Shred + Gym =

lots of calories burned! I used my new handy dandy HRM today. I did Shred first and burned over 250 calories during the 20 minute Level 1 workout. I felt pretty good about that. I did make a goal for myself to burned at least 1000 calories a day doing exercise, so I still had a lot of work to do. I got myself to the Y and did 65 minutes on the elliptical and worked hard. I was sweaty and tired by the time that 65 minutes was over and when I looked at my calories burned count total I had burned 1005 calories. And the best thing... I didn't then ruin all that hard work by over-eating anything. I hada salad and a lean cuisine (I know! but I was too lazy to actually cook dinner tonight) and then for dessert I had 3 reduced fast Chips Ahoy with 1% milk. So yummy. So how has everyone elses day gone?

The Return of The Shred

I went back to Shred today. I did however, drop back down to Level 1 as I did not think I would survive Level 3. I barely survived Level 1! I foloowed natalie for the most part though. The only thing I could not was push ups. I did 3 regular push ups before I had to drop to my knees. When I first started Shred I could not even do 1 regular push up so I call that progress. lol

I went to dinner with my family tonight and had pasta. I ate a little less than 1/2 which was probably 1/4 too much, but since I do not do it that often I felt it was well worth it. I even gave the leftovers to my brother to take home so I would not be tempted to snack. I'm currently hungry, so I'd say it's a good thing I didn't let the leftovers come into my home!

Well, I'm here...

I have not done Shred since Thursday. Well that’s not exactly true I started Shred on Saturday but stopped at the 3rd circuit (Who does that? Me apparently) and I have not gone back to it since. My only excuse is that I am lazy. Except, not really because I still go to the gym, I just lost my motivation. I have Zumba tonight and then I’m going to attempt to get back into the Shred habit again.

There is nothing interesting going on in my life so I have not had the urge to blog. I’m still eating pretty well, so even though I have not been doing that extra 20 minutes of hard core exercise I’m sure I’ll continue to lose weight. If I go by history, this week will be a small loss because last week’s was a really good loss for me.

Anyway, I’m alive and kicking… not doing much except reading this:



And getting ready to read my Mother’s Day Gift:


My kid knows me well. And because I have been reading, I wonder if that might have anything to do with my inability to turn the DVD on at home? Hmmm, I started reading Turn Coat about the time I stopped doing Shred. I better hurry and read faster!

Day 15 - 30 Day Shred

I did Level 3 today! I just could not bring myself to do level 2 again. Level 3 is hard, but totally awesome. I started out following Natalie, but did end up having to follow Anita a bit and then modify a few moves (all the jumping stuff) because of my knees. But Wow! Level 3 has left me feeling good, so much better than level 2. So I think I'm sticking with Level 3 for the rest of the way.

... I'm halfway done!


I also went to the gym today, I'm working hard people! Of course, I do have to make up for the chili cheese hot dog and french fries I ate today. Breakfast and dinner were totally normal healthy food, but lunch was... well a chili cheese dog on french fries. At least I didn't add a coke to it.

Day 14 - 30 Day Shred

I completed Level 2 today. Does it ever get easier? I really do not like Level 2. I followed Natalie for everything but the rock star jumps and the plank jacks (I think that's what they are called) because my knee can not handle them. I sweat a lot during Level 2 but because I feel so lost during it, I have yet to fell like I have accomplished anything. Level 1 was far more satisfying for me. There is really not much more to say about Level 2... except that I only have to do it 5 more times and I can move on to Level 3.

Day12 - 30 Day Shred

Can I just take a moment to tell you how much I do not love Level 2 of Shred? I feel completely out of my element with many of the moves, and it has been leaving my exhausted. All of which I know is a good thing, but I really really hate feeling incompetent, and that's where I am right now with level 2. About the only thing I can say right now about Shred is that I know I'm building muscle and burning fat because I feel lightger on my feet and my arms are sore and tired. I think I should be sleeping well tonight.

Currently watching Nathan Fillion in Castle. He is hot and funny. Yum!

Day 11 - 30 Day Shred

Just a quick note to say I did Level 2 today and it kicked my ass big time. Level 2 really is a lot harder than level 1. I am going to be sticking to level 2 though, no going back to level 1 now. I want to see what Level 2 does to my measurements after 10 days.

Shred is about the only thing I accomplished today. I have been lazy ever since. I get so much more done during the week...

Contest Winner!!!!!

And the winner of is: Just Me!

Congratulations! Please check your email.

Day 10 - 30 Day Shred

I may not have done Day 9, but I did not forget to do Day 10. My very last day for Level 1. I've decided tomorrow I'm going to brave Level 2 and keep working on it until I figure out how to do it wihtout knee pain. And since it is Day 10, I thought I would post my measurements from Day 1 and Day 10, so there is a written record of the changes that Shred has done for my body.

Day 1
Chest: 43 1/2 inch
Waist: 37 inch
Hips: 47 1/2 inch
Calf: 17 inch
Thigh: 26 inch

Day 10
Chest: 42 1/4 inch
Waist: 35 1/2 inch
Hips: 46 inch
Calf: 17 inch
Thigh: 24 inch

Loss:
Chest: 1 1/4 inch
Waist: 1 1/2 inch
Hips: 1 1/2 inch
Calf: No Change
Thigh: 2 inch


So that's pretty damn good. Only 20 more days to go. I wonder where I will end up when it's all over. I think these are pretty awesome results and speaks to just what 30 Day Shred does to your body.

Day 9 - 30 Day Shred

Did not happen. But it may hapen later tonight. I'm being lazy. That is all.

P.S. Remember today is the last day to enter my contest for your chance to win your very own copy of 30 Day Shred. Winner will be announced tomorrow.

Day 8 - 30 Day Shred

I almost didn't get to Shred today. This morning I actually talked myself out of waking up to do Shred because I had done Zumba and Shred yesterday, so why did I really need to get up to do it again this morning. So I slept in and told mhyself I could take the day off.

I felt pretty guilty about though, so when I got home I told the kid that I was turning Shred on and she could stay and do it with me or she could go to her room and chill there while I got it done. She of course went to her room, no way was she going to work out unless it affected her PE grade at school. I decided to go back to Level 1 because my knee is really bothering me and I knew I would not be able to do the mountain climbers or the walking plank move, so I didn't think I'd really get the benefit of level 2. I'm going to stay at level 1 for a couple more days before attempting level 2 again.

I decided to take the day off from the gym though, so all I have to do tonight is cook dinner, do at least 2 loads of wash, vacuum, and watch Grey's Anatomy. Currently watching Kirstie Alley on Oprah.


If you have not entered my contest for a chance to win a copy of 30 Day Shred for your very own, please enter by midnight on May 1st, 2009.

Day 7 - 30 Day Shred

Day 7 = success! Sort of. I decided to go ahead and try Level 2. It's a lot harder than Level 1. About 5 seconds into the first strength move I was wondering what I'd gotten myself into and then I heard my cat moan and proceed to hack a hairball up on my carpet. *sigh* So gross! So Shred had to wait a minute and then I got started up really wondered if I should go back down to 1. I didn't and I got through it, a lot clumsy and with pain. I had to follow Anita because of knee issues in my right knee so many of the moves were a bad idea for me. I pretty much thought this on Day 1 of Shred at Level 1 so I will get over it and build my strength. It's always hard when you do something new.

I actually can't believe I've done Shred for a week now. I'm pretty proud of myself.

Day 6 - 30 Day Shred

= Fail. I was slept in this morning rather than getting up to do Shred. I think I was able to justify not doing Shred today because I have an Abs class and Zumba tonight, so I’m going to be getting a lot of exercise in tonight. And I was tired and I wanted to stay warm this morning. One thing I have noticed is that I have had a difficult time waking up today. I keep yawning and I’m just feeling tired. First time I’ve felt like this since starting Shred, so maybe there is something to this exercise in the morning thing.

Oh, and instead of having my veggie omelet today I had oatmeal... I wonder if that pklayed a part in my lethargy today???

Day 5 – 30 Day Shred

I started my day off just as early as my previous work days while Shredding… 4:30 AM. Yes, only crazy people get up that early in the morning. I turned Shred on, still at level 1 and… I felt stronger and more able to follow Natalie instead of Anita in everything except the butt kicks. But now that I have better stamina, I’ve figured out I can’t actually kick my own butt because my thighs are still too large (and I have a bad knee that hampers my ability too). So I follow Anita for those. After 5 days of doing level 1 I do feel like I’m getting bored, I’m one step ahead of the next exercise that’s going to start, so I think I’m going to try level 2 tomorrow instead of level 1. Will report back tomorrow on how that went.

If you want to try Shred check out my contest for a chance to win a copy of 30 Day Shred for your very own.

Day 4 30 Day Shred

I was up bright and early this morning and not nearly as sore as I have been. I could walk and everything! I turned Shred on almost right away so I could get it over with, hop in the shower, and then head to church. I used the 5 lb weights today for eveything but the side lunges/arm raises, my arms are just not strong enough to complete the move the entire time with 5 lb weights. I continue to sweat profusely during this 20 minute workout.

The most interesting thing I noticed this morning (besides feeling stronger already!) was that my waist looked smaller. Seriously, it looked smaller to me so I brought out the measuring tape and I was right! I've lost an 1 1/2 inches in 4 freaking days. Now, I'm going to admit just how bad my waistline has been. When I started this journey last July my waist was 42 inches. 4 days ago my waist measurement was 37 inches. This morning my waist measurement read 35 1/2 inches. I'm really exicted about this result and am totally staying with the Shred for the whole time, just to see how good my results can be. I think the bicycle crunches are the reason why my waist has transformed the way it has so far.

Anyway, I think I've had some really good results so far. If you have not tried the 30 Day Shred yet and want to, enter my contest for a chance to win a copy of it.

My first Giveaway!

I'm so pleased with my adventures with 30 Day Shred that I'm feeling like I need to share it with others. I'm going to giveaway a copy to one lucky reader. Here is all you need to do to for a chance to win. You can do one or all:

1) Comment on this blog

2) Tweet about the contest on Twitter come back and let me know you tweeted it and you'll get another entry.

3) Follow this blog. Be sure to let me know you are following or are a follower of the blog for another entry

I will accept entries until Friday May 1, 2009 at Midnight PST and announce the winner on Saturday, May 2. Contest is open to US and Canadian residents only. (I don't want to forget about our friends to the North)


***Update*** If you do not have a twitter you can also blog about it on your blog for another chance to win.

Day 3 - 30 Day Shred

It is now Noon on Saturday and I've just completed Day 3 of Shred. i decided to use 5 lb weights today and about 1/2 way through I had to stop and switch to the 3 lb weights. I'll try again tomorrow and hopefully I will continue to get stronger and can move up to heavier weights before the end of the first 30 days.

I'm still sore but the moves do appear to get easier, maybe because I'm expecting the changes now so I know I need to push a little harder and mvoe a little quicker to keep up with Jillian... well Anita anyway, I'm not quite ready to follow Natalie but I think I will be before the end. The butt kicks are still beyond me, but I moved a little more during that 30 seconds of time, so yay me. I can not believe how much sweat pours off of me during this workout. Obviously I have not been working myself as hard as I can be at the gym. The only night I sweat this much is Zumba and that isbecause I have someone there telling me I can do it and I believe her. So maybe I need to rethink this personal trainer thing. I always said I couldn't afford it and why would I pay someone to tell me what to do? Now I'm beginning to think it might just do me some good to do it for a short while. I did get some back from taxes, so maybe I need to use a little of it to help me get healthier and stronger.

Anyway, Day 3 is done. Only 27 more to go.

Day 2 – 30 Day Shred

I only hit the snooze button once this morning. The 2nd time it went off instead of hitting snooze I turned the alarm off (which could have been a huge disaster!). I debated with myself for about 30 seconds about leaving the comfort of my warm bed to do Shred. I actually talked my self out of the extra sleep because it was only 30 extra minutes. Seriously people, only 30 extra minutes. 30 minutes is like another 8 hours when you are the type who really enjoys sleeping. *sigh*

I got my ass out of bed and about cried because my calved and thighs were so sore (I could barely walk). At this point, I really tried to convince myself to get back in bed and hide. I’m sure I would have if I hadn’t already turned the alarm off! My subconscious totally knows me! I turned on Jillian to Level 1 and started to 20 minutes of hell. I didn’t half-ass it either. The only move I can not do, and I’m not sure why, is the kicking my feet up to my butt. Actually, I could barely pick me feet off of the floor because of soreness, but even yesterday I had difficulty doing it. I’m pretty heavy in the legs so maybe that’s why? Otherwise I did pretty well. I only used 3 lb weights, I think tomorrow I will bring out the 5 lb weights and if those still feel too light then I’m about to make a purchase for heavier hand weights (okay, so I should probably have had 10 lb weights already but I have always been pretty lazy and whiny about things being too heavy. I’m working on that)

Day 2 is accomplished and I feeling pretty good about myself. I’m sore as all get out, but I just keep saying it’s only for 30 days. Tonight I am heading over to the gym to put in 60 minutes on the elliptical. I’ve done really well with exercise and food this week. I’ve also not had soda this week, which is a total miracle because I do love Coca Cola, the real stuff, not a diet soda fan. I’m a little worried about the weigh in because I’m a scale junkie and get on every morning and the numbers are not reflecting my effort. I know it will reflect it eventually but I was really hoping to lose all the weight I’d gain last week and then some. It’s still in the realm of possibility, I stated before how my body has a habit of holding excess water. I am consistently diagnosed with Edema and take a water pill daily (HCTZ 25 mg) So, I’m totally going to see a loss, I just don’t know how much of one I’m going to get this week. Have a happy Friday all! Yay, it’s Friday!

Day 1 – 30 Day Shred

I was supposed to start Day 1 yesterday, but sleeping through the alarm clock for 40 minutes threw that right out the window. So my plan was to start this morning on Day 1.
• Alarm clock going off at 4:20 am? Check
• Hit snooze twice? Check
• After hitting snooze 2nd time, actually look at time and notice it is 4:38 and just enough time allotted to do 20 minute Shred workout and still be able to take shower, make lunches and get to work on time. Check
• Roll out of bed… even though don’t want to? Check!
• Turn DVD on and think smugly… I can totally rock this out and not feel it because I’ve been working out for 10 months? Check
• After 3 minutes of doing what Jillian tells me to… start thinking how much I hate her and maybe want to cry just a little? Definitely Check.
• Finish 30 Day Shred and vow never to do it again? Check (I’m kidding I’m going to get up again tomorrow!)

Wow, for just 20 minutes Shred really kicks your ass. I can’t believe how tired I was and how my calves and thighs feel sore already. I could not kick my heels up to my ass, not because I can’t do it, but because I didn’t want my daughter running out of her room swearing we’d just had an earthquake! Anyway, I’m glad I got through Day 1… only 29 more to go.

Another On Program Day

Another day finished and another day back in control. It helps so much to have groceries in the house. It has made a huge difference in my fod choices and my desire to eat healthy. I feel strong and healthy this week!

I am now on day 3 of gym going. Tonight, of course, was Abs and Zumba! Still so excited to go to class every week. It's how I know it's where I still belong.


I watched tongiht's Biggest Loser and was very sad to see Kristin go. I really hoped she would win it. She will do awesome in real life though so ultimately that's all that matters. Currently watching the Blues in OT. Please let the playoof dream continue. The boys need to win at least one. Go Blues!

One last thing, I broke down and bought 30 Day Shred. Day 1 starts tomorrow!