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.^

Thanks Mumtoh I will do that, how did you find L3?

L3D5 done (again much stronger after a rest day).

Really noticing a difference in my normal day-to-day life. Feeling much more flexible when bending down or reaching for something. The tummy's never going to be flat or a six-pack after three children but there's a distinct lack of wobble down there now.

L4D1 of Ri30 done. As with the first day of any new level I spent quite a bit of the time trying to work out how to do the moves. It seems tough but doable.

Nightwish - I'm doing 7 or 8 days on each level. I move on when I feel ready.

I don't have a six pack and don't expect to realistically ever have a flat stomach again (stomach muscles never recovered from having DS many years ago who was over 11 lbs). However, my tummy feels more toned, is flatter and like many of you I can feel the muscles under the saggy skin. Really happy with the improvement.

KB&T L1D3.
Had the last two days off due to feeling very rough with a cold, glands in my throat right up and very sore.
However I think I went back to it too soon, feel bloomin awful now.
But it is done.

"KB&T"?

Started today so that must be L1D1 then.

I'm looking to tone up not lose weight. I have just turned 48 (eek possibly a bit of mid life crisis 'now or never' going on!). I run so am reasonably fit - cardio and abs sections were not too challenging but I can feel it in my arms and thighs - two of my target areas so very good! Also want to tone up my bum.

From skim reading thru the thread level 2 seems to be quite a step up. What's the guidance on when you should move up levels?

Killer Buns & Thighs.

L3 D10 done - I'm Shredded!
Am certain I would have given up at some point without the support on this thread, thanks everyone.
Am definitely fitter and more toned and flexible than I was 6 weeks ago and more importantly have identified a 30 minute slot which works for my daily exercise whilst DP bathes DC.
I had planned to start C25K when I completed 30 days of Shred but I think I'm going to do another 30 days of Jillian (possibly have a look at BFBM DVD which I found languishing in a drawer) and then think about running when the ground dries out a bit and Spring has sprung.

Welcome pinkflamingo- I think 10 days on each level works for most people.

Thanks Lake - I'll give that a go.

I had a go at KB&T yesterday - even though I'm officially 'on holiday'. I think I might try it for a while alternating days with some upper body/abs exercises for a bit of a change of pace.

Well done Lake! What's BFBM? Sounds like a plan anyway - I want to do some running but hard surfaces hurt my hip and the towpath which is the soft alternative is way too soft at the moment.

I did it!! L2 D1 done.

I called her so many names but fuck me, I finished it!

BFBM = Banish Fat Boost Metabolism
I need to have a proper look at it, think it might be 45 min circuits

L3D7 done early today. Phoning in all the jumpy stuff at the end. Can't wait to move on now. However, feeling good and think I'm looking good too.

Hi. Can I join please?

I used the you tube video of level one to see if I like it. I've got back problems but I need to do something to get out of the cycle of "back hurts, can't exercise, put on weight, which makes my back worse, so I can't exercise..."

I modified some of the exercises, especially the floor ones, and I can't use the weights (yet) or do the high impact stuff but I can do half jacks instead and more of a sort of alternate leg skip instead of jumping.

But I'm sweaty and trembly and achy so hopefully it'll work for me.

Any tips please other than strengthen the knees and get a sports bra?

Hello NoPain ... 'no pain, no gain' is fine as far as muscular aches are concerned but not backs and other joints so you're very wise to modify.

Depending what your back problem is, you might find a firm foam wedge under your butt helps - it does me (I don't have a back problem and don't intend to aquire one!). Obviously also you may want to do extra back-specific stretches at the end - have you been recommended any by a physio?

Thanks for the welcome.

I think I'll be OK but I'm seeing my chiropractor on Wednesday so I'll ask him then.

I've got vertebrae rotation and dehydrated discs. I've got one of those seat wedges, I'll dig it out, thanks. I used a floppy cushion today which seemed to do the job.

I have a question:

I've not bought the DVD yet, am I better off getting it on its own or getting a box set and if so, which one please?

L2 D2 done. Really struggling with the chair squat/v lift things.

Really sore arms and my knees are playing up too:(

L3D10
Phew - feeling fitter and can actually see some muscles forming .

I haven't got a box set so can't help you there Nopain. I'm going to go back to L1 tomorrow and this time round I'm really going to give it a go to do Narhalie moves.

Tess, when my knees started playinh up I did different exercices to the ones that I knew would cause strain on them. When I felt they were getting better I started doing those exercices again and gradually my knees and surrounding muscles have got stronger.
At the start of this thread there are suggestions of knee- saving exercices .

Thanks Lily I have arthritis and find it at it's worst when I'm heavier. Hopefully the fitter I get the less strain they'll feel.

I'll have a look at the knee saving exercises. I'm the birthday girl tomorrow so think I'll have a day off, back to it on Wednesday :)

Hello - can I join you? Been watching the thread with interest and impressed by your results!

Just started level one today. I'm reasonably fit and don't want to lose weight. I'm unashamedly trying to lose inches off my post baby waist! I'm also a bit puny.

I think I have a girl crush on JM - she's amazing and makes me laugh even when I'm swearing.

So quick question - you aren't doing this every day are you?! Is the deal say 4 times a week and two cardio?

Thanks all.

hello oohdaddypig! I did it 6/5 days in a row and 1/2 rest days but do it how ever fits your schedule.

New DVD
Rip D1 L1 So glad I did the shred first seems this DVD is a bit harder. I am doing the moves with 2kg weights.
I wish there were brownie pages for JM that I could collect...

L3D6 done yesterday. I'm another who plans to start again and try to be more like my girl Natalie.

Ohdaddypig

I do it everyday. I took a day off yesterday because my legs are hurting in a bad way (Not burning, properly hurting) and did 45 minutes of abdominal exercises instead.

Day one of level 3 today. I went for a run (About 3 quarters of a mile so only a quick one, was going to do a mile and a half/2 miles but dog was being a dick!) beforehand too and i was dying halfway through but managed it.

OH and DS1 have been puking all night. I so hope i dont get it :(