2013 NEW YEAR JILLIAN MICHAELS FANS!

[threestepsforward]

New thread for the Julian Monkeys!!

Here's to a new year Shedded and Shredded, Ripped, with Killer Buns and Thighs, a 6 Pack, a Revolutionised Body and No More Trouble Zones

Any practitioners of Insanity, Turbofire and all other such insane DVDs come and join us too if you like

pestkontrol I actually find Jillian fine on the knees but I know others have had problems... I think form is the key thing (make sure your knees don't go forward over your toes when you lunge/squat by keeping your bum as far back as you can, and make sure your knees are not going off to the side but are staying in line with your ankles)... also, make sure you have supportive trainers.

Guitargirl and MissT I definitely get a positive mental boost from exercise too (actually one of the reasons I first got into it was to help combat PND after DC1). And I am in much better shape now than I was in my 20s (when I was working too hard, drinking and eating too much, and doing no exercise, and the pounds were ever so gradually piling on).

Well I did Ripped L4 last night. Nearly didn't, as I didn't get DD settled til 9.45 and had some tidying/clearing up etc to do in the house, but made myself do it, finishing at 10.20p.m. , but glad I did. Working from home today so should have time to fit in something longer...

Morning all

Hi Pestkontrol! On top of Jackster's great advice on form, if you scroll back a few pages on this thread, you'll fine a useful post by Worldgonecrazy on knees... She substitutes quite a few of the ones that hurt her knees and tells you what she substitutes them with - it might be helpful?

Back later when I've got started on Killer again, it's like Groundhog day in DVD land!!

Jackster 10.20 pm? That is dedication

threesteps I am feeling the benefits of BR. Lost more weight and reached my original target weight of 68 kgs, which I since changed to 66 kgs. (started from 85 kgs last year)
I can see more definition everywhere, but my arms are just amazing (showed them off to DH). I am not happy with my stomach, but I probably never will. pestcontrol I am envious of you!
Earlier on I was whinging about Phase 1 being gentle, but I always had a good work-out so far just had to up the weights, add more circuits, etc.
threesteps Enjoy Killer!

Off to M&S to find new bras after last week's bra intervention.

What amazing weight loss Ginger- well done! 66 is what I usually am so it must be a good number ;-)

Completed day 4 of L3 of Ripped yesterday. Might take a day off today, but probably not - I'm addicted! Nice definition on abs starting to appear. Does anyone know how to deal with the bit between the belly button and pubic bone, especially with a c-section flappy bit?

Afternoon all!

Hope you enjoy Killer threesteps, it's fast becoming my favourite Jillian dvd :) Well done on the weightloss Ginger, very impressive

Pestkontrol I started out with shred and found level 1 really tough on my knees but at about 15 days in it eased off. I think my knees have actually strengthened as I've always had problems with cardio but touch wood they've been fine since.

DiamondDoris I had a c-section but since doing Jillian I think my stomach looks better than it ever has. I've not particularly focused on it (I couldn't get away with 6w6p) but I think all the planking and balance work really work on your core. There are some good circuits in NMTZ's that might help.

I've just done L2 shed and shred - I really enjoy it after being a bit sceptical about L1 at first, and I might try to do killer tonight. I find if I keep exercising I want to do more but the moment I stop it seems so hard to get back in to. It's frustrating because it's almost like I sabotage myself - I don't exercise, eat rubbish, feel lousy, then start again, want to eat well, and feel so much better. Even my dh says I'm alot nicer when I've been working out

I finished level 2 today. :D I am glad to see the back of that one.
Very impressed from everyone on here.

I have been thinking ahead about what to do after shred. I would prefer a workout which is a bit gentler on the knees but don't know if that exists in Jillian world.

Gingercat that weight loss is fantastic! You must be thrilled, seriously well done If anyone has earned it you have - you will forever be known to me as the person who did BFBM in the airport terminal

Hoping congrats on getting L2 behind you! I think L3 Shred is in many ways easier so it's all good now!

Hmm, I can't think of any knee-light Jillian workouts. Perhaps her cardio one, Burn Fat Boost Metabolism. And perhaps No More Trouble Zones? (it's been ages since I've done that one though so I can't really remember what's in it, there is lunging though).

I'm back to it now I hope. I did L1 Killer followed by my pilates stretches and all feels good. I'll take it slow and steady though...

Not content with being injury free, I whacked my big toe hard on the chest the TV sits on when doing the front kick / back kick in circuit 3 (bare feet) I had to pause and stand and gurn until the pain passed but luckily could finish and it feels better now!

Hope everyone is doing well, see you all tomorrow

Thanks everyone - and to Jackster and Worldgonecrazy for knee advice. I'm going to take it super-gently for the next few days and see if that helps.

Ginger, don't be envious - I think we all have our 'Danger' zones that we don't like and however much we work on them, we still don't like them (for me, it's the Thunder Thighs). One thing I've realised is that no one else notices them half as much as we do. You may think your tummy is bad, but to us, it may look normal (or even, pretty damn hawt)

Evening everyone, I'm feeling a lot more positive today having done another Killer L2. Sooo hard but in a good way. My thighs are already feeling shocked the benefit. No headache today so hopefully that is it for a few weeks.

fadingblonde I completely agree with you - if I stop exercising even for a couple of days it seems so hard to start again but when I'm in the swing of it I love it.

threesteps at least you didn't damage the TV? When doing some of the exercises involving weights (eg swinging them in Ripped L1, or doing jab / cross punches with weights) I'm terrified of losing my grip and smashing the screen.

DH came back from work today talking about the Insanity workouts - apparently some people from work have got into them. I remember a link on the last Jillian thread to a shorter Insanity workout - must find it again so I can show him how Mad it looks! Respect to anyone who can do that!

Before my bad back kicked in I was doing Insanity, albeit not quite to their timetable because I wanted to be able to get out in the fresh air and run as well. It is properly hard and also fairly time consuming. That said, if you were used tobgoing to a gym then it is probably no more time involved as no travel time- just the DVD.

The only other one I have that comes close (although in a different way because it is strength focussed rather than cardio) is the Bob Harper Pure Strength DVD.

Thank you for your kind words. Realistically I probably will not lose more weight now (would be astonished if I could), just try to maintain it and tone up with great abs (I wish).

threesteps It was fun to do BFBM at Brussels airport. Jillian addiction is not pretty sometimes

If we have some dry weather this year, I may try C25K. (Praying for rain already.)

Hey all. Managed Ripped L1 yesterday (didn't have as much time as I had hoped to do a longer workout, largely due to time spent aimlessly panicking over planning DS's WBD costume ) so I have done all the Ripped levels in the last 4 days.

May be able to get home from work early today and fit in something then. It would have been a perfect day to do a run as part of my journey home if I weren't still worried about knackering my knee again .

3steps really well done for getting going again. It's so hard, mentally and physically, to start again after a break (enforced or otherwise). So the worst bit is over!

Ponks I am always worrying about damaging something with my weights during Jillian. I did once smash my weight into my knee during 6W6P L2 (the bit with the knee raises plus arm pull-downs). Ouch! Also, Ponks I think that Insanity Fast and Furious is the one MissT does (at 6a.m! ).

gingercat I had forgotten that airport story! Brilliant.

Nice work everyone else - keep it up!

Hi all, D5 L2 of the shred today, i have to say my 50 yr old knees are just about holding up, despite never having any kind of knee problems before

The last circuit of level 2 is an absolute killer , i just about manage to keep up, can i ask a question, how many of you are at the same level as Natalie (or there abouts) or as i am, a combo of the two.

Taking the lead from a few of you here too, i doubled up today, level 1 and level 2 done , albeit an hour apart. Once the kids are at school and i am in the gear/zone it seems rude not to!
Hope you are all well and injury free.

Gingercat C25K sounds like a fab new challenge, hopefully we won't have a summer () like last year...

Jacksterbear well done fitting in exercise when life gets busy. I'm not so good at that sometimes!

Ponks that Insanity clip I saw looked, well, insane! (can't think of a better word for it really). I think Peggyo and MissT have been done that particular one so they might give you some feedback. No way am I attempting that at the moment!

Tracedw level 2 of Shred is hard! That final strength circuit is a killer. I tend to try and stick with the hard level, but there are definitely exercises I'll drop down for (like that L2 strength in the last circuit, full push-ups etc.). A selection of different weights helps as you can go up or down depending on how hard you find the specific exercise...

Yesterday I just couldn't face Killer, I feel like I've been doing it on and off for a year! So I did a good old L1 Shred and tested out different weights with my back. All feels good so far so will do something else today, not sure what yet!

Hope everyone has a good day :)

Threesteps It is good to mix up the routines sometimes

Tracedw I am definitely not a Natalie. I can't remember the last circuit on L2 of the Shred, as all the plank stuff makes me half-dead by then, but normally I do a combination of Natalie and Anita.

I have done workouts 5, 6 and cardio 2 of Body Revolution. OMG! They are so doable, uncomplicated and every part of my body hurts. The cardio especially is going to "put me 6 feet under" as Jillian would put it. I knew I was in trouble when it started with speed ropes, butt kicks, high knees, jumping jacks, etc. and ended with burpees. (Had a peek last night.) In case I never mentioned it I HATE cardio. (Try to imagine this sentence with my DS's strong Geordie accent.) Anyway only the first 9-10 minutes hurt, beacuse after that you are in the zone and can repeat it twice.

Yikes Gingercat, cardio 2 sounds hardcore! I know what you mean about getting into the zone though...

My arms hurt after yesterday's Shred! I did 1 of the 2 sets of push-ups as full ones. First time I've ever attempted that with Shred (thank you Shed&Shred!).

L3 Killer today which I loved. The relief of the final circuit as you're lying or standing still for the most part!

Going to do a week on L3 Killer if everything goes to plan, and will then re-start S&S from the beginning.

Hope everyone's doing well, have a nice evening :)

Hi all,

Been feeling a bit rough over the last few days with a nagging head cold but I have forced myself to carry on. I don't want a pesky cold to beat me (desperately trying to remain positive, though feeling quite low tbh) . So I am still doing L1 of S&S.

Had a look at Bob Harper's DVDs and I'm tempted by the Super Strength one, though I'm not sure about the time involved. I know you do it notyummy, and I've read the reviews and I'm expecting it to be tough. I may also think about his cardio one.

Ponks tis true what threesteps and jacksterbear said. I have been known to do Insanity Fast and Furious at 6 am! It's still on YouTube - go for it! You feel great afterwards. I love poor Martin in the background!

Sending you all good workout and motivational vibes!

Ha MissT there is no way I could do Insanity Fast & Furious! (though I said that about Shred L3 at first...) I'm being v. careful re any significant cardio moves as my stupid achilles is playing up again, just from a short walk the other day. Still managing to Shred though!

Very happy today as have met my first personal target of the year and have lost 1 stone. Even better is how much I have toned up thanks to Jillian. I still have more to lose but I look and feel a lot better already.
Celebrated with a Shred L2 - am mixing up Shred and Killer this week. Like to do different workouts to make sure I'm getting a full body workout at the mo.

Misstified- sorry about your cold. I really like the Bob H Pure Strength. It is long and hard, but he is so likeable and watchable in it. Quite hardcore, but funny. DH really likes him in it as well.

It looks like I may need an op on my back according to the GP but I won't know conclusively until I have seen the consultant in a few weeks. Driving is awful- I get searing pain and sciatica and start losing feeling in my leg. It's a real issue as I have a long commute and my job involves covering a wide area. Not good.

Well don Ponks! Congratulations! Great way to celebrate, Shred L2

MissTFied Are you feeling any better?

Notyummy That sounds serious. I do not know what to wish. Maybe for the pain to go away whatever it takes

I started to like Bob Harper lately, but I wish his workouts were shorter. JM really cornered the Mommy-market with her shorter workouts. You can't really find an excuse not to sweat for 30 minutes a day.

Gawd notyummy, that sounds awful, I'm so sorry :( I really hope they can get to the bottom of it all soon for you. Take it easy in the meantime (which I know will be hard for you!). Wishing you lots of healing wishes to get better x

And you MissT, hope you feel better soon.

Ponks, fantastic on reaching your target! Congratulations

Gingercat, what you say is so true, but I find I can be the master of creative excuses lol!

I'm finding it quite hard to mentally get back in the zone with Killer. There's been so much stopping and starting. It's frustrating as I like to try and complete a project (DVD) so my plan to have spent 3-4 weeks on Killer was scuppered.

Sooo, I think I may do 1 day on 1 day off with Killer for a week and alternate with something else - possibly Pilates. Then, I will be stretched and ready for re-starting S&S.

Hope everyone's having a good day

Aw bless you lovely people re my little cold! There are so many serious injuries going on on here and here I am whining about nowt. I am conquering it! I am feeling much more 'up' today.

notyummy your back does sound bad. Can't imagine it. Ow. Thanks for the recommendation of Bob. I have now purchased his Pure Strength DVD - it better be good, lady! Did you do it everyday for a while or what? Did you notice a significant difference in your physique? I all of a sudden want to get serious and get really ripped!

If anyone wants cheering up, maybe you should YouTube Bob Harper Freakout. Perhaps you have seen it already? He loses it with a lady named Joelle. I thought Bob was supposed to be the nice one! DP says Bob sounds like Mr Garrison from South Park? I hadn't really watched it before, but youtubed Mr Garrison teaching evolution. Another funny thing!

Ponks of course you can do it! Just as soon as your achilles is better, there's your target! (Oh tell me to 'do one'!) It's amazing what we can push our bodies to do. Well done for reaching your target. Are you starting to bin your old clothes yet? I love doing that.

Gingercat I too wish Bob's workouts were shorter, but we will see how long they 'feel' when my DVD arrives. I don't fancy getter up at 5 something of a morning.

threesteps that is why I cannot allow myself a day off, because I fear I will never start again (although I luckily have not been injured). I have to say I enjoyed Killer and am now enjoying S&S. Think I may step up to L2 tomorrow. I hope you get into the Jillian groove again soon.

Go! Go go go! (I'm gone!)

Woo hoo! Just done my first ever Double Shred (L1 and L2 back-to-back)!! So chuffed with myself. Was inspired by you guys; also had just got my 30DS DVD back from a friend who'd borrowed it ages ago, so was over-excited to have my old friend the Shred back (and must admit I was also remembering it through rose-tinted glasses slightly, in terms of how easy it was compared to Ripped... turns out, not so much! ).

gingercat, your quote You can't really find an excuse not to sweat for 30 minutes a day is going to become my new mantra! love it.

notyummy I'm so sorry that really sucks.

3steps don't get disheartened! It's great to be doing what you are doing, don't expect too much from yourself.

Ponks, well done on your weightloss, and MissT hope you enjoy the new Bob DVD.

Now get out there and have an awesome day everyone...

Oops I meant to bold that quote gingercat not strike it through!!