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

[ErrolTheDragon]

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!

[MagpieCursedTea]

L3D2 complete! On my birthday as well (the 3 course meal at lunch was not the best thing to have before exercising this afternoon)
I was given Yoga Meltdown as a present today so will do that when the 30DS is over.

[CheshirePanda]

Hello all

I'm basking in the warm glow of having done my session today, plus more than an hour's walk plus a small amount of gardening. Ta-da! Ri30L1 D5 done.

Raspberry I am going to do 7 days of each, which will take more than a week because I've had rest days but I reckon that is about right. I was thinking today ' only 2 more days of running man'. ;-) yay! I think the floor will be caved in before I finish though . However, I am slightly worried about level 2 having read your comment! But I will try to remain open minded! I find I like them better after a few days when I know what to expect.

Re weights, I am using DPs set (I have some but god knows where..). I go v light for arms as otherwise my elbows play up (in the past I was very unwise with tricep dips and am still paying for it) so about 1.5kg for triceps or the squat press. the one where you bend over with the weight behind you neck I did 5 kg today...i found it easier with more weight so you've got something resisting you, IYKWIM. The upright row one about 2 kg. I think for me staying injury and niggle free and being able to do more workouts is more important that trying for a bigger weight.

blody ...come hither, come hither to Ri30! Ive missed you!
I don't know anything about NMTZ but I'm SURE Ri30 is better!!

[ErrolTheDragon]

Happy birthday Magpie!

[CheshirePanda]

Happy (belated) birthday Magpie....sorry I Missed that about it being your birthday. I'm sure it counts twice if you do it on your birthday. Xx

[MsRaspberryJam]

Happy birthday for yesterday, Magpie!

I'm not a big fan of the running man either, Panda. I'm happy with aerobically challenging - I don't need to look like an excited robot too! I use 2, 3, and 4kg, so it sounds like we are on about the same level of strength. I struggle on that move with anything over 2.

Don't worry too much about level two. It's actually more fun (wait for jump rope with kick outs), but is more challenging and left me very out of breath.

I've done my latest level one but lost count of my days. I really wasn't feeling it this morning and did it a bit half-arsed, but finished it at least.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Ri30 L4 D4 done, followed by over an hour's brisk dogwalk.

The jumprope with kickout is my favourite!

[MagpieCursedTea]

Thank you all! L3D3 complete, working off that cake

[CheshirePanda]

Ri30L1 D6 done, plus 2 hours of walking with a pram. Quite tired now actually. Night night all...

[drspouse]

L1 D8 done, I'm still using the water bottles as I haven't found any suitable weights locally. I think I'll order some from eBay.

[Dancingwitch]

I just did L2D1. I've only done L2 half a dozen times before and I'd forgotten how few of the moves I can actually done. The walking press up things are impossible as I can't touch my toes, the plank based moves are equally impossible as I can't hold a plank for 30secs let alone whilst doing leg jacks or squat thrusts. I concentrated on form a lot! I also think Jillian is on dodgy ground with some of the ab moves in L2 so, as I can suffer from a bad back, stuck to moves I knew should be safe. I need to go back through Feb's thread and find the advice on there about the ab moves.
I was feeling knackered before I started tonight so didn't use any weights at all. My arms still ached!

[MrsStevenPatrickMorrissey]

Hi folks, I'm back to it today, have been away for a few days with dh, so it's L1D6 for me, and it will probably hurt! Glad to see everyone else hates jumpin jacks as well, not a fan of lunges either, but I find I'm getting a bit better at them, doing them a bit slower to get the form right. dancingwitch you've just put the fear into me about level 2 how are you getting on with it octonuts?? I have to say Errol on 30ds I love jump rope, I sometimes do that instead of the JJs!

[MagpieCursedTea]

L3D4 complete! Only needed to stop very occasionally so it's getting a bit easier, doing Natalie's moves for things that don't involve a push-up/plank position. I'm not sure I'll ever be able to do a proper push-up!

[ErrolTheDragon]

Ri30 L4 D5 done and the disc is back in its box. I wasn't really giving it my all today TBH. I'm going to do some NMTZ next week, but really I should probably do some cardio on alternate days, not sure what.

[drspouse]

L1 D9 done! My arms could really do with the weekend off!

[Jocastafantastica]

Hello everyone mind if I join? I'm on L1 D8, so far so good, I've been lurking and finding your posts inspirational.
I did start this last year with great results but I only got to about 22 days then fell off the wagon until now. This time I am using a holiday in May and my wedding in October (probably, haven't actually booked yet) to spur me on. Combining the shred with lots of walking, I've got a step counting app which is quite motivating at the mo

[OctonautsAgain]

MrsS I'm rotating through the 3 levels, and it's funny, the lower levels are the ones that bugger my knees. I still can't do the Rock star jumps in L3 at all, so I substitute the skipping rope for lots of things. Also I take the advice of Elphaba or Errol I think it was, about some of the abs moves in L2/3 being dangerous.

I think Shred is enough for me, can't really be arsed to get another DVD. I'm not a natural exerciser so it's kind of a necessary evil and I'll stick to my routine!

[CheshirePanda]

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!

[blodynmawr]

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

[ElphabaTheGreen]

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

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

[grannygrotts]

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.

[ErrolTheDragon]

Good to see you're in, granny!

[ErrolTheDragon]

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

[grannygrotts]

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.

[MagpieCursedTea]

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

[CheshirePanda]

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...