I've read a few tweets from people who have taken a break from the 30 Day Shred - sometimes a few days, other times a few weeks or months.
Whatever your reasons, whether it be injury, boredom, or just needing a break, getting back into the groove with anything, not just the 30 Day Shred can be pretty challenging.
That being said, there's nothing wrong with starting fresh. While we did the 30 Day Shred in 30 consecutive days, there's nothing that says you have to. For some folks, it's a lot easier to just make it a party of their daily routine. For others, it's a bit more challenging to attempt it that way.
Keep in mind that there are no rules - either with the Shred or with our blog here. We're not here to guilt you for missing a couple of days or weeks.
But if you are getting back into it, here are a few things to keep in mind:
You're going to be sore
If you've taken an extended break from the Shred, it will probably feel like the first time you've done it, so expect to be extra sore. Do extra stretches and take it easy. You'll also want to drink more water than usual to help your muscles recover.
Fight one battle at a time
It's much harder to get back into the swing when you're trying to do a bunch of things (diet, exercise, etc.) than just one. So maybe for the first week, focus on getting your exercise groove back. Then add in some simple dietary changes. Don't overwhelm yourself with too much.
Get over the guilt
Okay fine. You took a break. Get over it. Everyone falls off the wagon but the point is that you got yourself back on. Now buckle your seatbelt and make the decision to stay on for the long haul.
Find support
You're less likely to stop exercising if you've got support. Add this blog to your feed reader (how do you like that shameless self promotion?) and follow us on Twitter. If you don't feel like working out, or you want to shove a bunch of donuts down your gullet, leave a comment or tweet it (use the #shredheads or @shredheads us so we can find it)! You'll get a bunch of almost instant support that might carry you right through!
Speaking of support, how did the Shredheads Buddies go for August? Leave us a comment, tweet your results to us @shredheads.
Thanks, I needed this reminder!
Posted by: Asianmommy | 08/31/2009 at 08:53 AM
August was a wash, figuratively AND literally, but the great thing about "the shred" is I don't as bad, as if, say, putting out bucks for a membership and not showing up to the gym.
Personally, my kids start school on Wednesday and, in turn, that's when I plan to, you know, jump right back onto "the shred."
Sometimes, I just need a break from stuff.
I mean, I'm a mom and, internets knows, there's enough OTHER stuff to feel guilty about, right?
Posted by: Liz@thisfullhouse | 08/31/2009 at 09:22 AM
Heh. Good timing. After a summer off for injury, I'm hoping to get back to the Shred in September. I'm back to working at home 2 days a week, and I'd like to Shred on those days. Not looking forward to the pain you mention, though!
Posted by: Hellcat13 | 08/31/2009 at 09:38 AM
I finished the 30DS in July, lost lots of inches and felt stronger! I started C25K in August, and will be starting week 4 tonight (which scares the be-jesus out of me can I say!) While I've noticed an improvement in my breathing, I also notice I'm a little more jiggly then I was when I was shredding.
Do you think one can handle shredding on off days of C25K?? Any advice is appreciated!
Posted by: Mendie | 08/31/2009 at 12:23 PM
Thanks for this, I'll need it. My world is a bit flip-side right now. I've had to take a break for an indefinate period of time. I've been completely bummed.
Posted by: Jennifer | 08/31/2009 at 01:34 PM
August was awesome! My first attempt to shred. I lost 15.2 pounds (the first 7 were clearly water weight as I lost them all in a week) and boosted my exercise. I have been afraid to try the 30 Day Shred yet because it seems so hard from reading all about it here, but plan to attempt it in September. Yikes!
Posted by: Amy H | 08/31/2009 at 02:26 PM
Mendie, I think you should be fine, but take it easy. You might want to do Run, Shred, Yoga, Run Shred, Yoga or some sort of stretching to give yourself and your muscles a break. Depends on how far and you're going etc., but many of us have been doing the Shred in between.
Posted by: Motherhood Uncensored | 08/31/2009 at 04:29 PM
I was a bad shred buddy. I ran on average 2-3 times per week, but could have done better. I will try to improve my running this month and rock the September challenge!
Posted by: Jenn (@cloverjenn) | 08/31/2009 at 11:42 PM
Pick me!
I started the Shred in August, but had enough problems breathing that I ended up with an exercise-induce asthma diagnosis and an inhaler. So, armed with knowledge and a red puffer thinger, I'm ready to try again! September Shred, ho!
Posted by: Katie! | 09/01/2009 at 09:42 AM