I'm not the type of person who hates to work out; in fact, it's quite the opposite. I like feeling fit, getting a good sweat on, the adrenaline pumping and even the sore muscles the next day or two. And who doesn't enjoy losing at least a couple of pounds? The problem is, (cue violine concerto) I rarely have the time to do it.
I've never been a "gym" girl. I don't really like machines and while I like the idea of a personal trainer, the few I've worked with didn't do much for my self-esteem. Where I do seem to excel is in the studio. I love classes. Perhaps it's because I practically grew up in a dance studio, but I also appreciate a start and end time to my workout and the ability to schedule the class in my calendar.
This year, I've made a real effort to work out at least once a week, and I've committed to that. And I've really increased my walking, for which I have to thank my daughter, who gets me out of the house.
Like many women my age, I've tampered with various workouts -- the bootcamps (I love), aerobics, running (not me), yoga, pilates, stroller fitness and workout videos. On my future list: zumba (it looks like so much fun!), adult ballet, and hot yoga.
So when two of my best girlfriends suggested trying Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, I was intrigued. 30 days of working out for 20 minutes and you can drop up to 20 pounds. Sounds wonderful, and slightly too good to be true, but I like a challenge. Jillian uses a 3-2-1 method: 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs, 3 times. Of course, a meal plan is necessary, but I eat pretty well to begin with, so I'm not worried about that.
So, I've committed to doing it - and if I'm doing it, I'm doing it properly and hubby's coming along for the ride. We've measured and weighed ourselves and even took "Before" pictures. And every night for the next 29, we will do the workout. We successfully completed Level 1 today and my legs are already like jello - it's a challenging video and Jillian is both endearing and motivating. In a few days, I may feel differently, but here's to this month's challenge - to get shredded!!
Wish us luck!
I've never been a "gym" girl. I don't really like machines and while I like the idea of a personal trainer, the few I've worked with didn't do much for my self-esteem. Where I do seem to excel is in the studio. I love classes. Perhaps it's because I practically grew up in a dance studio, but I also appreciate a start and end time to my workout and the ability to schedule the class in my calendar.
This year, I've made a real effort to work out at least once a week, and I've committed to that. And I've really increased my walking, for which I have to thank my daughter, who gets me out of the house.
Like many women my age, I've tampered with various workouts -- the bootcamps (I love), aerobics, running (not me), yoga, pilates, stroller fitness and workout videos. On my future list: zumba (it looks like so much fun!), adult ballet, and hot yoga.
So when two of my best girlfriends suggested trying Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred, I was intrigued. 30 days of working out for 20 minutes and you can drop up to 20 pounds. Sounds wonderful, and slightly too good to be true, but I like a challenge. Jillian uses a 3-2-1 method: 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs, 3 times. Of course, a meal plan is necessary, but I eat pretty well to begin with, so I'm not worried about that.
So, I've committed to doing it - and if I'm doing it, I'm doing it properly and hubby's coming along for the ride. We've measured and weighed ourselves and even took "Before" pictures. And every night for the next 29, we will do the workout. We successfully completed Level 1 today and my legs are already like jello - it's a challenging video and Jillian is both endearing and motivating. In a few days, I may feel differently, but here's to this month's challenge - to get shredded!!
Wish us luck!
I have this DVD and have done it on and off for a year. It actually does work if you are dedicated to working out every day.
ReplyDeleteI have stopped mainly because my youngest won't leave me alone and by the time he goes to bed I don't want to exercise. LOL. BUT... I know I will be using the DVD again come Sept as he starts daycare.
Good luck Julia! You can do it!
I hear you about the jello feeling. I was like that for the entire first month!
Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWhen I returned to work my coworkers had started walking up and down 10 flights of stairs, and we've started lunch time yoga two times a week. Heck, just going back to work and being on a "schedule" has made me lose 5 lbs so far. But I need to fit into a wedding dress, so please tell me if this works! Maybe I'll force my coworkers to try this next. :)
I love that you are doing it together. Can't wait to hear how it goes. Legs like jello is a good feeling.
ReplyDeleteGood luck Julia!
ReplyDeleteI've heard really wonderful things about this program! Can't wait to hear about the progress you made at the end of the month.