Unrefined Athlete

Me vs. Jillian: The 30 Day Shred Challenge Week 2

I'm into Week two of my challenge and getting ready for the honeymoon in three more weeks. I am doing level 2 of Jillian's 30 Day Shred and contemplating trying level 3 this week. I Shred most days, taking a day off here and there if I did a hard run, am really tired, or did some other type of training. On average, I would say I'm doing the DVD 5 times per week. Also, I lost a few pounds! I have been trying really hard with the wedding diet no booze-ahh! But still, it's been about 9 days and I think the extra strength training, intervals, and plyometric drills are helping.  Before starting the Shred I was trying with my diet and getting plenty of exercise, it was just mostly endurance workouts and yoga.  I think it just goes to show what I've known all along: it's key to vary your workout and strength train. Anyway, I think this is a great workout. It's easy to follow, easy to do at home, very short (hard to make up an excuse for not having 18 minutes to do it) and I'm sweating pretty good by the end. All in all I recommend this highly! Two more weeks! 

Week Two Abs:

 Me:

Jillian:

It's on now Jill! Just give me a few more years...and no, I am not doing butt/thighs comparisons. 

Me vs. Jillian: The 30 Day Shred Challenge

Here are my abs (one picture is enough):

Here are Jillian's abs:

Uhhh looks like I have a little work to do and it might take me more than a month to get abs like those, which is exactly what I have before my honeymoon. Damn! I made Fiance take the picture of me. He handed me back the camera and I said, "are those ripples my muscles or fat?" He shook his head and walked away. I think it's going to take a while for him to get used to this new blogging passion of mine. 

Anyway, I did level one of the 30 Day Shred this morning. It was a good workout, but it didn't kill me so I think I will try level two tomorrow. I really like Jillian's 3-2-1 format though, it changes things up and makes the time go fast. I also like the 20 minute time commitment.

Workout Review of the Month: Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

With exactly one-month to go until my big wedding day, perhaps this will help me to tone up a bit and lose that extra five pounds? Nothing like waiting until the last minute! I managed to score level one of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred on Amazon.com for $8.99!  It got great reviews on sites such as dietsinreview.com and 846 customers have given it a 5-star review on Amazon. I ordered it on Monday so as soon as it gets here I'll be getting started. I hear over and over again,"Jillian kicks your butt!" This I probably need since I tend to focus way too much on running and not enough on strength training and cross-training.  

I know that doing different things is good for your metabolism and for developing a balanced body, since running does not necessarily create strength evenly.  Jillian makes some pretty hefty promises like this program can help you lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days.  While I'm not going for that kind of weight loss, I have been pretty much at the same weight for a while, even though I am trying to cut some calories (see "wedding in a month" above).  So, I'll let you know if it helps with the wedding diet. Keep checking in for results! And, if I get some of her definition in my abs for the honeymoon-schwing!