30 Day Shred - New Starts

[CatPower]

Hello everyone,

I know there are a lot of shred-heads on here already, but many of the current threads are full of people well into the programme. I just started the 30 Day Shred today. I'm 5'11", 258lbs (18st 6lbs ) and in dire need of getting fit, strengthening my core and losing some weight.

Has anyone else recently started, or are planning to?

Ouch! Sounds very painful, and not the sort of thing you need when running around after the DCs! Can't offer any advice I'm afraid as I, like you, have been fortunate up til now not to have had any injuries. Maybe try tomorrow at Anita level and see how you get on, if it still hurts, could you not use a move from L2 to fill in the time, and then when you feel an improvement, slip them back in at Anita and work your way back up to Natalie?

I was doing that with the scissor crunches on L3 - couldn't do them for love nor money, so substituted for an ab exercise from L1 until I could do them - am just about there....... (she says!)

Mmm, I could try substituting I suppose, but I can manage the Anita push ups, so I think I'd rather at least try and stick with them and see how it goes. Am just cross that I can't fulfil my aim of doing all Natalie straight the way through for 30 days.

Those scissor crunches are really hard to start with, but boy do they work on your lower abs.

Ok, been looking at a few 'how to do push ups correctly' vids on youtube and think I have discovered the problem.

You're supposed to make sure your arm/shoulders are aligned in a straight line across from your elbows, across your back and to the other elbow. I think mine are too far forward and its putting extra stress on as a result. Apparently, moving your hands/arms further forwards or backwards makes the exercise harder and targets different muscles.

Going to try and concentrate on form today and see if its any easier.

Right, so much for that idea.

First of all, I got carried away and did the whole 40 min BFBM, plus warm up and cool down, rather than 2 circuits of BFBM and Level 1 Shred as intended.

Secondly, my shoulder hurt even doing exercises where I had to raise my arm above shoulder level without weights and on the planks, so I think push ups are definitely out of the question for the time being.

I had to modify some of the exercises in the last couple of circuits, because there was a lot of punching upwards and arm raising going on, but at least I got through it all.

I am a big red-faced, sweaty mess, with my heart trying to escape from my chest, but am pleased that I managed to do all the circuits without stopping.

Wondering if I should just stick with doing that for a week now to rest my shoulder, rather than shredding and using weights. So hard to know what to do for best. I don't want to make it worse, but equally don't want to lose momentum on working out either.

Hmmmmm, but doesn't that contradict what Jillian said was the difference between a push up and a plank? If I remember correctly, she said for a push-up you have arms shoulder width apart and slightly further up, as opposed to a plank where you arms are not? Cos thats what I've been doing, think she said that in Level 2 somewhere, or maybe I'm doing it wrong too . Is it just painful when exercising, or all the time?

How about shredding but with no weights at all? Or yes, maybe just leave the shred for a week and concentrate on your new circuit DVD.

Well, finally, something seems to be happening for me !! Since Saturday, I have another inch off my waist and an inch off my hips (although both are still far too large for my liking!) but finally I can see something happening - hooray! Have to say I actually enjoyed shredding today which was D8, but I am still far from finishing L3, probably only managing about 70-80% on Natalie, so will keep going on L3 until probably the end of next week and then on 31 October start back on L1, straight through to L3, 30 days, all Natalie (ha ha ha my optimism amazes even me sometimes!!)

Am amazed still at how quickly the time goes in L3, at about this stage in L2 it dragged and I was bored, but not so at this level. Also, with the cool down, I can stretch my legs so much further when stretching out at the end than I could before.

Have watched a few more vids of push up form and now thing where I've been going wrong is not keeping my elbows into my sides enough and possibly too wide as well. It didn't cause me any problems when I could only get a few reps in, but now I'm doing higher reps its really painful.

I am aware of it all the time, but its not painful unless I lift my arm above shoulder height. It only really hurts badly when I'm doing push ups, thankfully.

Sounds like you are storming ahead now. Fantastic inch loss, well done!

Are you able to do the pike crunches Natalie style? If not, there is a tip from BFBM to help build up to it. You just do one leg at a time, whilst still doing the arms, so one set of reps raising one leg and then the other leg for the other set of reps - its really helped me with them.

Level 3 definitely shoots by. I liked the fact that there was a lot of variety in each circuit, so you didn't get bored.

The BFBM circuits fly by too. Just when you think you can't possibly go on, the circuit finishes and you get a few seconds breather before moving on to the next circuit. I nearly quit so many times today, but each time was suckered back into doing the next circuit. I really enjoyed it.

No, can't do pike crunches Natalie, just about Anita! Will definitely give that a try in the morning, thanks. Am still cheating at the straightforward sit-ups too, DD insists on sitting on my feet now.....bless her!

Its not cheating - its working up to it, building strength. You are doing brilliantly!

I only managed the full 'Rocky-style sit-ups' in the last few days before I stopped doing level 3.

35+ different push up exercises!

No wonder I'm confused. I think I've been doing the wide grip ones, so making it unnecessarily hard on myself.

Just finished the whole 40 min BFBM workout again, but had to modify the uppercut/overhead punches and standing mountain climbers as my shoulder really hurts this morning. Oddly its not too bad in plank, but really hurts when I raise it. I think I'll get my mum's pilates instructor to have a look at it when Mum gets back off holiday in a week's time, as she's qualified in sports injury rehab. I think its a rotator cuff injury, but she's great and will be able to tell me straight away.

Sorry you're still suffering! Will take a look see of the push up - sounds like I've been doing the same as you!

D9 complete and I have to say I really need to shred when I am in a bad mood. I was in a foul mood this morning (thanks to Orange!) and I ploughed through most of it, was pouring sweat when I'd finished and had enough energy to do the housework when I'd finished - fabulous!

Note to self: Pick a fight with DH in the morning !!

DS finished school for half term today, so looking forward to a few quicker mornings, although wishing for a few lie-ins would be futile, especially since working all weekend, but only need to get to Tuesday night and can then get prepared to par-tayyyy!

God, I am exhausted from watching them and have to admit I only watched up to the first Hindu one!! I have definitely been doing the wide grip push up which is I think the same as you. Will try the standard one tomorrow, although watching Jillian earlier, she definitely does them wide grip too.

That's what I thought. Jillian definitely has her arms wider, but everything I've read says that's something you should work up to.

I am aching this afternoon from all the kickboxing in BFBM. I've never done any before and my legs and bum are killing me!

I know what you mean about working out when you're in a bad mood. I did the shred after a row with dh once and really powered through it. The shadow boxing with weights was a great way to work it out.

So, how do you compare shredding with BFBM then Mama? x

They are quite different. BFBM is faster and mainly cardio, although because you are using your own body weight, its still classed as circuit training. Its also twice as long, which is a challenge in itself. The plyometrics in it are also a bit of a challenge. There's less modification and its faster paces, so not as much time to work on form.

Of the two, I think I prefer the shred, because I can really feel my muscles working while I'm doing it. With BFBM I still feel like I'm getting a really good workout, but can't feel the muscles working as hard at the time. I know about it afterwards though - especially if I sit still, as then I seize up.

I'm actually really missing the shred now, but daren't make my shoulder any worse.

That said, My Fitness Pal used to log 20 minutes of the shred as 212 calories burned (although now I've lost more weight, its adjusted that to 196 calories burned) whereas BFBM burns just under 400 calories for me! In fact, I have struggled to eat my calorie allowance both today and yesterday as a result.

Get some chocolate down you girl!! Well done!

I must say I want to be doing more cardio - never really been one for it before, but like the short bursts. I love doing the plank exercises in L3, because I can really feel my core working, so I know what you mean about feeling it work.

Oooo chocolate! I have promised myself I will have some at Christmas - seems a long way off though. I have the calories/fat/protein allocation available, but something tells me it wouldn't be a healthy calorie choice.

I've never really been into cardio exercise before either - I can't stand all those choreographed aerobics style workouts, not to mention I have zero co-ordination for complicated moves anyway. I've had enough trouble with the first kickboxing circuit on this one and that's just having to think about what direction to punch whilst moving your legs/twisting a certain way. Think I have that one down now though.

No doubt about it, this one really gets your heart pumping, but then I get soooo tired as the day wears on. In fact I am off to bed in a minute, as I'm struggling to keep my eyes open. I seriously need to keep doing it to build up some stamina. [light weight emoticon]

I seriously can't stop eating today (I don't mean chocolate) just seriously I just want to eat, eat, eat!!

Am finishing work shortly, and since DS has no school tomorrow, I'm going to enjoy a nice cold glass of pinot before bed and then get back to it all tomorrow. Since I'm not rushing out the door in the morning for the school run, I'll be shredding before shopping with the kids. Working all weekend during the day but don't start til 12pm, so plenty of time to fit a shred in then too!! Think I'm addicted to Level 3!

I started level 3 yesterday. Found parts of it quite difficult but the time goes really fast and for some reason I don't feel like I've done as much after. Hope that isn't because I'm not working as hard. Had to take a couple of 5 second breaks in the cardio with weights bit that was really hard.

Meant to say even though I find it hard, I think I like level 3 better than level 2 though.

Lol, overtired. I think I got addicted to that level as well. Had to force myself to stop doing it before my body got too accustomed to the routine and I really miss it now.

Morning nicnac. Wow, can't believe you're on level 3 already - you're forging ahead. Well done!

I think level 3 sneaks up on you really. I remember saying to dh that I didn't think it was that hard when I did the first day, but as you work on form and get more effective at it, you really start to notice good results.

From what I've read, general consensus seems to agree with yourself, overtired and I, level 2 is definitely the least popular.

My boys are off as well today and have elected to have a pyjama day. Dh, bless him, let me sleep in until 9.00, because dd had me up no less than five times in the night and I was already exhausted. Have just eaten my porridge, so will let that go down and then I'm thinking about doing a level 1 shred, but substituting the press ups for mountain climbers and/or squat thrusts.

D10 today and I almost bounced out of bed ready to do it! Definitely helped not having to get up and rush about taking DS to school, but he and DD were both up at 6.30, so I opted for the DVD option so I could rest in abit longer.

Tops of my legs are feeling tight today, but apart from that am OK. Am going to continue with L3 until the end of next week and then restart L1 and see how that goes.

Am working all weekend (boooo hoooo) and then in Monday and Tuesday night, so from Wednesday onwards have a few days off, but that will be spent getting in party mode. I can't wait!! Hows your plans coming along Mama? Not much more I can do at the moment, just need to get the weekend out of the way, then booze arriving Tuesday, then from Wednesday onwards its busy, busy, busy! Luckily Wednesday to Friday I'll have DS out from under my feet as he's going on a football course, so its just DD to contend with.

Am very Overtired. I have been the polar opposite. Totally exhausted all day, so decided to take today off in the end, hoping for a double benefit of getting over the exhaustion and resting my shoulder at the same time.

My plans aren't coming along at all at the moment. I seem to be moving in ever decreasing circles. Am getting a bit panicky at how little I seem to be getting done actually. I really want to be organised for Christmas this year and be able to enjoy it without too much fuss/stress. Anniversary party plans have gone on the backburner until after Christmas and dd's birthday (January) now as I was getting in a muddle.

I have to have ds1's statement application complete for 9.00 am on Monday 31st, ready to discuss with his support team - then it'll be a stressful week or so getting the final version done incorporating the school's stuff before finally submitting it.

Sounds like you have your party plans well in hand - how exciting. I love that last week before a party when it all starts coming together.

Goodness me, you have loads going on, no wonder you're exhausted!

I love party organising - just wish my house was bigger, think we'll be abit squished! x

We're the same. I'd love to do a party at a big venue someday. Our anniversary is going to be in both the house and garden though and fortunately we do have a big garden, so hopefully that will be less of a squeeze. I want to go all out and have scene setters and one of those Coleman event shelters.

My garden is tiny, but we're putting up a gazebo and have a patio heater, so hoping that will be nice and snug!