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Original poster

Get a spring in your step - join the (military) March Shred thread!

191 replies

ErrolTheDragon · 02/03/2015 17:29

New thread (a couple of days late for anyone doing, or thinking about doing, the 30 Day Shred or any of the other Jillian Michaels workouts. Any questions, just ask - we're here to give encouragement, advice and sympathy to each other.

A couple of FAQs to start with:

  1. How many days at each level? - the norm is about 10, but it's not a hard and fast rule so progress at the rate you feel good with. You don't have to get everything perfect before moving on.

  2. Can I take a day off? - yes, you should have at least one rest day every week. (I always shred on weekdays and have the weekend off)

  3. Weights? - If you don't have any dumbells, you can start with a couple of tins of beans or 500ml bottles of water. Different people can manage different weights, and many of us find that we want a couple of different sizes. You want weights that allow you to complete all (or most) of a set with good form. Places like Argos, TKMax or Sports Direct usually have sets of 3 sizes (eg 1, 2, 3 kg) reasonably cheaply.

That's enough for now!

OP posts:
MsRaspberryJam · 10/03/2015 11:41

Just wanted to say well done to everyone. I think we all know how challenging it is finding time for these workouts and then making yourself do them. Everyone deserves a congratulations!

I'm writing again to commit to another round after work. Starting level two of Ri30. Nobody let me chicken out!

MrsStevenPatrickMorrissey · 10/03/2015 08:55

That's fantastic granny I'm in the same boat really, I only started running about 6 years ago, and I find it's great head space for me, Im managing about 2 miles at the moment, and that takes me around 30 (and a bit!) minutes or so, Im a slow runner too, but I prefare distance over speed, I'll keep chugging at it. I really should sign up for a race of some kind too, keep me motivated, 10k in July sounds good Wink and good on you with the weights, I used heavier weights for nearly all of it y'terday and I really feel it this morning, am thinking maybe use the lighter ones today, don't want to put myself off?? How do you find doing the shred on FD?? I found it tough yesterday for some reason.

L1D9 for me today....

AndHarry · 10/03/2015 07:15

It's the first one I haven't been able to complete first time: the second-to-last circuit is an absolute killer for me but I managed it the second time around. It's definitely supposed to go with NMTZ so get it if you can. Loads of cardio but with resistance so I burn afterwards.

Original poster
ErrolTheDragon · 09/03/2015 21:57

Welcome Harry - can I ask what you think of bfbm? I'm wondering whether to get it to go with nmtz.

OP posts:
AndHarry · 09/03/2015 21:27

Hello :) Can I join in?

I completed the 30DS over 6 weeks in January & February and have moved on to NMTZ and BFBM, alternating each DVD over 5 days a week. I'm not loving the longer format - NMTZ is an hour from start to finish, not 40 minutes! - but I feel great.

grannygrotts · 09/03/2015 20:34

L1D3 done. FD for me today and I lugged my new hand weights all the way back home so my arms were tired before I started. I now have 1kg, 2kg and 3gk weights. Just need the muscles to grow into them, lol.

Used the 1kg weights today and really noticed the difference (even though they were only slightly heavier) especially on the side lunges where the arm raises were a struggle. The exercise where you lie on your back elbows slightly bent and arms over chest I doubled up and used the 1kg and my old 0.6kg ones but I could have managed the 2kg, so will have these to hand for tomorrow.

Mrs up until knee surgery nearly a couple of years ago I used to do long distances so starting from scratch with walk/run for me has been hard. I only started running about 8 years ago and even though I am a slow runner I found it was the best way of beating stress, so I have missed it. I am up to 2 1/2 miles without needing a rest, and when I do rest then I do walking lunges. I have a 10k to aim for in July.

Now off to have my calories for the day. Stirfry, yum.

Original poster
ErrolTheDragon · 09/03/2015 18:54

Well done. Smile

OP posts:
MsRaspberryJam · 09/03/2015 18:52

I did it! Thanks for the support, Errol!

I feel much better for it, although it wasn't the easiest. That's day seven of level one done. I'm catching up with you, Panda!

Original poster
ErrolTheDragon · 09/03/2015 16:42

MrsRJ - noted, we'll expect to hear from you later. Wink

OP posts:
MsRaspberryJam · 09/03/2015 16:03

I've been slacking lately! Planning to work out as soon as I'm home from work. Writing this so I don't wuss out

Original poster
ErrolTheDragon · 09/03/2015 11:42

NMTZ done - quite enjoyed it. I'll have to go and check that other thread, thanks.

OP posts:
MrsStevenPatrickMorrissey · 09/03/2015 08:39

I've only started back at the running granny so Saturday was only my 3 run really, and by the time I get back in the door there's somebody looking for food or something from me!! so don't get the chance! But that's a good idea, you would be well warmed up for the exercises. How far do you run granny?

I've started changing the weights around too Errol I usually use heavier weights for chest rises & bench & press, Bigchoc posted a really good exercise on the 5:2 thread for bingo wings! Did that y'terday and I can feel it today Wink

D8 for me today...

Original poster
ErrolTheDragon · 08/03/2015 22:51

granny - I use lighter weights for front raises than for most other moves , there's more leverage. As to how many days per level it's really up to you

OP posts:
grannygrotts · 08/03/2015 22:02

Mrs I'm hoping to keep on running even though I've started the shred. Maybe fit in a couple of runs a week although. Do you ever just do your 30 min run and then shred straight afterwards - was thinking that this would be easier as otherwise my legs will have stiffened up. Will be a bit of a shock to the system, but as the whole idea is to train the muscles to adapt, should be do-able.

Off to get some heavier weights tomorrow. Not sure my arms will thank me in the short term.

Dancing I have a link to L2 but not actually watched it yet - do I need to do the full 10 days on L1? Was contemplating only doing 6 days of each (then a rest day) so I could finish the programme at the end of March but perhaps I'm being too optimistic ...?

May even buy the DVD too - watching the exercises on my little netbook is not easy!

Dancingwitch · 08/03/2015 21:24

L2D2 done. A huge improvement on D1! I used weights for most of the moves (as opposed to none at all which is what happened on D1); I managed an approximation of the walking push up (as opposed to being very confused); and I held the plank position in all of the moves even if I couldn't necessarily get my legs to do what they were supposed to do.
It is so much harder than L1 in that there is cardio wrapped up in strength and strength in the cardio sessions but, given it is all over & done with in 24 mins, I can't complain!

MrsStevenPatrickMorrissey · 08/03/2015 21:10

L1D7 of 30DS done today! I'm scared the closer I get to L2!
Hi granny I agree about the side lunges with shoulder raises, I don't like them neither, it's the whole get your 'touce' out as you do the side lunge thing, I'm so preoccupied with keeping my knee from coming over my toe I forget to raise my weights!!! I definitely find my stamina has come on since I started doing it. The workout does fly by though. I was so lazy yesterday, did nothing but watch films with the dds for the day, it was rotten weather to be fair. More than made up for it today, ran early this morn (for 30 minutes, Grin was very pleased) and then did JM this eve, and fitted in an hours trek today as well. Ready for bed now!

Hi jocasta congrats on your upcoming nuptials Wink

CheshirePanda · 08/03/2015 20:25

I'll hold you to that blody!
Nothing doing here today I'm afraid...tried a v short run but that is all
Back in the saddle tomorrow.
I am intrigued about the dachshunds and the sofa...

MagpieCursedTea · 08/03/2015 18:43

L3D5 complete!
Good work on the push-ups Granny. I can still only do the modified ones, I just fall over if I try to do a proper one Blush

grannygrotts · 08/03/2015 17:41

L1D2 done. Hated the side lunges with the shoulder raises most today - very pleased NOT to have heavier weights yet! Managed a first set of proper (ish) press ups but had to resort to girlie ones for the second set. Quite surprised at how quickly the workout went - I guess that's all the changing exercises and pace. So far so good.

Original poster
ErrolTheDragon · 07/03/2015 22:57

Elpheba - sounds like you should contribute to the 'Unsuitable foods for dogs' thread.

OP posts:
Original poster
ErrolTheDragon · 07/03/2015 22:44

Good to see you're in, granny! Grin

OP posts:
grannygrotts · 07/03/2015 18:41

Well, I have finally taken the plunge. L1D1 of 30 day shred done. Need some discipline and better hand weights. I didn't mind the jumping jacks although I may change my mind in a few days.

ElphabaTheGreen · 07/03/2015 16:42

Errol! I just saw on another thread - you have a dachshund! We have two! Grin

I had one that ate a four seater sofa once. True story.

blodynmawr · 07/03/2015 12:56

Still NMTZing.
Will try Ri30 soon - I promise Cheshire Smile - but not actually bored with NMTZ yet!

CheshirePanda · 06/03/2015 20:42

Hello all
Ri30 L1 D7 done. It's onto L2 tomorrow!

Welcome Jocasta...and congratulations on your forthcoming wedding. Where are you going inMay? Make us all jealous! I've found posting here very helpful for motivation and for keeping track of how many sessions I've done. Also for good advice on form etc (see february's thread for advice on abs). I think you're wise to break it up into shorter goals (I.e. holiday first). Keep posting!

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