Ok, so a little while back I told you all I wanted to lose some weight, but what I also wanted to do was tone up – big time. Aside from being a little bigger than I’d like I was 100% wobblier and I think having been a lot more toned this time last year after 6 months of BMF, I missed it all the more. You can certainly carry a lot more weight when it’s in a solid package!
Anyway, I digress. My motivation is Jess’s wedding at the end of August – I’m going to be a bridesmaid and who wants to look bad in those photo’s for all of eternity? As my arms are the only bit of me that will be on show I thought I would get some weights, then remembered this DVD being recommended by some of you before and thought I’d have a go. A few of you have been doing the 30 Day Shred
So what is it?
Basically it’s circuits of resistance, strength and cardio work that lasts about 25 minutes. The DVD follows a basic pattern of 3 levels, each with 3 sets of circuits that comprise 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs with a brief warm up and cool down. I had never watched The Biggest Loser, which is Jillian’s most well known project, but I knew it was going to be tough as she seems pretty no-nonsense. The video doesn’t actually make it clear but as there are three levels and 30 days I’d assume you do 10 days of each, although you might want to move up sooner if you’re bored or even mix them up for a more balanced work out.
Do I need anything?
Jillian uses a mat and some hand weights. For some reason my mat has disappeared into the ether so I’ve been doing without, and I didn’t want to invest in weights until I was sure I liked it so I started off on my carpeted floor with 2 tins of tomatoes. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this method as you really won’t get the most out of the exercises, but if you have never worked with weights before it might be a good start and easier on those arms.
Is it hard?
This is a hard question! The type of strength and resistance exercises Jillian demonstrates are the kind I used leading up to my wedding in the gym then again at BMF and I think there was still some muscle memory there for me so I didn’t find Level 1 that bad. That said, when I stared using 1.5kg weights (In the gym I would normally use 2-3kg) it killed me!
Is it fun?
Actually yes. I’m enjoying it. For me the biggest bonus is that even as busy as I am, it’s unlikely that I can’t make time for 25 minutes of exercise. Most nights I have done it late at night straight before bed, after simply running out of time in the day but not wanting to miss one. So far 14 days in I have done it 12 times, taking one Saturday off that was just too busy and choosing a brisk dog walk on another glorious evening that was too sunny to spend bouncing around in the living room. I like Jillians attitude – ‘If you want to work out for 20 minutes a day, you have to WORK OUT.’ and the exercises and whole thing are done before you can think twice. I did get a little bored with level one but there’s no time for that with Level 2. The music is better, Jillian and her girls look like they are working as hard as you (and loving it,) and she seems a little more fun and personable. And I’m happy to report 3 days in to Level 2 after panting non-stop through the first time, I’m already finding it easier.
In another 2 weeks when I have completed the shred I’ll get back to you with a diary of how I found it and my results – I’ve measured myself and weighed myself. No holds barred.
I’d love to hear if I can tempt you to join us or if you are already doing it (or have done) and what results you got. Every bit of motivation is required to keep me away from those Cronuts!
Love,
Rebecca
xo
