February Shred Thread 2014

[LilyJoAndMe]

Starting the next thread for all those doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred - Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3.
For those having problems with their knees on the higher impact activities here are some suggestions from TalkinPeace:

^The secret is to build up the teeny muscles that support the side of the patella:

LOTS of balancing and yoga

• stand with feet 6 inches apart, knees slightly bent, lift one foot off the floor, close eyes and see how long you can hold, repeat to other side.
• stand with feet 6 inches apart, up onto tiptoes with legs straight, close eyes for as long as you can
• stand on one foot, move the other foot to the front, side, back, side, in smooth semicircles about two inches off the floor - five each way each side before resting.

Alternative to skipping : march on the spot, bringing your knees up as high as you can.
Alternative to running : walk at jogging pace, pumping arms up to ceiling
Alternative to jumping jacks : half jacks, pump arms alternate sides and ceiling.^

I wish lily I got it from my 3rd child being nocturnal, he's still very hit and miss sleep wise but I'll celebrate the day I can change my username

L3D3 done today. Really pushed myself today; was a hot, sweaty, panting mess by the end of it. Didn't look much like a rock star when I was jumping.

LeonardoAcropolis I have the same problem. I'm working out in bare feet on carpet and all the jumping about in plank stuff was too difficult so I've just been holding plank position instead which I find pretty hard but it's getting easier.

Have been feeling flabbier today and then realised it's because I got some old jeans out of the cupboard that I haven't been able to wear for a while. I can now fit into them but it's a bit of a squeeze so that's why I'm not feeling so good about myself. Now I've realised this I'm rejoicing that I'm back in the jeans! Also, they're stopping me from eating as much chocolate as usual - only 2 squares consumed today.

This thread has really been keeping me going, so thanks everyone! Planning to move onto 6 pack in 6 weeks next because I bought that years ago and only did it twice. However, I've noticed that more of you seem to go onto Ripped in 30 so am considering buying that instead so I can continue to chat to you all. I don't want to repeat the Shred just yet because I think I'll get bored.

Ri30 is (AFAIK) the most similar to shred, but harder moves. 6w6pack sounds like its focussed on abs, is that correct or is it an all-over thing?

I got a box set inc ripped in 30, it akso has exreme shred and shed (sounds scary)

Yes, I've got that in a three-pack with Killer Buns and Thighs. I've done Ri30 once, no idea about the others.

KB&T L1D2.
I am so useless at plank - jump into squat.
My body just doesn't want my feet to be that close to my hands in a plank.
Will probably be 2 days off for uni now.
Lindt even if you do 6w6p don't leave the thread!
I will probably be doing that after these two.

Got to dash but wanted to say L3D1 done!!

Thanks for the weight recommendations everyone - just ordered some 1kg & turns out DH has got some 2.5kg ones stashed away already so I've got a couple of choices.

Decided to get started today using a couple of tins of beans - L1 D1 done! I found the press-ups really hard going, but the cardio & abs stuff wasn't too bad. I may take that back tomorrow - its been a while since I've done any exercise & I think I may hurt!

Have you all just gone for it & done 10 days of each or are you having some rest days too?

Omama..... I think a rest day is recommended to rest and repair muscles! But listen to your body, we all progress at different speeds.

I thought I'd let you know my weight/inch loss since I began 30day shred! I did it over 33 days and I have also been to the gym for cardio and eaten healthily.

I've lost 2" from my waist.
2 1/2" from my bum
And 1 1/2" from each thigh
I've also lost 9lb!!!!

I want to lose another 8lb and will get cracking on Ripped in 30 after hols!

Good luck ladies, stick at it and I look forward to hearing your inch loss stories soon.

Well done Spinning that's fantastic.

Fantastic results Spinning. Just got back from a haaaard Pilates class, the instructor makes it look easy

Day five of level two. Officially half way!

Fantastic spinning well done!

Good work everyone, hope all the knees are holding out.

Spinning those stats are amazing, you must be thrilled, hope you have a great holiday.

L3 D6 done here, hoping to have my 30 days done by the weekend.

omama - definitely take one or two rest days per week. Its better for you and also helps to make it more sustainable. Yes, press-ups are hard for a lot of us - this is my 3rd time through the shred and I still can't do full ones (hence my additional 'inclined press-ups') - but at the start I couldn't even do the Anita ones properly, those are no problem now. Typically people ache for the first 3-4 days, esp the quads going up and down stairs - make sure you do good stretches, hold onto something for the quad stretch unless you're really good at balancing on one leg. But then it gets easier.

Good luck today ladies. I'm having a rest day as it's my b'day and I'm not inviting Gillian to share my day

Monkey! Have a lovely day.

L3D7 done and a bit of extra weights.

Happy birthday Monkey
L2 D2 done

L3 old hands - my knees hurt with the travelling and climbing push-ups. What do you think about me using a low cushion (folded towel?) to stop me sliding about on my kneecaps?

Wow spinning, well done. Sounds like you've achieved fabulous results and to complete the whole thing in 33 days ... I'm so impressed!

Happy birthday Monkey. I wouldn't invite Jillian either.

I'm having an impromptu rest day today as H has decided to work from home which puts me off. Have had a rubbish day with food as well - 4 squares of Lindt and I had 2 pieces of shortbread this morning.

I'll be back on the case tomorrow.

Logge - sounds like a good idea. You don't want carpet-burned knees (if that's what you meant).

Following earlier discussion of back strain in some of the abs moves, I dug out a firm foam seat wedge with which I'm wedging my seat upwards for the pikes and scissors - helps a lot.

I'm kneeling on either wooden floor or an exercise mat.

L3 D7 done, keep meaning to comment on the slightly sinister tone the background muzak takes on the 3rd circuit of L3, makes me smile every time!

Happy birthday Monkey

Lake, I find it much better to switch the sound off entirely and put a CD on. I've done the shred before, but not kept going so regularly for so long, and I'm sure it's partly down to using my own music.

Those of you who do it in bare feet - doesn't it hurt? I tried this when I first did it and soon switched to using trainers.

The first time I did the shred I had to go barefoot of necessity for the first level - an injured toe prevented me wearing shoes. But I found I needed them for L2/3 for the plank-type positions and the jumping moves.