bottle feeding bucklings, putting hay in the barn for the goats when it starts raining, start laundry, clean kitchen, learning time, etc... I'm working myself up to the workout. I feel very, very weak because of the muscle soreness.
I am committed. I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me! With my son Jadon cheering me on, saying "You can do it mom, you can do it!!" I started. Wow, it was hard. Really hard until I got warmed up. Surprisingly, my muscles actually worked and towards the end I even felt stronger than I did yesterday. I am victorious! I made it! Some people might think, "So what, it's only day 2 and only 20 minutes." But for me, I don't think I have ever worked out the same muscles that hard 2 days in a row. I always take a break. This was huge for me. I overcame something I did not think I was capable of. Today is my birthday and I have vowed I do not want flabby arms or muffin top at 40, plus I want to do a half marathon and a triathlon. I have 3 years...

30 Day Shred

Today is the first day of May and I started Jillian's DVD workout "30 Day Shred". The workout maximizes fat burning cardio, strength, and Abs "1-2-3 Interval System". 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. You use weights for resistance and a mat if you are working on a hard floor. You are basically hitting all muscle groups while elevating heart rate and strengthening core all at the same time. The workouts are only 20 minutes and there are 3 levels. Basically you should try to move up a level after 10 days.
Level 1 day 1 was tough. I was already sore from yesterday's circuit workout. I didn't feel like my form was very good and I didn't feel very strong because of the muscle soreness. I expect to be even more sore tomorrow and the day after. The jumping jacks are hard and not my favorite but I got through it.
I am going to take a before pic and no, I am not going to post it until I have an after pic. I am also going to take measurements to track loss of inches and my starting weight is 177#. Good day and be strong in the name of The Lord!