Project MILF: 30 Day Shred {Part 3}



 

Well folks.

I did it.

I completed Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred.

And I lived to tell about it!

So many people told me how much they loved level 2

How it was their favorite level.

While in the thick of  it, I couldn't for the life of me figure out why.

All those plank moves.  And that third strength circuit just about killed me.

Well then I moved onto level 3.

{womp womp}

Kind of a let down.

There was much more focus on strength and a little less on cardio.  I was so used to practically dying and being sweaty and out of breath by the end that this last level didn't feel like as much of a workout.  I'm not sure if level 3 seemed so easy because I was stronger, or it really was just a step down.  I think it was a combination of both.  Either way, I finally understood the level 2 love!

Now for my confession.

I weigh pretty much the exact same thing. The first two weeks I stayed the same. The next week I had a big loss only to follow it up by gaining it all back the next week putting me right back where I'd started. To say I was pissed would be the understatement of the century.  For over a year I consistently lost weight doing nothing but changing my eating habits.  I finally start working out hoping to watch those last few pounds just fall off putting me at goal and instead I lose nothing for 30 days??  I busted my ass for weeks and the scale did nothing??  I was doubting the program and for the first time in 14 months wanted to quit and just be done.  I was feeling pretty defeated.

Not to mention all this intense working out flared up the bulging disc in my lower back.  {I know, I'm an old lady}

By Day 25 I couldn't do one more day without potentially injuring myself further.

So I took 2 days off to rest and recoop.  Both physically and mentally.  I needed a break.

Honestly?  I thought rest was an important part of working out and was always a little shocked they didn't build any off days into the program.  Then again, I'm no trainer, what do I know.  But I was smart enough to listen to my body and say enough.  Besides, 28 days out of 30 is nothing to be ashamed of!  And I'm pretty pleased with the results!  Further proof that just because the scale isn't moving, your body is still changing! 

 Not to shabby for 30 days if I do say so myself!

Am I "shredded?"  No.

Do I have a 6 pack or big guns?  No.

But the wasn't the point for me.

I wanted to get into a regular workout routine and start toning some of my trouble spots.

Mission definitely accomplished!

Now if only I could figure out to get rid of those dimples on my ass.

Damn cellulite.

So what's next?

I've definitely caught the workout bug!

Finally!  Only took 14 months!

I have THREE more Jillian DVDs on the way and I can't wait to try them out.

One is similar to the Shred, quick 20ish minute workouts perfect for days I work or am short on time.

The other two are longer and I'm looking forward to building up some endurance.

I'm not going to go all balls to the wall and workout so many consecutive days.  My body needs a little rest thrown in.  So does my sanity.

Andplusalso?  When the weather finally warms up I'm going to start the couch to 5K program.  I never pegged myself as a runner, but I at least want to give it a try. See what I think.

In the meantime, I'm going to pray mother nature gets with the program so maybe I can rock that swimsuit somewhere other than my bathroom!

TGI{almost}F

Project MILF: 30 Day Shred {Part 2}

Has it already been another 10 days??
This is flying by!
As of Sunday I'm 2/3 through my 30 Day Shred Challenge!
Can I get a hell yeah?!
{chest bump}
Level two was no joke.
Jillian does NOT mess around.
I remember being so excited to be done with level one and those stupid bicycle crunches.
LOL.  Jokes on me.
The first day I did level 2 I spent a good portion of it just starting at the screen with my mouth open.
You want me to do what?!?
During one of the ab moves, I actually CHOSE to do the bicycle crunches instead of the torture move she was suggesting.
As the days went on though, just like with level one, I found the moves easier and easier.
By day 10 I could {almost} make it entirely through the workout with out any pauses.
Those stupid plank jacks at the end got me every time.
I felt like this level got my heart rate up alot more than level one.
I was usually pouring sweat and gasping for breath by the end.
Good news is?  My muscles weren't jelly and sore for days this go around.
Probably means I need to step up from my wimpy 2lb weights!
Here's how things are shaping up after day 20:

I haven't noticed as drastic as a difference body wise between Day 10 and Day 20 as I did in the first 10 days..
Oddly enough, I actually had a {very slight} gain during level one when I saw more inches lost.  By the end of level 2 however, I had finally broken through my 2 week plateau with an almost 4 lb loss and hit my 100 pound mark!  Just proves that even though the scale isn't budging your body can totally be changing!  So don't get discouraged and stick with it!
Bring on level three!!
 

Project MILF: 30 Day Shred {Part 1}

I've made it no secret that in the last 14 months of doing WW I've done very little working out.

And by little, I mean practically none.

This fall I started walking for 20 minutes on my lunch break clocking in just over a mile, but once the cold set in I stopped.

Other than that, I've managed to lose basically 100 pounds solely by watching what I eat.

The last time I had anything that remotely resembled a regular workout routine was before I met my husband.  In a few weeks we will have been together for seven years.

So yep.  It's basically been seven years since I seriously worked out.

Why am I telling you all this?

Because I want you to know that if I can do this....anyone can.

 

Forever ago I received the infamous 30 Day Shred DVD.

It's sat in it's original packaging ever since.

Until last week when I decided it was time.

Time to start moving.

I was finally ready.

Just like when I started this whole weight loss journey, I knew that I couldn't force myself to do it.  I had to want it bad enough to be successful.

I've reached the point now where I know I don't have much weight left to lose but I'm still not happy with the way things look.  Saggy here.  Loose skin there.  It's kind of a hot mess.  At this point, the only way to change it, is to lose inches and tone things up the old fashioned way.

So for the past 10 days, I've let Jillian Michael's kick my butt.

And this is where I post pictures of myself....in a swimsuit....for all the interwebz to see.

Shit's about to get real.

{hold me}

 I'm pretty amazed at the changes that have happened in just this first week and a half.

It may not be drastic. 

Hell it may not even be noticeable to any of you.

But I can see it.

I can already tell a difference in my clothes.

And considering last week I actually gained 0.4 pounds, I know it's isn't from a big weight drop.

{Though dammit I'm gonna be pissed if I don't hit 100 lbs lost tonight!!}

 

The first few days were tough.

I did the modified version of everything.
And even then couldn't always make it through an entire set.

I'm only using 2 lb weights.
And was still dying.

My arms felt like jello and my legs hurt for days.

But I pushed through and each day got a little easier.

By about day 6 or 7 I noticed I was doing the more advanced moves and my endurance had definitely picked up.

My muscles didn't ache for days and dare I say, I actually enjoyed it.

And looked forward to it??

Who am I??

I'm finally done with level 1 and ready to kick some ass in level 2.

Where hopefully there will be no more bicycle crunches!!

See you all in 10 more days!