After a disappointing weigh in at Weight Watchers on Saturday (I'm still below goal, but I regained the 2.2 pounds I'd lost the previous week), I decided to Shred again on Sunday. It's interesting that Kristen and I independently picked the same day to visit Jillian again, and Fairly Odd Mother and The Casual Perfectionist both tweeted/posted that they were thinking of doing it again! It's almost as if there's some addictive quality to the video.
Yes, mistress Jillian. Must. Do. Shred.
I'd been doing random Jillian videos off and on since the end of March, but lately my DVD choices have been the result of wandering around videoland rather than having some kind of direction. And I felt like that was hurting me. So Sunday morning I didn't just Shred, I decided to restart the whole 30 days of Shred, in order, starting with 10 days of Level 1. But while Kristen tweeted that it was easy, I still think it's hard.
Of course, if I compare what I'm actually doing now in Level 1 compared to the beginning of March, it's like I'm not even the same person! (And you could argue that I'm not.) When I first started Shred I had to modify all my pushups, was using 3 pound weights (and had to drop them frequently), and the ab work was impossible. Now I use 5s for everything, do "real" pushups, and I even add ab work to the chest flys (do a pike crunch during the chest fly, it's great). Sunday morning I even ran 5K (in 31:10, if you must know) a couple of hours before Shredding! I'll tell you, some days I don't even recognize myself. I love how flexible Shred is in how hard you make it. Easier, no, harder, yes.
I'm also looking forward to having a plan again. I like my running plan already, and with Shred there's no question about what DVD I'm doing that day (and no option for choosing an easier one). If I'm on day 5 of Level 1, that's what I'm doing! I won't be doing Shred every day, but every off day (and on at least one running day a week) I'll do Shred in the "proper" order. And I'll let you know how badly Jillian still kicks my butt.
Sunday and Monday she kicked it pretty hard. Today was a run day (30:27 for 5K, a personal best!), so I won't be doing Shred...or will I? Either way, look out Jillian, here I come!
- Bill
Hey you, order your Shredhead shirt so you can be the cool kid on the block!
I just got back from vacation and am starting the Shred again, too. (I'd done 30 days and kept going until we left...then took a break...and now I'm back.)
I love how I feel when I Shred. I NEVER thought I'd say that about an exercise program.
I'm back and goal and more toned than I've ever been, and that's all because of the Shred.
(I'm not a runner. I never have been, and I have no desire to be. Kudos to you who are! The Shred fits into my life perfectly, so I'm sticking with it.)
So, here's to the next 30 Days!
Blog: http://thecasualperfectionist.com
My 30 Day Shred Journey: http://thecasualperfectionist.com/30-day-shred/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/casualperfect
Posted by: The Casual Perfectionist | 05/19/2009 at 09:55 AM
I am an incomplete shredder. I started the 30 day but never committed to the weekends. Then my mother-in-law came to visit and slept in front of my tv every night. No morning shred.
But now I've re-committed. I started over on Sunday and did day 3 of level one today. Wish me luck!
Posted by: Lou | 05/19/2009 at 05:12 PM
I've been considering going back to Shred too because I think I need to mix up my exercise. I finished the Couch to 5K and can run 5K's easily enough although I am working on picking up my speed. I think my body is used to that kind of exercise though and I'm not seeing results like the shred. I also have to confess I never finished the shred because I got off track during spring break. Time to get back on board because I was feeling good!!
Posted by: Mel @ A Box of Chocolates | 05/19/2009 at 09:34 PM
I'm only day three of level 2 - it's killing me, but I'm hanging in there! So good to here that level 1 has become a little easier! I still can't get beyond 3 pounds, and even less on one move.
On level 2 I'm happy just to add 1 pound - 1 stinking pound, but oh well. Just finishing is a major accomplishment. I'll be following you on your new Shred adventure and hope to get inspired - but no pressure, lol.
My blog is: http://justkam.wordpress.com/ where I comment on the wonderful weirdness and shreddery in my life.
Posted by: April | 05/20/2009 at 12:53 PM