Form Tips - 30 Day Shred Level Two

We're into the middle part of October and welcome to Plank City!  That's right, you're probably enjoying the wonderment that is the 30 Day Shred Level Two.  As Jillian would say, this level is no joke.

I think it feels shorter than Level 1, but also MUCH harder.  I've paid extra attention to my form the last couple of days, and as with Level 1, I noticed some places where I've been, ahem, cheating bending the rules.

Walkout Pushups
Bending your knees makes this easier - but only do it if you have to.  It's pretty easy to do without realizing it, especially on the "up" part.  And I hate to say something different than Jillian, but if you can't do the full pushup, try doing more than just the walkout part.  After walking out, drop to your knees to do a modified pushup if you can.  You may need to work up to this, because this is a weirdly hard exercise.

Static squat with Rows (in the first circuit)
When I get tired I drop my elbows, which changes which muscles are being used.  It's important to keep your elbows up and pull your shoulders back.

High Knees
This is my LEAST favorite cardio move, and it's very easy for me to slack off on.  When I do them right, I feel like I'm leaning back so far I'm going to fall over.

Lunge Rows
If you aren't feeling it in your legs, don't just accept it.  Sink further down in that lunge.

Oblique Twists
Keep your arms even with the shoulders!  I know you're tired, but you won't gargle your heart if you do them wrong. 

Plank Jacks
I don't really have any form comments on this one but I had to say how evil these are, especially after my shoulders are dead!  Very often I need to pause for at least one jack.  Uh, you know what I mean.  (heh)

All Plank Exercises
Watch your hand placement.  Putting your hands forward ("above" your shoulders) makes it harder on your shoulders but easier on your abs.  Get those hands right under your shoulders and your abs will benefit.

- Bill

Comments

[psumommy]

Oh, my form was awful yesterday. I think I popped something out of place because my left arm was tingly all day...it seems to be gone today. I think I'll be paying better attention this time. :)

[Cooley]

Thanks for the tips. I did L2 for the first time on Friday, but I'd just finished a soda and was just plain tired after a long week, so I know I was slacking off/doing it wrong. I'll keep these notes in mind when I tackle it again today! :)

[Hellcat13]

Oblique twists can suck it. I find them the hardest of anything, for some reason.