30 day shred, day 12: tyly.

Still hard.  Level 2 is definitely still hard.  It wasn't as bad as yesterday, but that's only because I had an idea of what to expect.  I am able to complete it, but I definitely have to slow down in some parts.  I'm hoping to be able to do it full out by day 10, but we'll see.  It's tough!

day 45/shred #6: cassandra

I worked out tonight mainly to get rid of a major headache. And it worked!

I had lots more energy tonight - probably because I got some good sleep last night!

27 minutes
216 calories

Feeling good!

30 day shred, day 11: tyly.

Thank you Jillian for putting me right back in my place.

Just when I was starting to feel moderately in shape, I hit "play" and started level 2.  Oh-my-gosh.  She totally kicked my ass.  I was getting really frustrated and cranky doing it, because I kept thinking, "This shouldn't be so hard for me!!!"  Ah!  I feel like a beginner all over again.  Actually I don't even know if day 1 was this difficult.  I can't remember.  Anyway, it will definitely take a few days before I feel proud of myself while doing level 2.  I guess it's a good thing, right?  You have to challenge yourself in order to see change.  You're supposed to feel like dying.  Right?  Right?

the ultimate challenge.

I'm doing it!  I'm training for this.  A half marathon (13.1 miles).  And by broadcasting it, I am forcing myself to be accountable.  I can't let myself (or anyone else) down!

I'm in a place right now where I am feeling very powerful and uplifted.  I need to do this.  I can't look back 10 years from now and regret not pushing myself to do all that I can do.  I am in the best shape of my life, and it can only get better from here.  I have never been a runner, so this is the absolute ultimate challenge for me.  5Ks (3.1 miles) aren't easy for me, and I'm going to add another 10 miles to it?!  Yes.  Yes I am.

I've been looking at this, this and this training schedule.  I am going to finish out The Shred, and as soon as that's done, it's go time.

tuesday run: emily

I miss posting and I want to start posting my runs!! So, you will have to put up with me again.

Tonight I just did a 22-minute run with a 5-minute warm up walk. It was getting close to dark and I don't like to be out when it gets dark. The run went great, but I really don't like running around our current place. It's not runner/walker friendly and sidewalks are hard to come by. In a week and half, we are moving to our new house, and there is a jogging path in the neighborhood. I'm so excited and can't wait to go for a run there!

My current goal is to go for a 20-30 minute run all but one of day of the week. That's a lofty goal because right now I do 3-4 times a week. But I feel so good after a run, and I've lost 5 pounds since I started running! If I run more, I can lose more. Right? :)

day 44/shred #5: cassandra

Didn't wanna workout today since I only got 3 hours of sleep last night and have been dead on my feet all day...but I did! And I feel good!

27 minutes
207 calories

Oh, and huge news! I lost a pound since last week AND my body fat % is continuing to go down and down (which is ultimately what matter most to me!) YES!

I heart Jillian Michaels.

30 day shred, day 10: tyly.

Level one is d-o-n-e!!!

I'm really nervous and excited about level 2 tomorrow!  

Bring it on, Jillian.

temporarily insane: tyly.

That must be it.

That's the only logical explanation as to why I'd even consider this.

day 43/shred #4: cassandra

I did it! Woohoo!

I've noticed that my endurance is getting a lot better. I don't have to stop and breathe as many times as I did before. Haha!

My calves are still aching on the cardio parts. No clue what's going on there, but I push through it.

Summary:
27 mins
226 calories

P.S. I started tanning today so hopefully that will help in the looks department. Tanned fat is better than white fat, I say!

P.P.S. I hope the scale/BMI is kind tomorrow! Oh, and if anyone else wants to add their weekly weigh-ins on the sidebar, just let me know!

30 day shred, day 9: tyly.

Only one more day of level 1!  I haven't quite figured out if that's a good or bad thing, because I have no idea what's in store!  

I am truly loving this.  I love the quick results, and I love that I don't have to devote my entire evening to it.  It's nice to get home, have a snack, change, shred, and be done with all of that before 5.

need to shred.

Will Shred.

Miss Shredding.

I took a rest day yesterday, but it's back on like Donkey Kong (or something) when I get home from work tonight.

I am LOVING The Shred so far! I can't wait to see what the scale/BMI says tomorrow. I have a feeling there's something good in store because I put on some jeans this morning (that are normally kinda tight) and guess what? They fit like a glove! This may be because they haven't been washed in a while so they're broken in...but...whatever. ;)

If you don't see a Shred post by like 9 pm tonight, email me and tell me to get off my lazy arse!

30 day shred, day 8: tyly.

Only 2 more days of level 1!

I am genuinely loving this.  I love that I can see and feel a difference, and I love that it's going to get progressively more challenging.

Good for all us shredders!

Texas Round Up 5K: emily

I ran my first 5K this morning! I had a great time, even though I had some minor issues and even though it was so FREAKING humid!! I posted about it on my blog, so you can read all about it there.

Here's a picture of me and my friends Karen and Jordan, who also ran.


I am a slow, SLOW runner, so I finished at about 34 minutes, but I'm fine with that. I walked a hill because I was getting very winded. So, my goal is to do another 5K in the future and eventually get to running the entire time.

The great thing is that a year ago I did this 5K and almost walked the whole thing. A year later to run practically the entire time? Kick butt!!

day 42/shred #3: cassandra

I feel on top of the world!

Working out is such a mental thing. I did NOT want to do it today but then I went to Walmart to cask some checks and I picked up this new book, "Hungry Girl 200 under 200: 200 Recipes Under 200 Calories."

I still wasn't motivated to work out but then I got through the checkout line and saw another spouse in our squadron holding hands with her husband. He had JUST gotten home from Iraq last week. And as much as my heart ached to see them together, it made me happy. After all, they both did their time. He had been gone since the week before Christmas.

And for some unknown reason, this inspired me to workout! What?! I guess I just figured, "You know what? I could sit on the couch and feel sorry for myself and keep eating crap and keep getting bigger and lazier, or I could do something about it!" Seeing them holding hands and being happy made me want to make myself better. Plus, I want to look HOT for when Aaron does come home. Like I said, it's all mental.

Summary:
27 minutes
230 calories
Shred

10 mins
100 calories
Dancing in my garage to music that makes me happy

My calves are still hurting like crazy on the jumping jacks, butt kicks, and jump rope, but I fought through the pain. I don't know how long this high is going to last, but I feel good right now. And I needed this boost. So thank you everyone. You guys are keeping me accountable and I couldn't feel more happy with myself right now.

Oh, and is it crazy to think I am already seeing some slight results after only 3 days?? That's probably in my head, huh?

30 day shred, day 7: tyly.

I really wish I could workout in the morning every day!!  I love getting it done and having the rest of the day to do as I please.  Plus, the weather was perfect during my walk with Max!

Along with The Shred, I have still been walking Max every day.  I'm happy to announce he has lost almost 5 pounds!!  :-)  He needed to lose some weight, so I'm really happy that both of us are reaping the benefits of healthy activities!

I find it funny that I have woken up with different sore muscles every day.  I have been doing the exact same workout, yet my muscles are all taking turns being sore.  At least they aren't all sore at once!  It's the perfect soreness, though.  Just enough to let me know I'm getting stronger without being completely uncomfortable.  

My endurance is definitely improving.  From day 1 I've never had to stop during the workout, but I'm finding it much easier to complete now.  My push ups are faster and easier, my jumping jacks and jumping rope are at a much faster pace, and I actually kick my butt during butt kicks, rather than just jogging in place.  I'm excited to see what level 2 has in store for me!

30 day shred, day 6: tyly.

Only 4 more days of level 1!  I'm ready to change it up and give level 2 a try.  I have this workout memorized now and roll my eyes every time Jillian says, "I can always use a good chest fly in my life!"  I don't know why that little phrase annoys me when she says it, but it does.  I also hate when she's complimenting that one girl's abs and she's says, "I wish I had abs like these!"  Um, Jillian, take a look in the mirror!  

Despite my griping, I am really glad I started this, and I WILL see it through.  I love that I can get a great workout in such a short amount of time!  There's never a good excuse to not do it, and I really think it's going to make a difference.  My arms are already looking better!

day 41/shred #2: cassandra

Day 2 complete!

27 mins, 219 calories

I'll admit I was being a show-off yesterday and was able to burn way more calories than today. I was tired the whole time today and my calves are doing that weird thing that they were doing at the beginning of the year. Needless to say, the jumping jacks/jump rope was KILLING ME!

I wasn't sore at all yesterday, but I woke up this morning with soreness in my shoulders and pecs. It's a good thing - those muscles hardly ever get worked on.

The best thing about these workouts is that they are over in no time. Let's stick with it!

30 day shred, day 5: tyly.

Yay!  I'm 1/6th done.  Haha.

I have decided that I'm going to go ahead and stick to my original plan of 10/10/10.  I really think I could handle moving on, but I don't want to be stuck doing the same level 2 or 3 workout for 15+ days because I moved on too quick.  Besides, it's not as though doing the level 1 workout for 5 more days is going to be bad for me.

The last circuit's anterior arm raises with the side lunge kills my wimpy shoulders.  What exercise do you find hardest?  That's definitely the toughest one for me.  The easiest would be the chest flies.  What about you other shredders?  Thoughts?

  

day 40/shred #1: cassandra

I did it! I got off my butt and worked out. I needed to cleanse. I feel so much better.

I am starting the 30 Day Shred with y'all. I took before pictures this morning...I almost threw up in my mouth a little. That got me super motivated!

The Shred is a lot harder than it looks! WOW! I was sweating like an oinker!

Summary:
27 mins
253 calories

I feel good, though. I'm ready to "hit it" tomorrow (as Jillian would say). This program better work! I'm tired of looking and feeling this way!!!!!

on board: cassandra

I bought The Shred today. You guys inspired me.

I'm thinking about starting it tomorrow. I've been a slug these last three days. I guess I'm just in "blah mood" here lately. I'll get over it.

But yeah, I'm on board. I'll do it with you. Hopefully starting tomorrow :)

30 day shred, day 4: tyly.

After far too much cookie cake today, I really pushed it!  

Cookie cake debacle aside, I don't want to just complete this; I want to push myself and make the most of it.  Sure, I can do all 30 days while taking it easy, but the only person I'd be hurting is myself.  I want to be able to see and feel a difference after the 30 days!

Today I made sure my knee touched the floor during every static lunge, I was deep in every squat, I pushed for extra push-ups, etc.  I really challenged myself, and I'm proud.  My legs hurt more now than they did after day 2, but I know it's because I have been pushing myself more and more each time.  I am going to do level 1 again tomorrow, but I may switch to level 2 on Friday.  If I don't switch on day 5, then I won't do it until day 10.  I'm just weird like that!

I love that the workout is so short, because no matter what circuit you're on, you can always tell yourself, "It's almost over!"  Haha.  :-)

30 day shred, day 3: Sara

I had to cut it short today, unfortunately. The kid woke up. I'm still super sore, so I wasn't too sad about it. (o: Hopefully tomorrow I'll finish the whole thing. I'll try and take the dogs on a long walk tonight if I can. (Poor dogs, hardly any walks since Benji came onto the scene.)

I'm Alive...kinda: Kelly

I just wanted to let all of you hard-working, hot ladies know that I'm still alive and keeping up with your accomplishments as they happen! Way to go and keep up the good work! :)

I would say that I am willing to join in with ya, but right now I'm just trying my best to eat something during the day. Just in case you don't know, I don't have an eating disorder or anything, I'm just pregnant. Ha. Morning/day sickness is absolutely getting the best of me and it's quite frustrating. So, my biggest goals lately have been trying to eat something worthwhile and keep it down. I LOVE food, but lately, I loathe it...for fear it's going to resurface itself (in an ugly way). One day (hopefully soon) I'll get to feeling strong and good enough to work out again, cuz even preggo ladies should have good fitness!

I'm so proud of you guys! And welcome to the group Sara! :)

30 day shred, day 2: Sara

I didn't get to work out until about 6:30 tonight, since Benji didn't nap this morning. Or at all really. So I came very close to not doing it, for all the regular excuses. Tired, hungry, I just don't want to. But I did it (partly because I knew I would be held accountable here!), and I am SO glad I did. I am very sore from yesterday, but as I worked out my muscles warmed up, and I did more than I did yesterday! I couldn't believe it. I just pushed myself. (Perhaps it's because I had to work out in our bedroom today and had to watch the baby fat jiggle in the mirror. Seriously, I cannot WAIT until I get rid of the rest of that belly.)

Unlike buff Tyly, I think I'll definitely stick with Level 1 for 10 days, and maybe a few more days depending on how I'm doing. So sad. I used to do Turbo Jam (kickboxing) like nobody's business. Ah, well, I'll get back to that level!

30 day shred, day 3: tyly.

I'm really glad I told you all my plan to "shred" for 30 days, because I sure didn't want to today! Day 3, and I'm already wussing out?! Yikes. It's not that it's too hard -- I was just being a bum. But lucky for me, I have all of you to keep me accountable!

I popped in the trusty dvd, and I'm glad I did. I still have the same amount of soreness, but I noticed that *gasp* it wasn't as hard this time! It actually left me wondering if I need to do level 1 for 7 more days. I guess I'll give it a couple more days, and if I don't feel challenged enough, I'll bump it up to level 2. Don't get me wrong; it's no cake walk, but I think my body is adjusting to it.

Like my MySpace and Facebook statuses say: I'm only 27 days away from having a body like Jillian Michaels! HA! :-)

blah!

NO change in weight this week! None! Which is kind of crazy because I was weighing 150 all week until this morning (yes, I cheated and checked).

What gives?!

Perhaps I can't afford a high-calorie day? This is so frustrating!

I'll check my body fat % this evening, since it's totally unreliable in the morning.

To say I'm frustrated is an understatement. Hopefully I'm just building muscle. At least that's what I'm going to tell myself. I HAVE been eating a lot of protein...and I did have a pretty stressful/emotional week.

ANNOYING!

Checking in: Emily

Hey ladies!! It's so great to see you all keeping up with your workouts (and welcome, Sara!).

I've been sticking with my running and I feel great! I completed the Couch to 5K plan and the Texas Round Up 5K is this Saturday. Where does the time go?? I will be ready after I get a few more runs in this week. My last two runs (this week and the ONE I did last week--sad) were rough. Even though I've run for 30 minutes straight before, today I just got so tired and hot and had to walk. I don't think I was hydrated enough.

So, I'm going to run every day this week and get myself nice and ready to run the full time on Saturday. I don't care about my time.

I love being a runner, if I can call myself that. Our new neighborhood will have a running path and I'm so excited! I dream of summer runs in the hot sun, followed by a jump in our community pool.

Keep it up, everyone!

30 day shred, day 2: tyly.

As anticipated, I was a tiny bit sore today. Not sore enough to be uncomfortable, but sore enough to know I worked muscles I don't normally work.

I had a lot to do after school, so after I finished all that, I popped in the dvd. The soreness kicked in a little more, and for the first few minutes I had a harder time than I did yesterday. I think my body was in a state of shock, because I haven't done a tough workout for consecutive days in longer than I'd like to admit. I'm active every day, but I don't take the time to do an actual workout (other than walking the dog 3 miles, but I don't count that). Anyway, after I made it through the initial few minutes, the rest went fairly quickly. There are certain movements that are way harder than others, and I look forward to the ab part when I get to lay on the floor! :-)

30 day shred day 1: sara

I want to die.

And Tyly is right. The jiggle is more than enough motivation. I'm working out in my living room, with no mirror, from now on!

I did have to take a couple of short breaks, mainly because I didn't drink enough water and was lightheaded, but that's all. If I don't see major results after 30 days, I'll be shocked.

I LOVE that this workout is 20 minutes, because sometimes I don't even have that much time with the baby. I think I'll be able to do this every day during his morning nap, unless he's having an off day. On those days I'll put him on a play mat and do the elliptical walker and get back to the shred the next day. I feel so good!!

30 day shred, day 1: tyly.

1 day down, 29 to go!

I'll be surprised if I'm not sore tomorrow, because my arms feel a bit like jello.

It was pretty hard, but not too hard for me to do the entire thing. It was tough enough to scare me about levels 2 and 3, though!

My plan is to do level 1 for 10 days, level 2 for 10 days, then finish with level 3 for 10 days. Anyone else heard of doing it any other way? I'm open to suggestions. I found it motivating to do the workout in my sports bra and shorts. I look good standing still, but when it's time for jumping rope or jumping jacks... uh-oh. The jiggle is great motivation!!!

I really want to try some of the Dancing with the Stars dance dvds. I'm committed to completing The 30 Day Shred, but after that, I'm really wanting to sexy-dance myself into shape! Those ladies are hot! :-)

day 39: cassandra

Well, I did it. I got off the couch, turned the TV off, and went to the gym. My saving grace today was the 2pm class. Otherwise, I would have remained sedentary.

Summary:
51 minutes
441 calories
Cardio Combo Class

We did a circuit workout -- and it sucked! I was so dang tired! I think it was because yesterday was my "high calorie" day and I was sweating out all that guacamole and tequila...haha.

Oh well, at least it's over. I feel so much better, too. I had a splitting headache all morning/afternoon and half the reason I went to this class was in hopes that it would go away -- and it did!

Now I'm drinking my muscle milk, which is delicious by the way, and have the rest of the day to relax. *Insert pat on the back, please*

bcaa stack and muscle milk: cassandra

I am adding these supplements to my workout routine. I'm pretty excited. I am also talking a multi-vitamin each day along with fiber pills - they work, by the way.

I am going to drink the BCAA Stack while I workout and then have a Muscle Milk after the workout. Yay for muscles!

Who have I become!?

Now if only I could muster enough motivation to actually work out today...I'm so sluggish today!

Anyone wanna share your opinion on working out while you're on your period? TMI? Sorry. But I really am curious how you approach that situation. It seems I have no motivation to get all active with it's that time (as it is right now). Thoughts?

shred me, jillian!: tyly.

The dvd has been purchased.

I'm going to start tomorrow, and I'll post as I complete each day.

Wish me luck!!!

i'm a wuss: tyly.

I have been toying with the idea of doing Jillian's 30 Day Shred.  I have done it once (not the entire program.. just the dvd), but I would like to see what happens when you actually follow it through (and don't quit after once).  I'll get back to you on this!  :-)

day 38: cassandra

I am so glad tomorrow is a rest day!

Today was pretty easy, though.

460 calories
50ish minutes
Cardio Dance Party

Not much to report other than I am pretty sore from yesterday's Crossfit workout. I am still keeping up with the healthy eating. Three days in a row! That's pretty impressive (well, for me at least).

* Note: There is a carnival currently set up in the huge parking lot of my gym. The smell of popcorn and funnel cakes as you're walking into and out of the gym? EVIL!!!!!! Just evil!!!! *insert angry face here*

day 37: cassandra

Today was killer!

Summary:
300+ calories
Crossfit's Helen Workout and 100 calories on the elliptical

I burned about 194 calories with the Crossfit workout (according to the watch), but I know I burned way more on top of that because my heart rate was through the roof and it took a while to come back down. Then, I did an additional 100 calories on the elliptical afterward. I probably hit close to 500, but I'm speculating/estimating.

This is Day 2 of following the diet plan. So far, so good. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't want some CHOCOLATE right now!

I figure I'll just go "balls to the wall" and drop the weight I want to drop and then I can lessen things a bit in order to maintain that weight. We'll see what happens at next Tuesday's weigh-in. In case you haven't noticed, I am now posting body fat percentage, too. Because I'd be totally happy if I weighed 150, but had a lower body fat percentage. I just want my cute jeans to fit, y'all.

Here's to healthy!

day 36: cassandra

As you can see, I lost a pound! Yesssssss!

I am turning up the healthy-eating to really see some results. I'm tired of feeling so sluggish, so it's game on. I have about two more months until Husband comes home so I figure that's a great time-frame in which to set some goals!

Summary:
47 minutes
495 calories
Cardio Dance Party

It wasn't the same without ya, Kelly! She has a whole bunch of new dances now, including one to your favorite song, "Right Round." Haha ;)

gained a pound. oh well.

Yup, gained a pound since last week. I'm no rocket scientist but I'm thinking it's because I've eaten pasta every night for dinner and Easter candy throughout the day - everyday. Oh yeah, and I only worked out twice. Hmm....I'm thinkin' that's probably why!

I didn't work out today because I had no time and my legs are KILLING ME from yesterday's 600 feet of walking lunges. I mean, I am in PAIN! There are muscles hurting in my legs/thighs/butt that I didn't even know I had!

Oh well, there's always tomorrow. I'll try to cut back on the pasta intake, too, but I doubt it. Haha.

day 41: Kelly

Workout:
1 mile run/walk on outdoor trail through the woods
Weight training

Notes:
Hubby & I both went to the gym together today. He got off work around 3 and we decided it would be a good idea. It was. Although we are both quite out of shape, it was nice to work out and feel sweaty. It's always easier to make yourself do stuff when you have a partner in crime. Yay for us getting our money's worth.

day 35: cassandra

Crossfit WOD plus a half-mile sprint/jog = 223 calories burned*

*Crossfit is anaerobic and works your muscles big-time, so I'm pretty sure I burned more than what the watch accounted for and will probably burn more throughout the day as my poor legs recuperate!

Here's the workout: (I subbed the pull-ups for push-ups because I'm weak!)

Walking lunge 100 ft.
21 Pull-ups
21 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
18 Pull-ups
18 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
15 Pull-ups
15 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
12 Pull-ups
12 Sit-ups
Walking lunge 100 ft.
9 Pull-ups
9 Sit-ups
Walking Lunge 100 ft.
6 Pull-ups
6 Sit-ups

That's 600 feet of walking lunges! WOW...my legs are like Jell-O but I'm glad to be back!

day 34: cassandra and the toxic wind

*cough cough*
*hack hack*

I just finished a workout from Crossfit Football. The workout was intense, but survive-able. The wind outside?! Not so much!!!

I only worked out a total of 18 minutes and knocked out 142 calories. But hey, it's better than nothing.

Here's the workout I did:
One minute for each round (so, this workout is really only meant to be 7 minutes long; I did it in about 9. Crazy!!) I did this at the high school football field. You run some yards and back, then do some burpees. Sounds easy, huh?

1 - 10 yards and back, 1 burpee
2 - 20 yards and back, 2 burpees
3 - 40 yards and back, 4 burpees
4 - 80 yards and back, 8 burpees (the killer!!!!!)
5- 40 yards and back, 4 burpees
6 - 20 yards and back, 2 burpees
7 - 10 yards and back, 1 burpee

So, the workout was insane, especially towards the middle and my heart rate was through the roof, but I was ok until the effects of the psycho wind hit me! I had wanted to run the bleachers or at least run the track after this workout and I tried...but...I seriously thought I was going to hurl.

I must have done the workout with my mouth open or something, because after it was over, I felt an intense burning in my lungs and throat and then my teeth started hurting and my saliva tasted like blood. WEIRD!!

I attempted to run the track, but I stopped halfway and HAD to get out of that wind. The whole way home I felt incredibly weak and couldn't stop coughing. I've been coughing up mucus and dirt ever since then. Who knew the wind was so toxic?!

Crossfit Football workout: Kick ass.
Working out in the wind: Never again!!!!

Holy Crap!...Day 40: Kelly

I ACTUALLY did what I said I might do and I went and worked out at the gym today. Yay for me! :)

Workout:
18:30 minutes on treadmill (run & walk)
Weight-training with machines
Ab-work on the ball
44 minutes
460 calories

I decided that I am no longer going to push myself to and beyond the 500 calories mark. It adds extra stress to my workouts, so I'm stopping that. I think I'm just going to workout until I feel like I am tired, but not completely fatigued. Then I will leave happier and have a higher chance of not being so sore and coming back the next day for another round. I guess I will continue to keep up with my workouts on here, because, well, I'm bored and I might as well. Feel free to jump back in everyone, or at least give an occasional update on your doings! :)

Here's to trying to jump back on the Health Wagon! :)

Hi...

I, too, hope to get back up on the horse soon. Heck, it might even happen today. I'll keep you posted...;)

hello?

Does anyone post here anymore? I am going to start the workouts here soon enough. I hope I'm not the only one!