I posted a poll on the right side at the top of my blog. It's in regards to the 30 Day Shred. At some point, I'm going to write Jillian and tell her how much I love her, and the shred, and how I want her to come to my -100 lb. party.
Since I'm an accountant and I heart #'s, I'd like to give her some statistical data! Please take my poll and comment here if your answer is a little different from any of my choices...
Yes, this means you need to leave Google Reader for 2 seconds to take my poll.
Thank you :)
Also, I'd like to announce that my sister called me a badass b/c I Shred 2&3 back to back with my 8 lb. handweights.
I pretty much am a badass... haha
But really, my upper body strength has improved 1000% I'm sure!
...and my abs look like Anita's....
;)
Showing posts with label 30 day shred. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 30 day shred. Show all posts
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Reader Questions Answered
Amanda: I have to eat two packets of instant oatmeal to be full. Is that still a healthy breakfast? I would look at the calories in the two packets. If that fits into your daily allotment of calories, I don't think it's a problem (it might be around 300). You might also want to try getting a big container of the oats. A serving size is 1/2 c., maybe try eating 3/4 c. and see if that fills you up more. I've noticed that when my husband makes his cinnamon instant oats packet, he gets less in a packet than I do when I measure 1/2 c., and the calories on his are 10 more because of the added sugar in the packet.
Is regular slow cook better then instant oatmeal (in other words, is the instant stuff just as bad as sugary kids cereal)?
You can buy plain instant oatmeal that has nothing added to it. Look for "Quick Cooking Oats" in a big container, or the plain kind. It will have no added sugar, and is MUCH healthier than sugary cereals. You really have to read the labels though, to see exactly what is added to the packets. That's why I like to add my own mix-ins, so I can control the sugar and calories.
Most of the times that can keep me satisfied from 8-12, sometimes I have to have a small snack around 10 or 10:30.
That's how it works for me, too. I eat my oatmeal around 7am, then I have a banana around 10, which keeps me from getting too hungry at lunch time!
As long as you keep your calories under control, and spread out a bit, I think you're doing just fine!
Melissa: Right now I am struggling with my own weight loss. I went hard-core from July through November of last year and lost 30 pounds. Then I took December off and gained back 10 of those thirty. Well now, in January, I have been back on track again but have barely lost any weight. I am doing the same things I was before when I was steadily losing weight. What am I doing wrong? Do you have any ideas for me? It sucks to be trying so hard but not see any results and I'm really starting to get discouraged.
First off, Don't get discouraged!!! Sometimes your body doesn't respond the way it did in the past, the way you think it should, or want it to! That's ok!
Perhaps your body has adjusted to what you were doing in the past, and you need to try some new things. After I ellipticalled for so long, the results weren't as good, so I switched to c25k, and jump started my weight loss. Are you doing strength training? Maybe that is something you can incorporate. Plyometrics are great at getting the metabolism going.
You might also want to look at your diet, has it changed much? Are you not as active as you were? You can be exercising the same, but the rest of your day might be more sedentary. I know in the winter, I am less likely to add the long walks with Pumpkin, which do add up! I also don't run 4-5 miles on the weekends, I stick to 30 minutes on the treadmill, that time adds up.
I would try some new workouts, pay close attention to your calorie intake, drink lots of water, and make sure you're eating all your friends and veggies!
If things don't change after that, you might want to talk to your doctor.
Ashley: In regards to the Shred did you start by doing Level 1 with 5lb weights or what? how long did you do level 1 before moving on to level 2?
When I started shredding, I used my 5lb. weights. I did 10 days at each level for the month of June. Now I alternate between levels 2 and 3 each day.
There have been questions about the shred, whether it should be done daily, etc. My point of view is this, though you should take days off when lifting weights, I don't look at the shred as lifting, it's just toning muscle, it's not as strenuous as a weight lifting session would be where you're really working to build muscle fast. So I don't have a problem shredding daily. Also, since I alternate between levels, I am using different muscles each day so it's not overly repetetive. Every few weeks, I'll take a day off from the shred, but I love doing it daily!
Is regular slow cook better then instant oatmeal (in other words, is the instant stuff just as bad as sugary kids cereal)?
You can buy plain instant oatmeal that has nothing added to it. Look for "Quick Cooking Oats" in a big container, or the plain kind. It will have no added sugar, and is MUCH healthier than sugary cereals. You really have to read the labels though, to see exactly what is added to the packets. That's why I like to add my own mix-ins, so I can control the sugar and calories.
Most of the times that can keep me satisfied from 8-12, sometimes I have to have a small snack around 10 or 10:30.
That's how it works for me, too. I eat my oatmeal around 7am, then I have a banana around 10, which keeps me from getting too hungry at lunch time!
As long as you keep your calories under control, and spread out a bit, I think you're doing just fine!
Melissa: Right now I am struggling with my own weight loss. I went hard-core from July through November of last year and lost 30 pounds. Then I took December off and gained back 10 of those thirty. Well now, in January, I have been back on track again but have barely lost any weight. I am doing the same things I was before when I was steadily losing weight. What am I doing wrong? Do you have any ideas for me? It sucks to be trying so hard but not see any results and I'm really starting to get discouraged.
First off, Don't get discouraged!!! Sometimes your body doesn't respond the way it did in the past, the way you think it should, or want it to! That's ok!
Perhaps your body has adjusted to what you were doing in the past, and you need to try some new things. After I ellipticalled for so long, the results weren't as good, so I switched to c25k, and jump started my weight loss. Are you doing strength training? Maybe that is something you can incorporate. Plyometrics are great at getting the metabolism going.
You might also want to look at your diet, has it changed much? Are you not as active as you were? You can be exercising the same, but the rest of your day might be more sedentary. I know in the winter, I am less likely to add the long walks with Pumpkin, which do add up! I also don't run 4-5 miles on the weekends, I stick to 30 minutes on the treadmill, that time adds up.
I would try some new workouts, pay close attention to your calorie intake, drink lots of water, and make sure you're eating all your friends and veggies!
If things don't change after that, you might want to talk to your doctor.
Ashley: In regards to the Shred did you start by doing Level 1 with 5lb weights or what? how long did you do level 1 before moving on to level 2?
When I started shredding, I used my 5lb. weights. I did 10 days at each level for the month of June. Now I alternate between levels 2 and 3 each day.
There have been questions about the shred, whether it should be done daily, etc. My point of view is this, though you should take days off when lifting weights, I don't look at the shred as lifting, it's just toning muscle, it's not as strenuous as a weight lifting session would be where you're really working to build muscle fast. So I don't have a problem shredding daily. Also, since I alternate between levels, I am using different muscles each day so it's not overly repetetive. Every few weeks, I'll take a day off from the shred, but I love doing it daily!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Bring it on, treadmill!
On Friday, I was doing my normal 30 minutes or torture on the treadmill. Only it wasn't as bad as normal. It seemed to be going faster!
Well I was thinking back to Bob and Joelle's arguement on Biggest Loser, and I remembered he was having his team run 30 second sprints at 6.5 mph. So I thought to myself, if these 300-400 lb. people are running at 6.5, I should too! Granted they were walking inbetween, and I was running at 6.0... but I created a little challenge for myself!
So I when I hit 25 minutes (5 to go) I kicked it up to 6.5, and it felt fine, so I kicked it up to 7.0 mph. It felt really good! My legs were really stretching out and I felt really good! I ran at 7.0 for 4 minutes, until I hit 3 miles, then the last minute I walked.
So take that, stupid treadmill!
:)
Really, it's the little things that make me happy :)
And also, over the weekend I completed levels 1 and 3 of the shred with my 8lb. weights. I almost made it through 2, but the squats at the end with the 8's were just not happening....
I'm so close though to completeing the whole series with my 8's!
Well I was thinking back to Bob and Joelle's arguement on Biggest Loser, and I remembered he was having his team run 30 second sprints at 6.5 mph. So I thought to myself, if these 300-400 lb. people are running at 6.5, I should too! Granted they were walking inbetween, and I was running at 6.0... but I created a little challenge for myself!
So I when I hit 25 minutes (5 to go) I kicked it up to 6.5, and it felt fine, so I kicked it up to 7.0 mph. It felt really good! My legs were really stretching out and I felt really good! I ran at 7.0 for 4 minutes, until I hit 3 miles, then the last minute I walked.
So take that, stupid treadmill!
:)
Really, it's the little things that make me happy :)
And also, over the weekend I completed levels 1 and 3 of the shred with my 8lb. weights. I almost made it through 2, but the squats at the end with the 8's were just not happening....
I'm so close though to completeing the whole series with my 8's!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
The Last 25 Workout Schedule
Working out has always been a struggle for me. It's so rewarding, yet so hard! I think diversification is key to overall good health, keeping all muscles working and moving. For my last 25 lbs., I want to focus on working out hard and long. Here is my current workout schedule for the next few months. However, the running amounts will change up a bit when I begin the 10k training program.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Run 3 miles, Shred Level 3, Walk/Run 1 mile with Pumpkin
Tuesday, Thursday: Swim, Shred Level 1, Walk/Run 1 mile with Pumpkin
Saturday: Run 3+ miles, Shred Level 2, Walk/Run 1 mile with Pumpkin, Bike 5 miles
Sunday: Swim, Shred Level 2, Walk/Run 1 mile with Pumpkin, 1 additional fitness activity as time allows*
Some additional fitness activities I like to do on Sunday with my husband are golf or play tennis.
Monday, August 4, 2008
30 Day Shred Update
Many people ask this question (including myself) what do you do when the 30 days is over? For those who shredded daily like me, you feel kind of lost when it's over!
My current workout plan is this:
Saturday and Sunday - Shred Level 2, Run 3 mi., Bike or Elliptical 30 min.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday - Shred Level 3
Tuesday, Thursday - Shred Level 1, Elliptical 45 min.
I absolutely love the shred, and I continue to do it for a few reasons
- I still get a great workout because now I do all of the moves the "bad-ass" way, the way Natalie does them, so I squat lower, push-up lower, get my high-knees higher, punch faster, etc. So when people ask does it get easier, I say yes and no, because I'm used to is and my muscles are getting stronger, however I push harder so it's still always hard
- It's still a quick, hard, and effective workout, and during the week I really don't want to put in a lot of time
- It's still the most convienient workout for me
For some people, a day of rest is necessary, for me, I feel as though only shredding on MWF gives me enough rest. Again, this is what works for me, your body might need rest, mine does best when I keep pushing!
My current workout plan is this:
Saturday and Sunday - Shred Level 2, Run 3 mi., Bike or Elliptical 30 min.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday - Shred Level 3
Tuesday, Thursday - Shred Level 1, Elliptical 45 min.
I absolutely love the shred, and I continue to do it for a few reasons
- I still get a great workout because now I do all of the moves the "bad-ass" way, the way Natalie does them, so I squat lower, push-up lower, get my high-knees higher, punch faster, etc. So when people ask does it get easier, I say yes and no, because I'm used to is and my muscles are getting stronger, however I push harder so it's still always hard
- It's still a quick, hard, and effective workout, and during the week I really don't want to put in a lot of time
- It's still the most convienient workout for me
For some people, a day of rest is necessary, for me, I feel as though only shredding on MWF gives me enough rest. Again, this is what works for me, your body might need rest, mine does best when I keep pushing!
Friday, July 18, 2008
30 Day Shred Review
Ahh, the 30 Day Shred! Lately it's been a hot topic. The reason? It kicks your butt, and really works!
The premise of the shred is this, the DVD is divided into 3 levels of workouts. Each workout is about 20 minutes, and is 3, 6 minute cycles. Each cycle contains 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of ab work.
For example, in workout 1:
3 minutes of strength - Pushups alternating with Squats and Arm Presses
2 minutes of cardio - Jumping Jacks and Butt Kicks
1 minute of abs - Crunches and Reverse Crunches
Jillian leads you to believe that she expects you to shred daily if you want the best results, so that is what I did. For the month of June, I did 10 days at each level. For the first week, I was so incredibly sore! Now keep in mind, I also run 2x per week and elliptical, so my muscles hadn't been dormant. If you're going from not working out at all to the 30 Day Shred, expect to be SORE!
I didn't want to quit though, and I didn't want to take any days off, I was committed, so I carried on and pushed through the pain. I made sure I stretched extra and took walks with Pumpkin (my dog), but it doesn't matter, you'll still be sore.
My advice: Work through it. It won't go away, if you take off a few days, you'll still be sore, so just keep going!
At the end of workout 1, I felt like ok, it's still a hard workout, but I can take more pain, so on June 10, I started workout 2. It is so much harder than workout 1! This time though, I wasn't sore, so that was a plus! Then on June 20, workout 3. I think it was much easier to go from 2 to 3 than from 1 to 2, but it's probably different for everyone.
So the results? I lost 7 pounds, however I'm sure I converted some more fat to muscle because I dropped a whole pants size and that usually takes me about 15 pounds.
I absolutely love this workout system because:
1. Jillian is SO motivational
2. It's very quick
3. You see results right away
4. You feel so much stronger
5. It's simple - no crazy steps to learn, it's all basic fitness moves and all you need are hand weights, I use 5 lbs.
I am currently integrating the shred daily with my other workouts, which I'll blog about later, but my current rotation is
M, TR, F - Level 3
T, W - Level 1
Sa & Su - Level 2
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