Ever heard of Jillian Michael? Well, I've had a virtual introduction - via her "30 Day Shred". Holy Cow!!! That's all I can say. Who knew that in 20 minutes a person could feel like laying down and packing it in? I foolishly thought that my 30 days of exercise had somehow prepared me for this - HA! Literally 5 minutes into the workout I was panting like a dog and felt like my arms and legs were going to give out on me. It's insane...
For those of you who have never tried this workout, it's basically a 20 minute circuit. You have a 2-minute warm-up, then three 6-minute circuits. Each circuit is 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs, with a 2-minute cool down at the end. There are 3 separate workouts - Level 1, 2 and 3, each more intense than the other. I obviously am starting at Level 1, however, at this rate, I'm pretty sure I'll reach Level 3 before the end of 30 days. I borrowed this dvd from a friend, and after reading the jacket thought, "20 minutes, I can easily do that for 30 days!" Oh my. I know I can, but my body is screaming at me, and I'm dripping sweat as I type this. I had to write all this down before it fades from my memory...like that's going to happen...
Anyway, I've decided to make "30 Day Shred" my next 30 day challenge. Starting today. I think I'll call this "Boot Camp" because it certainly feels like it. I found out today that I've been doing cheater push-ups the wrong way! I've never been able to do a true push-up, so I've always done them with my knees on the floor. However, I've also always stuck my butt in the air, and that isn't correct. You're supposed to keep your body straight, just as if you were doing a true push-up, only with your knees on the ground. Oh my word! They are HARD! I only got 4 - how sad is that?!
I am seriously out of shape, and last month was only the warm-up. I am determined to get healthy and fit. That doesn't necessarily mean that I want to be a size 6, but I do want to be able to do jumping jacks without my stomach coming up and hitting me in the double chin... There's way too much flesh moving voluntarily during this workout. When Jillian says, "keep your abs tight", I swear I'm holding them in as tightly as I can - and I can still feel things jiggling...
I've got 30 days. They'll go by quickly. And at the end, I can measure myself again. I think the results will speak for themselves.
Join me!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 30 - Success!!!
I can't believe I actually made my goal - - 30 consecutive days with 30 minutes of exercise per day! I did it!! My little old exercise bike is being used regularly, my abs are loving pilates (so is my back!) and my legs are getting stronger. Before I do anything else - here are the results of my challenge.
30 days ago, I weighed and measured myself:
Now, I'm so excited to reward myself. That haircut is going to feel like the best one ever, simply because I had to work for it and I was successful. It feels so good.
30 days ago, I weighed and measured myself:
- Weight: 225 pounds
- Waist: 44 inches
- Thighs: left 29 inches & right 29 inches
- Weight: 219 pounds
- Waist: 42.5 inches
- Thighs: left 28.5 inches & right 28.5 inches
Now, I'm so excited to reward myself. That haircut is going to feel like the best one ever, simply because I had to work for it and I was successful. It feels so good.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Days 17 - 25 Whew!
What happens to a blogger when she just doesn't take the time to write? At this point, the only answer I have to that one is - guilt... Or at least a somewhat guilty feeling. I would walk past my computer and think, "I really need to update my blog!" But then something else would grab my attention and by the time I thought of it again, well, let's just say it was usually an inconvenient time or when I was in the car. So, all that to say, I'm sorry that I haven't updated this blog in over a week. I hope that if there is actually anyone out there who reads this, that you will forgive me! Now, that's done so let's move on!
On to the 30 Day Challenge! Wow! 25 days of it, and I don't know about anyone else, but I'm still going strong! Only 5 days to go. Honestly, I think I'm going to come up with another challenge after this one is done - any ideas for me?
Here's what I accomplished in the past week...
Day 17: Pool
Day 18: Pool
Day 19: Pilates
Day 20: Walking
Day 21: Biking
Day 22: Pool
Day 23: Pilates & Exercise Bike
Day 24: Mowed lawn and did yard work - sweated like a pig!
Day 25: Pilates & Exercise Bike
And the best news - on Monday I stepped on that nasty scale (I just hate scales in general...) and it rewarded me with a 1 pound loss!! Woohoo! Down to 220 lbs - that's 5 pounds lost in 3 weeks - not bad!
On to the 30 Day Challenge! Wow! 25 days of it, and I don't know about anyone else, but I'm still going strong! Only 5 days to go. Honestly, I think I'm going to come up with another challenge after this one is done - any ideas for me?
Here's what I accomplished in the past week...
Day 17: Pool
Day 18: Pool
Day 19: Pilates
Day 20: Walking
Day 21: Biking
Day 22: Pool
Day 23: Pilates & Exercise Bike
Day 24: Mowed lawn and did yard work - sweated like a pig!
Day 25: Pilates & Exercise Bike
And the best news - on Monday I stepped on that nasty scale (I just hate scales in general...) and it rewarded me with a 1 pound loss!! Woohoo! Down to 220 lbs - that's 5 pounds lost in 3 weeks - not bad!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Days 15 & 16
Day 15, Monday - Pool and pilates
Day 16, Tuesday - Pool
Pretty boring entries, huh? At least I did the exercise! lol!
Do you realize I/we are already half-way through this challenge? Yippee!!
Day 16, Tuesday - Pool
Pretty boring entries, huh? At least I did the exercise! lol!
Do you realize I/we are already half-way through this challenge? Yippee!!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Days 13 & 14
I'm starting to see a pattern here...updating this blog every 2-3 days...need to work on that. It's just that the weather has been so great and warm - I LOVE hot summers - and the last thing I want to do is sit down at my computer...
On both day 13 & 14 I spent an hour at the swimming pool. I've figured out a way to tread water and give my abs a huge workout, while at the same time keeping an eye on my fish of a daughter. I love the pool! In fact, we're getting ready to head there now. I like to go late in the afternoon because it's not so crowded and I don't have to worry about a ton of other kids pummeling me or my daughter. Is that selfish of me, or what! But who cares, it's working for me. I stepped on the scale this morning for my weekly weigh-in and voila! I lost another 2 pounds last week!! Officially at 221 now.
Along with going to the pool the last few days, I've been doing some pilates each night - and leg lifts and stretching. I don't know if it's the combination of all of those, but my back is really feeling better. And after months of pain - this feels good! I'm hoping that my chiropractor visits will become fewer and fewer!
I know I say this a lot, but this 30 challenge is great! I can't believe I didn't do this before now. The weight loss is just confirmation to me that I'm making the right choices. I'm changing the way I eat - a LOT less. Sure, there are days that I'm ravenous and feel like I could eat everything in sight, but even on those days I'm finding that my self-control is getting stronger! I think it's just that my whole mindset is changing - and it's great! I never would've imagined that this challenge would have this kind of effect on me. It pays off to stick with something for more than a day...
On both day 13 & 14 I spent an hour at the swimming pool. I've figured out a way to tread water and give my abs a huge workout, while at the same time keeping an eye on my fish of a daughter. I love the pool! In fact, we're getting ready to head there now. I like to go late in the afternoon because it's not so crowded and I don't have to worry about a ton of other kids pummeling me or my daughter. Is that selfish of me, or what! But who cares, it's working for me. I stepped on the scale this morning for my weekly weigh-in and voila! I lost another 2 pounds last week!! Officially at 221 now.
Along with going to the pool the last few days, I've been doing some pilates each night - and leg lifts and stretching. I don't know if it's the combination of all of those, but my back is really feeling better. And after months of pain - this feels good! I'm hoping that my chiropractor visits will become fewer and fewer!
I know I say this a lot, but this 30 challenge is great! I can't believe I didn't do this before now. The weight loss is just confirmation to me that I'm making the right choices. I'm changing the way I eat - a LOT less. Sure, there are days that I'm ravenous and feel like I could eat everything in sight, but even on those days I'm finding that my self-control is getting stronger! I think it's just that my whole mindset is changing - and it's great! I never would've imagined that this challenge would have this kind of effect on me. It pays off to stick with something for more than a day...
Friday, August 6, 2010
Days 11 & 12
Tonight I'm in pain - but it's a good pain. It's the kind of pain you feel when you've had a hard workout and your muscles are crying out in protest. My abs haven't had a good workout in a long time, and I'm feeling it. But, man, it feels good!!
Last summer I took a Pilates class for several months and saw good results. However, as winter rolled around I stopped going and my back pain came back... You see, I've had chronic back problems since I was about 14 - several timely falls wreaked havoc on it - causing spasms and just general pain. About 6 years ago, I found a great chiropractor who helped me more than anyone had up to that point. Then last year I discovered Pilates. Of everything I've tried, that has been the most successful. There's something about strengthening those core muscles that keeps my back from hurting! Imagine that...
For some reason, I didn't continue with pilates - and yes, as I said, the back pain is, well, back. I have determined to fight it. So yesterday I added pilates into my exercise routine and today - - sore abs and a very happy me. I am going to stick with it this time!
If I'm learning anything during this 30 day challenge, it's that I can actually stick with something for more than a couple days. It's such a good feeling, knowing that not only am I improving my health, but I'm adding self-discipline into my life - something I've been in desperate need of...
This afternoon I went swimming for an hour with my daughter, and made a point to work my abs as much as possible. Which is actually quite easy when you're treading water. So, day 12 has been a success. Bring on the next 18 days, please!
Oh, and by the way, I lost 2 pounds last week! I weighed in on Monday at 223.
Last summer I took a Pilates class for several months and saw good results. However, as winter rolled around I stopped going and my back pain came back... You see, I've had chronic back problems since I was about 14 - several timely falls wreaked havoc on it - causing spasms and just general pain. About 6 years ago, I found a great chiropractor who helped me more than anyone had up to that point. Then last year I discovered Pilates. Of everything I've tried, that has been the most successful. There's something about strengthening those core muscles that keeps my back from hurting! Imagine that...
For some reason, I didn't continue with pilates - and yes, as I said, the back pain is, well, back. I have determined to fight it. So yesterday I added pilates into my exercise routine and today - - sore abs and a very happy me. I am going to stick with it this time!
If I'm learning anything during this 30 day challenge, it's that I can actually stick with something for more than a couple days. It's such a good feeling, knowing that not only am I improving my health, but I'm adding self-discipline into my life - something I've been in desperate need of...
This afternoon I went swimming for an hour with my daughter, and made a point to work my abs as much as possible. Which is actually quite easy when you're treading water. So, day 12 has been a success. Bring on the next 18 days, please!
Oh, and by the way, I lost 2 pounds last week! I weighed in on Monday at 223.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 10
Yikes! I haven't spent but about 5 minutes on my computer the past 3 days - and I'm making up for it today!
I bet you were starting to think that I've given up on my 30 day challenge? Well, you would be sooo wrong! I've had 10 consecutive days of exercise and I feel great! I still have to do my 30 minutes for today - but I'm going swimming with my daughter this afternoon, so that will give me at least an hour of good exercise.
The past 3 days have been a combination of biking, swimming and walking. It's hard for me to believe that I've actually been successful so far. It's just that exercise has been at the bottom of my long list for a long time. I never would've guessed that I would actually start to enjoy it, but I really am! I'm actually thinking of starting one of my many workout videos and see how many days in a row I can do it. One of my favorites has been The Firm with the Fanny Lifter. But once again, I've never stuck with it long enough to actually see results... It sounds like it might be kind of rainy next week, so that just might be my exercise of choice - we'll see.
By the way, I've been sleeping wonderfully and I can't help but attribute it to the exercise! I'll be back later with my Day 11 update!
I bet you were starting to think that I've given up on my 30 day challenge? Well, you would be sooo wrong! I've had 10 consecutive days of exercise and I feel great! I still have to do my 30 minutes for today - but I'm going swimming with my daughter this afternoon, so that will give me at least an hour of good exercise.
The past 3 days have been a combination of biking, swimming and walking. It's hard for me to believe that I've actually been successful so far. It's just that exercise has been at the bottom of my long list for a long time. I never would've guessed that I would actually start to enjoy it, but I really am! I'm actually thinking of starting one of my many workout videos and see how many days in a row I can do it. One of my favorites has been The Firm with the Fanny Lifter. But once again, I've never stuck with it long enough to actually see results... It sounds like it might be kind of rainy next week, so that just might be my exercise of choice - we'll see.
By the way, I've been sleeping wonderfully and I can't help but attribute it to the exercise! I'll be back later with my Day 11 update!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Day 7 - Wahoo!!
Well, I thought I would be more "relaxing" in my exercise today...not so!! It was just so nice outside and since mowing and pulling weeds is actually quite therapeutic for me - that's what I did. I know, it's Sunday. But I really had a good time! Casey and Daddy were spending some quality time together, so I escaped to my outdoor haven - just me.
For those of you who are doing this challenge with me - WOOHOO!! We've got 7 days under our belts!! Only 23 to go. And we can so do it!
Don't give up. If you're tempted, think about how good you'll feel at the end of 30 days. Seriously. It'll be awesome! Let me know what and how you're doing - and what are you rewarding yourself with when you reach your goal?
Don't give up.
For those of you who are doing this challenge with me - WOOHOO!! We've got 7 days under our belts!! Only 23 to go. And we can so do it!
Don't give up. If you're tempted, think about how good you'll feel at the end of 30 days. Seriously. It'll be awesome! Let me know what and how you're doing - and what are you rewarding yourself with when you reach your goal?
Don't give up.
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