January Shred Thread

We tend to laugh a lot as a couple and family, but tonight with three of us doing those gliding skater-type movements was really funny, and me trying to do the lunges and him doing the twisty things... but tomorrow he's away so I'll be shredding solo.

Whoops, wrong thread... my other addiction is The Archers

Joe's tale of Susan's win is growing with each telling...

Logge - oh, if I was you I'd stick to the L2 just for the entertainment value from your DP.

I am also impressed with the heavy weights some are using! Think I have wimped out a bit up to now, so I used my 2kg weights for some of the exercises today when I did L2 (can't remember what day I'm on...). Used them for the pendulum lunge thingys and the lying on the floor holding them up (cheat!)

I actually find L2 ok, I don't mind the planks. It's hard, but keeps me interested

Will be buying some 1.5kg weights this week hopefully

Well done everyone, this thread is so motivating!

Thanks Errol. I'm quite relieved that it means a bit of incontinence. I wish I hadn't googled images on the rest though.

L2D1 done today for a long and boring reason. Which means I still haven't done L1D10. Should I go back to do that tomorrow, or continue with L2?

You lot had me nervous about L2, but I really enjoyed the change. I didn't struggle too much but my face is as red as a beetroot. It was funny watching my partner try to do the cardio exercises which require slightly more coordination than comes natural to him.

Logge - either that they may experience a 'tena lady moment' or feel as though their fanjo is about to fall out.

And.... CLENCH

Wow Lindt....fantastic cm loss!!!! Well done! And in time you'd be able to manage heavier weights, just build up gradually.
I might start L3 tomorrow or I might chicken out and do 1 more day at L2

(What does it mean when people say their pelvic floor can't handle an exercise?).

Wow - that's really good Lindt! Holding planks is hard, honestly I find the plank jacks easier.

No way I could manage over 1kg.
I bet you could - for some moves at least. Just try a few bicep curls holding both your weights in one hand.

L2D6 done today. Weighed myself and I've lost 4lb since 30th Dec which I'm pleased with. However, what pleases me more is that my waist has shrunk by 7.5cm since 14th January (unfortunately I lost my waist measurement for 30th Dec)! So chuffed about this. I can really feel the difference too.

I've made my peace with level 2 at the moment. Still just holding plank instead of jumping about in plank but quite happy to 'phone it in' in this way as I think I'd have given up otherwise.

Feeling nervous about level 3 now. I think it's the explosive movements that worry me as my pelvic floor really can't cope with them.

Have eaten far too much of Lindt 70% today. Will be good tonight. Don't know whether to allow myself a glass of wine as one tends to lead to another and then another ...

Keep going everyone. So impressed by the number of people using such heavy weights. No way I could manage over 1kg.

I prefer the standing stretches in Ri30 too - sometimes do those instead if I CBA to stand up after the abs

L2D7 of Ri30 done.

Errol - the increase in flexibility has been very gradual but the end stretches have really helped (especially the ones in Ri30 which are good).

For weights I switch between 1kg and 2kg depending on the exercise. I have the Davina ones and find them quite comfortable.

Great to see so many people sticking with the shred through January.

Not sure I logged yesterday, but anyway, L2D8 done, plus some side planks. My 'personal trainer' (ie BigChoc on the 5:2 threads ) said I could have a rest from press-ups ... so doing by way of complementary upper body work some military presses (lower reps, larger weight and not wobbling on one leg!), bent over rows and deadlifts.

Those squats with v lifts on L2 are awful! I use my 2kg weights for the first set but have to abandon them in 2nd set!!!

yes - I find the squat and row in the first circuit of L2 tough too, using 1.5kgs, the latter I do say 10 and then relax a moment. Doing the first set with weights and the second without (or with a smaller pair if you have them, or tins) is I think a good way to increase weight on these.

I upped my weights last night by 1kg each. Boy do I ache today.

D16 done....fancied a change so did killer buns and thighs!!!! Think I might be feeling it tomorrow!!

Those squats with v lifts on L2 are awful! I use my 2kg weights for the first set but have to abandon them in 2nd set!!!

Hello. I've had a rest day today - didn't mean to, just worked out that way.

LakeFlyPie I also do the V raises with clenched fists only and find it really hard. I've no idea how anyone gets through those with weights in their hands.

I'm still using my son's weights which I think are 1kg ones. They're like a dumbbell that you screw the weights on. So, I'm screwing two 0.5kg weights onto one dumbbell but the dumbbell itself is pretty heavy so I'm not sure if I'm actually lifting a lot more. Anyway, I'm going to invest in some Davina weights that were linked to before. Keep saying I'm going to but not doing anything about it but I WILL do it.

Have had a good day of not eating anything too terrible but have blown it all this evening with 3 glasses of wine. They're small glasses but I feel very irritated with myself now as hadn't drunk anything for days until tonight.

Anyway, need to tidy up and go to bed. Shredding tomorrow!

LakeFlyPieIs there an app for pfe? Didin't know! ( off to itunes) I think my PF is getting a bit better too.

Thanks LakeFly and msmoss I think I will ask on that thread. I think I also got PF 'fatigue' as my PFEs had been working really well and I had noticed real improvement until I started the shred this week! Might swap some of the crunches for plank instead.

L1 D2 complete. Going to have a rest day tomorrow as I am predicting I won't be able to walk much!

L2 D7 finally done, am amazed that by the end of the week I'll be on L3. If it wasn't for this thread I fear I would have lost momentum so thanks everyone!
I'm finding my 3lb (less than 1.5kg) weights challenging enough and must admit I do the V raises on the chair squat move with clenched fists only and that's bad enough
Re pelvic floor; if you can contract PF muscles effectively I.e. lift not bear down I think you should be OK.
Good idea to ask gussiegrips and the PF experts on the other thread.
I think my PF has responded positively to the Shred exertion generally, when I started L1 the star jumps followed by jump rope caused some strange PF muscle 'failure'. Not leakage, more general fatigue / weakness terrifying flapping sensation and that's definitely better. I have been trying to do PFE app on phone everyday which helps.

L1D9 done. Getting nervous about L2 on Thursday!

Mumtoh - I find 1.5kg about right for some of the exercises (though there's one or two I wouldn't mind the 'almost a kg'). I also use 5lb (similar to your 2kg) and 3kgs for a few - you might find that you could go up a size for bicep curls and the like. So I'd say get some 1.5 - there's not much point getting 1kg if you've got some almost that already - and then think about a pair of 3kg.

Not shredded today, I did L2 yesterday plus a body balance class last night and boy did I feel it this morning!
Can I ask what weights everyone uses? I have 2 sets, a 2kg set and a poncy 'almost a kg' set. I find the 2kg ok for doing the chest flies and I use the others for the other exercises, although they are a bit too lightweight. Going to treat myself to some new ones, less than 2kg but not sure what to go for?
TIA

L3 D18 done, my word it's hard..

Not sure about the crunches and the pelvic floor, it might be worth asking on this thread

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/exercise/1945070-Running-with-poor-pelvic-floor-what-is-your-solution?