The July 2014 Shred Thread - Go on, you know you want to

[yadahyadah]

Okay, it's not just 30 Day Shred anymore but if you would like to log your daily JM fix and get some tips and tricks from fellow Shredders, step this way.

First-timer here

Not attempted any Jillian Michaels before and just completed Shred L1 D5.

Did two days, then had a rest day [embarrassed] then three days on the trot. The weights I have are too heavy though, so have taken the actual weight bits off and just using the bare hand part! After D3 I had horrible pulled bicep, but it only lasted the day.

Great to read all your stories, clearly some experienced MNers here! Hello Bimble, I've seen you on 5:2 thread

Bit worried about L2, you all make it sound very challenging....

30DSL1D5

I'm really struggling with motivation...it's the second week of the summer holidays and I've gone all lazy, lol

Did L1D9 of the shred yesterday, lost my motivation a bit but ended up doing it at 9pm when DCs were in bed! I think I'm ready for L2, but going to wait until Saturday as I'm graduating on Friday and want to be able to get up the stairs to the stage!

Well done everyone, keep it up!

Fuckalella you should just go for it. I don't find level 2 any worse on my muscles I find it more intense on the cardio side. I think its a mental hurdle going from level 1 to 2 but now I'm doing it, its not that bad.

Last night before bed I tried on my holiday swimwear. Feel a bit deflated (not that I LOOK deflated mind, that would be a good thing!) I still look so wobbly. Even though my 'outer' clothes are all fitting me fine now. But have only been doing it for 11 days so I will persevere and hopefully by day 30 I'll see a big change. I was reading an old thread on here where someone had asked for feedback from people who had actually completed the shred. A lot of posters replied that they noticed a real change around day 20. I'm just a very impatient person who expects to enjoy custard slices and chicken tikka masala one week and gain a totally flat belly the next!!

I'm just checking in to keep my place on the thread. I'm on holiday this week so I won't be doing anything before Tuesday. I'm slightly concerned by what the scales will say when I get back.

I'm on to week three now. It technically started Monday but I missed Monday because I was randomly away with work, so it became my first rest day in 2 weeks.

Started again yesterday but struggled. Will try again tonight... I get through it, but it's not a personal best!

Am feeling a bit trimmer, so my hope is that in two weeks I'll be even slimmer, and by holiday in 2 months I'll be in great shape.

Thanks mcnab, will give it a go tomorrow. Had a busy day today so not done any exercise apart from walking

I know exactly how you feel about being wobbly, I've been trying clothes on today and not seeing any difference yet; I too am impatient but this time around the weight seems to be harder to shift than when I've dieted before. I've never really done muscle building exercise before though, just cardio and even when I've been slimmer I've still not been particularly firm!

I think we have to resign ourselves to the fact that this is something to stick to long term to get results; I'm trying to convince myself that I will look like Anita by Christmas!

Hi everyone and hello to new people.

No shred yesterday as did that 7 mile walk into town again, this time we were going in the opposite direction so it was all on a gradual incline and I had both kids on the buggy, kept a good pace, was nearly sick when we finally got to the other end as made myself jog the last two fields which were bumpy longish grass so was really hard going.

Today have done 30DSL2D4. Felt fairly easy today apart from that chair squat move. I really struggle to get the weights above my belly button let alone any higher and by the end I was just feebly swinging them in the hope of getting some lift at all!!

Today I noticed that my metabolism has picked up. At about 3 i was trying to dig some holes for some plants I bought and I felt so drained and lethargic I could barely get the trowel in. Realised that maybe I hadn't eaten enough today as we are running a bit low on food and I normally eat a bit less on day before food shop arrives day and am fine. Came in and ate a banana, some flapjack and started to feel a lot better. Same thing at dinner, usual size plate, usual size portion and still felt fairly hungry, had seconds and some fruit and yoghurt and then felt better. So instead of now having to remind myself to eat a bit more when I've been exercising, it seems my body now needs the extra calories and is adjusting which is really great as I love food and am normally like a bear with a sore tooth if I'm dieting.

Am hoping this also means that the initial weight gain you get when you start a new exercise routine will start coming off again soon. I'd like to know what my weight minus all the fluid is, as I know the inches have started to come off.

Speaking of food does anyone have any good snack suggestions that I can eat on the go? I can't do nuts severely allergic. ATM it's either flapjack and fruit or yoghurt but I'm worried they're all a bit sugary.

RI30 L2D4 done. Oof, I say. Not getting any easier. I swapped the second set of crow push-ups for a set of normal push-ups.

Shadows, I agree with you about that chair squat. I use really light weights (only 1kg : I'm very impressed by people on here who use much heavier ones) and I still can't do it. I think I'm missing something in the anterior deltoid department.

For home, cold meat is good for snacking, but that's not much good out and about. Home-made popcorn with a tiny bit of salt?

Shadows, I've been starving for the last couple of days too.

Had a rest day yesterday, but did 30DS, L2, D4 this morning. Still finding it hard, but it does seem to be getting a little easier so good to see some progress.
Will be day 15 of Shred tomorrow - halfway through! Very surprised with myself that I'm sticking with it can see myself getting to the end, need to start thinking what to pick up next, any recommendations? Is ripped in 30 a similar length workout time wise? I think I'm sticking to this because I can fit it in first thing in the morning but would struggle with more than 30mins.

Chococroc, RI30 is very slightly longer than Shred, but still under half an hour. It's vicious though!

Morning all! 30DSL1D8 done. Have tweaked something in my tum though. Reverse abs and press ups were a bit painful so took it a bit easy on the abs front (still only 5 months post-DS so don't want to do anything silly!).

Still finding circuit 1 impossible to do without stopping once or twice (no more than a couple of secs). But fine on the rest.

Trying to diet too (no snacking, replacing starch with pulses & no processed food!), but v hungry like everyone, my no snack rule is getting a bit flexible! Find the shred much more difficult if I try and do it before breakfast (beholden to DS's nap though, so sometimes needs-must).

BR p1 w2 metabolic done. I am getting into this now. Even considering doing a sixth workout on the weekend FFs. Most un characteristic.

30DSL1D7 done. I'm finding it's getting harder not easier.l though :( It's done for today though, on to tomorrow!

Boooooo, have come down with a cold and sore throat, so no Shred for me yesterday and probably today - just feeling too wiped out!

30DSL2D1 (D10 overall) done! Wasn't as scary as I thought but not got the hang of the moves properly yet; also had to do it in DSs room as DD had commandeered the downstairs TV so not much room for skaters!

Finally seeing results though,1lb off & lost 2in from waist & 1/2 in from each thigh

YES! Fantastic Fuckallella, congrats!

Well done fuckallella - you've made me less scared of L2 now too. (Though I'm still holding off until I've done the full 10 of L1 - determined to nail it on day 10!)

Well done Fuckalella - told you it's not as bad as you feared!

I did Day 3 of Level 2 last night. I too struggle with lifting the weights during the chair squats, its bloody hard work! But I am getting more used to the exercises now so at least that's something.

Does anyone know if I can download the 30DS? At the moment I'm watching it on the laptop via YouTube. I'd really like to keep doing it when on hols, its only half an hour and I wouldn't feel so guilty eating all the lovely food I know I'm going to be eating when I'm away if I shred each day too! We're not bringing laptops though, but our room will have TV and DVD player and I think even the TV has a USB port. If I didn't have Jillian pushing me I know I just wouldn't last 5 mins!!

6W6PL1 done before lunch. Have discovered it isn't a good idea to do loads of ab moves on an empty stomach as afterwards all the air you swallow gets stuck in that empty tummy. I look about 4 months pregnant!

Thanks all!

I'm off on hols on Sunday so will be taking DVD player and weights (staying in this country)! mcnab I'm sure I've heard of websites that let you download YouTube videos, not done it before though...

Fuckalella - you are a rock star!

I, on the other hand, am a snotty wreck. Had to have my cat put to sleep this afternoon. Very weepy. Combined with a cold and I am a delight. No shred today, just wine and takeaway.

Keep going everyone else! I'll catch up in a day or two...

Level 2 Day 4 done. Getting the hang of the exercises now. Still a big sweaty mess by the end of it! I've started doing it in DDs bedroom because DH was getting a bit fed up of me taking over the (tiny) living room. So since I'm now doing it on carpet I have been doing it barefoot. I find it comfy and easier keep my balance. Is this ok or should I be wearing trainers? Bimblepops sorry to hear about your cat, take it easy and enjoy your takeaway x

Hey Bimble sorry about your cat - and the cold. Wine and takeaway definitely a good move. Come back soon.