Is there a 30 day shred thread for March yet? If not, this can be it!

KB&T L1D7.
Much better today even though still full of cold, positive attitude makes a hell of a difference to the way I exercise.
(Shame I should be doing assignments due in next week instead)

Glad everyone is still going so well!
I agree when I am doing the DVD's regularly I feel so much better for it.
Last day of Ri30 L1 tomorrow, not looking forward to L2 though. Had a peek and it's lots of plank moves which is my weakest part.

Morning all

Ri30 D21 L4 done!!

Just checking in quickly, busy day. Rest day yesterday. Will read back through later.

Oohdaddy - it's Lindt who is barefoot, I was the one lecturing her to get some trainers. The very first time I did shred I had to do the first level barefoot because I'd hurt a toe and couldn't get my shoes on, but couldn't have done the rest with the plank-based moves without them.

Lindt - if you really don't want trainers, maybe just some canvas shoes (aka plimsolls.... its what we used to do gym in as kids after all) would be better than nothing?

GandT - are you a morning exerciser them? respect

I think slightly higher protein and good fats is the way to go to keep energy levels up. I also have my carbs in the morning for energy levels (I'm definitely not low carb - moderate carb). I have binned processed crap and bread and the weight has just dropped off. I didn't adopt this way of eating for weight - only health issues - I'm amazed at how much better I feel....

Lindt - wow - your results are amazing! I don't think your Lindt has done you any harm :) (or the chips)

Errol - I can't believe you don't wear trainers.. Doesn't it hurt?! Mind you, bare foot running is all the rage - maybe it's better that way?!

Meant to add - my pelvic floor is stronger too despite doing zero pelvic floor stuff. I have stopped peeing myself. How?!?!

My only criticism of JM is the crappy music. Sort it out lady!

oohdaddypig - well done! Totally agree, I'm a JM convert too. I haven't been to a gym in 17 years and have avoided all exercise in that time but I'm really enjoying following these DVDs in my lunch break.

This thread is great too. It's so nice to be able to share the experience. I did most of 30DS last year but didn't finish it and then did nothing for months but this thread is really keeping me going.

ErrolTheDragon - Yes, I really should get some trainers. I hate any sort of cardio exercise so much that I think I'm subconsciously putting off getting trainers as being barefoot is a handy excuse.

MammaGnomes - I have eaten really badly this evening. I've had half of my daughter's chips, a veg curry that was larger than I expected and 3 glasses of wine tonight. During the day I had 4 squares of Lindt 70% along with a pain au chocolat for breakfast and two boiled eggs and two slices of toast for lunch. I reckon you'll be okay with your cake.

Measured my waist today and I've lost 8.5cm since 14th January. I've also lost 6lbs.

30DSL3 done. Really seeing results now. A previously tight skirt is way looser on my bum. I can't believe 20 minutes 4 times a week makes me feel fab - despite a crap day work wise.

I'm a devoted JM fan. I have very little time, I'm stuck at home and no energy for long runs any more. Yet JM has energised me and made me stronger than I was pre kids. Also mentally too (although I'm still puny and can't do a full press up) :)

Why do you prefer RI30 lake?

Think in a few days I'm going to alternate between RI30 and BFBM and the yoga.

Ri30 L1 D2 done, getting back in the swing of more regular effort again (aiming for 4-5/week) thanks to this thread which has prevented me falling off the wagon completely.
Thanks for the hand release press up link errol; seems like a good intermediate stage although I struggled to keep in straight plank position from the floor back up again but that's work in progress.
Definitely enjoying Ri30 more than 30DS although may be eating my words on future levels.

had a cake today after lunch. please tell me I haven't just undone all my hardwork

L1 D10 6w6p and 30ds L3 D4 done

Lindt I'm tempted too. Don't want to sound like an arse though. was my first class last night

I'm back - did Ri30 L1D7. Took it a bit easy.

Lindt - I think the point of plank jacks and mountain climbers is that they are a combination of cardio and abs. Static hold of planks is definitely the ace core body strengthener - do some extra after the dvd, see how long you can hold for. I find 30 secs fine but after that it's really hard! I really think it'd be worth getting some trainers - you probably don't need to spend a fortune on them if you go to somewhere like Sports Direct. I'm using an old pair which I scrubbed up and keep just for indoor use now.

Press-ups - if you can't do full press-ups and want to, the recommended way to progress is to do inclined press-ups - start against the wall or using kitchen counter, whatever you can do with good form (ie straight body), do 3 sets of however many you can do maintaining that form. Once you can do about 3x20, move to a lower level. Combine this with some extra planks (for core strength) and triceps dips if it's your arms that are feeble. I was improving doing this till I somehow hurt my back this week.... oh well, onwards and downwards! The other thing you can try if you can nearly do a full press-up is the . I can't do them but on another thread several people have found that's been the trick for them.

6W6P L1D12 done.

Mammagnomes - shocked at that instructor! Would be tempted to complain.

just done L1D8. was goung to chicken out but made myself do it. glad I did. still bloody struggling with that first cardio set

MacDonalds? Not an advert for healthy living then.

Not shredding today, will gym tonight. I need to think about scheduling in a rest day, friday maybe.

I think i did l1d4 yesterday but it might have been 5! Am going to switch to level 2 next monday.

1st time at aqua jog tonight. was hard but good. slightly pissed off with the instructor. she shouted from the sidelines whilst eating a McDonald's. WTF?! back to shred tomorrow

30DS L2D2 done!

Still a sweaty mess!

Oohdaddypig your diet sounds like what I try to aim for, but all too often break it with something sugary when it all gets a bit stressful. Hearing how great you feel is very motivational though.
Metafit is fab. It is tough but I wouldn't say it's any harder, it's actually pretty similar. You work at your own pace/ability and is only 20 minutes or so, which makes it easier to give it your best shot. It's different each time which keeps it interesting, and has improved my fitness a lot in a relatively short space of time.

RunningKatie, I've been doing Shred and now Ripped in 30 for 2 months now (am on Level 3 of Ri30) but still can't manage a full press up. I've never managed one in my life and if I waited to do one now before moving up a level I'd never make any progress.

GandT, only lost 2-3 pounds until I started eating less as well. I've lost around 5 pounds now (yeah, big deal!) but I do feel fitter and stronger.

I tidied instead of JM today as tuesdays is my back to back exercise class day

not shredded today but I'm at aqua jog later. not looking forward to it. not a strong swimmer and they put weights on you and throw you in the deep end. hoping its not as bad as it sounds

6W6P L1D11 done.

Thanks 2tiredtocare!

I actually tried the plank jacks and mountain climbers this time and they weren't too bad! So, Errol's right too, I can do it. However, I have to say it all felt a bit out of control and I'm not sure what those moves were doing for me. I think I actually get more out of holding plank, it feels harder and I can feel my abs working and am more in control.

Still cannot do the side planks though. I have some success holding side plank on my left arm but can't do it at all on my right side. It may be to do with hurting my shoulder when I fell down all the way down our steep stairs last year. That was my 'injured-falling-downstairs' card by the way - I'm full of excuses reasons!

Anyway, I'm feeling good and the bits I am managing to do are working!

It's definately harder barefoot Lindt