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

3steps! You are bothering [warning: cheesy pep talk alert!] because exercise is the best (IMO) way to ward off fatigue, stress and negative thoughts and feel healthy, energised, and positive about yourself! And because it allows you to eat chocolate and drink (within reason!) and not put on weight. I know how you feel though. But don't give up!

Good exercise week last week: worked out x 5. Did BFBM yesterday; enojoyed it as always. Hope you all had good weekends and got to enjoy the sunshine.

Hi all I am back after a week camping!
Back to L3 Shred today and enjoyed it but definitely felt it! Although camping is not really a rest...every time you need the loo huge inroads on the pedometer are made!, it still sets me back having a week off!
Threesteps don't give up... All the reasons Jacksterbear gave are excellent and can I add that without exercise my PMT turns me into a monster and as the years moveon I hope a regular exercise regime will also help during 'the change'! Hope I haven't depressed you more!
I have this Thread on my 'Watching' list so haven't noticed the move..also as it was half term last week it will prob have been quiet...not much exercise goes on in school hols!!
Eig and a half weeks until my bikini holiday so I am on a count down. Think I will move to Ripped after Shred in about a week. I love Ripped and will not miss the minute long strength moves of Shred!

Happypiglet and Jacksterbear - thank you :)

Sorry for my moan yesterday, I was just feeling v grouchy!! And what you've both said is 100% spot on. I know it really. I always feel so much better generally when I'm exercising regularly. And yy to the cake - what would life be without chocolate and cake

Jackster well done on last week's exercise tally, and for doing BFBM today - definitely among my favourites of hers for feeling totally knackered and brilliant afterwards!

Glad the camping trip was fun happypiglet. 8 and a bit weeks is plenty of time to get well and truly Ripped Well done getting back into it after a week off, it can be hard can't it?

I managed 2 x L1 S&S at the weekend and so far so good back-wise. And I'm aching today, in a good way! After you've had some time off, it shows how hard your muscles must be working when you get back to it again.

Have a great day everyone x

Hello all, I'd like to join in please, been lurking for a bit to make sure I really am a Jillian fan.

I did the shred in March/April and I'm now on to RI30. Started level three last week but it seems completely ridiculous! I still don't have the upper body strength to do some of the planking moves. Is level 4 even more complicated? I don't dare move up.

Also, where next after RI30? Is NMTZ very complicated? I only have max 30 mins per day really...

Welcome, nice. Ripped L3 is IMHO the hardest of all Jillian workouts! L4 is actually much more manageable. NMTZ is great but around 45/50 mins, although you don't have to do the whole thing if you are short on time. I would recommend doing it in conjunction with Banish Fat Boost Metabolism, or another more cardio-focused workout, to get a good strength/cardio balance. Or you could try any of Killer Buns, 6week 6pack or Extreme shed and shred - they are all great!

at 3steps, happypiglet and everyone else.

Hi nice good to see a new face! I can't remember RI30 L3 as I fell off the wagon for six months and I am slowly working thru Shred. But I will be joining you on Ripped soon... I like Killer which is a bit longer than Shred but not as long as BFBM or NMTZ. However I think after Ripped I may buy Extreme Shred and Shed as people on here seem to like it!
Hi everyone else.
L3 Shred again today....did one set of walking push ups on my toes so pleased with myself....still can't do jumping lunges but managed all the CV work....must be time to move on soon!
Lovely day here again hope the sun is out with you!
How is the back Threesteps ?

Ah thanks for the info, RI30 level 3 is actually putting me off a bit... glad to hear it's not other people's favourite...

No doubt I will end up getting all Jillian's workouts eventually - I went to the gym yesterday for the first time in ages and the amount of stuff you have to pack to make a trip there - like moving house! Definitely a massive plus to working out at home.

I do struggle with long periods of cardio (many years as a smoker plus gigantic boobs which make leaping about uncomfy) but I will check out BFBM as I need to lose some weight as well as tone up.

Hi all- welcome Nice. Following on from Ripped I would say either 6W6P (which you could fit in the when thing) or NMTZ is a real favourite of mine. So great to do something focused on strength and if you stick at and gradually build up the weights you see a real difference in your ability (and body!) You could fit in 4 or 5 circuits (there are 7) each time, and if you alternated it with a 30 minute run on other days that would be great. I am not so keen on BFBM, but that just may be me. I don't find it as challenging as a fast paced run or some efforts up a hill, and only ever fouvd 2 out of 7 vircuits got me a bit breathless.It may be a personal thing, as o think I prefer my cardio outdoors!

threesteps- hope the back is holding up. There is nothing wrong with being in your 40s, and if you keep up the exercise you will be in as good shape as you ever were. Before my back got bad I certainly was- and I intend to be again! Actually, I have pleasantly surprised that I haven't seen much of a difference at all in weight or muscle tone so Jillians bemefits obviously stick around for a while as I haven't done anything except walking in MBTs and calletics since early March. I am sure I will have lost strength and cardio fitness but hopefully I can get back on the road to that soon. 5 miles walk today and most of my calletics- cant some of the abs stuff yet so have to leave them out. Apparently another 7 weeks before I can run and I think I will be a wheezing wreck on my short 4 mile route, which is slightly disheartening! I hope to start Shred L1 with light weights (1.5 kg are the lightest we have so they will have to do) when I have seen the surgeon in 3 weeks time.

Not yummy the recovery process sounds like it is going well...glad to hear it
In the interests of balance tho can I just say that I die after nearly every circuit of BFBM! I have never been any good at CV tho! Short breathed and always have been even when I was at my fittest!

Evening all!

Welcome nice :) You're nearly there (with Ripped!)...as I remember, levels 3 and 4 were both pretty much as tough as each other, not sure if that's reassuring or not lol Ooo and you'll be spoilt for choice as to what you opt for next!

Happypiglet I'm a red tomato after doing BFBM! I love it though, and always feel fantastic afterwards.

Notyummy great to hear from you - and the recovery sounds like it's going well :) Also really heartening to hear how much of the benefits have stuck around, even after a period of resting.

Waves to Jackster :)

So after 3 x S&S my back has revolted again, gawd dang it's so annoying!! I think I will have to just let it rest until my next chiro appointment next week (thursday). He's convinced it can be sorted out so I'm not giving up but think resting will be the sensible option ....

I will be back but for the mo I am out of action :(

Keep up the good work everyone - you are all doing great!!!

Hi guys

threesteps sorry to hear the back is bad again, I feel for you. Having had my knee problems I know how miserable I was at the prospect of not working out again just when I had really got into the Jillian swing ... thankfully my physio advice has helped loads but I am still being careful with my stretches & massage my legs every day. Fingers crossed your chiro can help you, it made such a massive difference for you the first time.
And re the depressed / why bother thing - yes I get that too, normally about 3 mins into the warmup every time - I have to persuade myself to carry on but then am so glad I do.

notyummy sounds positive if you up and around walking and callaneticing - again, hope your progress continues.

nice hi there! I'm also a convert to Jillian this year and am progressing through her DVDs - my favourites at the moment are 6w6p and Extreme S&S. If you are looking for a fairly quick workout then either of those are about 30 mins. Or like NotYummy says, doing a few circuits of NMTZ is good when you are time limited. NMTZ has really helped my core.

piglet yay for the pushups on your toes! I haven't managed them in Shred L3 yet. Love the way the music gets more powerful in the final circuit. keeps you going!

I had a very lazy weekend so had planned to make up for it with some tough workouts this week - but must have had a bug or something as I was lightheaded & dizzy yesterday and barely made it through Shred L2. Felt better today so attacked 6w6p L2 and v.pleased as didn't pause the DVD for a breather in the 2nd round. Sweated Buckets though and red faced afterwards for ages. No way could I do that before work.

Hi all
Threesteps sorry to hear about the back how frustrating. Hope the chiropractor can help.
Ponks there are a lot of bugs around- we are all full of cold- I am fed up with constant snot in my house, its June for pity's sake! Well done on 6W6P- not tried that one yet.
L3 again today- really had to force myself as I have a boring day on my own with just cleaning to do so hard to get motivated... keep thinking about the bikini tho!! Glad when I do do it.
Thinking about the position of the Thread I note there is a Sport and Exercise Topic (which other JM threads are staring on) and wonder if this would be better there? Not sure how we would get it moved tho....

Here is a link to some Callenetics material. It really works!

Wow just been reading the reviews of that Callanetics stuff, notyummy! Lots of rave reviews!

Hello peeps - I miss you all!!

Have been doing my pilates stretches every day plus my special back stretches, just marking time really until I go back and see the chiro next week....

Notyummy thanks for the link! Does it all date back to Callen Pinkney then (spelling?) from the 80s/90s? If so, I remember when she became popular, and became a massive craze at our school! (I remember doing it with people, it was about 50 mins long...?).

Is it back-friendly then? I assume so? If it is I will definitely download the book/DVD and keep busy...

Luckily, work has been manic so I've not had too much time to dwell on my inactivity.

Happypiglet really good point about the thread location. I'm sure as sure we're not getting as much traffic because of the new location - I think we just need to contact MNHQ to ask for it to be moved...what do you all reckon?

Anyhoo, will be staying off the hard stuff until late next week but I will be virtually cheering you all on :)

Take care everyone xx

(p.s. after my moan about impending doom and my 40s, I started doing 'facial yoga'. Have been doing it for about a week, takes about 6 mins a day, and today someone I hadn't seen for ages said I looked 'glowing and bonny' - coincidence?! If you want me to summarise the dead simple exercises let me know... :) )

Yes please to facial yoga! 41 and a half here and need help...

Okey doke - first few times best to do it in front of the mirror so you get the idea...

To warm up (I'm a bit lazy about this bit) - you roll your neck forward and back, turn it left to right, and then tilt it left to right (so ear towards shoulder). Do this slowly and a couple of times (so roll neck forward and back twice, then move on etc.).

Warm up - eyes: roll eyeballs up and down, then left to right, then diagonally top right to bottom left, then repeat other way top left to bottom right. Do them all slowly and a couple of times.

Then: Basic Workout

1. Smile as wide as you can - keeping it as flat as you can (so no turning up of lip corners) Do this twice for 5 seconds (I do three).

1. Use your fingers to draw an imaginary line from the sides of your mouth to your ears - then smile in that line as near as you and wide as you can. Twice (or three times) for 5 seconds.

1. Use fingers again but this time up to temples. Same as above.

1. As above but this time to outer edge of eyes. Here you're not smiling now it's more about lifting your cheeks up to the edge of the eyes.

1. As above but now to central point of under eyes. Pulling up cheeks again, but you can semi-snarl to help lift them.

1. As above but now to the inner point of eyes (nearest nose) and this time you'll be doing a full snarl lol

1. Raise eyebrows as high as you can, with eyes open and wide as you can.

She says do this every day if poss and twice a day. You won't need the mirror as you get used to it.

Once you've done a week or two with these - you move up and on top of the above - you go through all the exercises again, but this time trying only to use half the face. I've given that a go but it's pretty hard!

It then moves on to intermediate but I haven't go there yet - will keep you posted!!

Have a great weekend all :)

Hi all

Facial Yoga looks very intriguing! Might give it a try when I get a few spare minutes.

I have just finished Shred Level 2, having done Shred Level 1 about ten times over the past month (non consecutive, mixed with other exercise).

AARRGH!

I don't think it helped that a) I was exercising first thing in the morning which is not always my most energetic time, and b) it is BOILING hot and I didn't have a fan.

The cardio moves felt much more challenging than in L1. The strenght I would say felt about the same. The abs were definitely more difficult, and there was one I couldn't do at all - I think it was the penultimate ab move, where you are supposed to be crunching your legs and abs simultaneously. I just had to do regular crunches.

That said, the last ab move was a thing in a plank where you had to bring alternate knees in to your torso while twisting. She kept saying how insanely difficult it was, yet I found it by FAR the easiest of the ab moves in this workout. I think I must have been doing it wrong - any tips?

Off to have a very cold shower now!

Hi all
threesteps I am up for a move to Sport and Exercise I think we would get more traffic! And that facial yoga....may give it a go...not sure it would help my general crepeiness tho!
I wimped out yesterday as I have a streaming cold. So managed four times last week (my week starts n Sat)...must do better next week. Five days of L1 Ripped for me
River I look like a ripe tomato after exercise in the summer! I too fin plank twists OK but cannot do double crunches or pike crunches (L3 move) at all. I have a pronounced hollow in lower back and it's impossible for me....on the plus side DH said this morning that he can see my six pack!! Yippee.....

notyummy I did those Callenetic moves all of one summer in the early 90s when it was all the rage....only focussing on my bum and legs and I got buns of steel.... I was lodging in a house in the Wirral whilst i did a work placement between Uni years and the landlady had the book...It's very small movements but in specific positions if I remember correctly! That has really taken me back!, nostalgia trip!

Aha, it's interesting that you say that Happy, as I too have a hollow back - remember being told this by various dance teachers / body con people when I was a child/teenager...

Sorry for only lurking, but life took over.
Waves to everyone.

notyummy Hope it will all be nehind you soon. Callanetics looks intriguing.

threesteps We are 40 and fab! Don't forget that! You obviously are taking control of your life, and we are here to hold your hands.

niceupthedance When I have just very little time I do l2 RI30. Killing me. Now you made me go up l3 and 4 again .

I may be toning up, as clothes are falling off, but putting on weight. Bob is really hard. Although Jillian is very hard for me, as I just do it faster and with more weight.

Humph. Have joined the injury bench but hopefully only for a short time. Had a lovely indulgent couple of days away with DH & was looking forward to getting back into my exercise routine (needed after what I ate / drank while away!) but DH's horse stomped on my foot yesterday and squished my big toe. Toe is now black and swollen and there wont be any jumping around for a few days. Must have a go with the facial yoga instead! - or the non-plank core moves from NMTZ.

Could you perhaps manage donkey kicks Ponks . sorry couldn't resist. That's bad luck...

Morning everyone. I'm back after many months off :) I'm handing my dissertation in today and I'm off on holidays in 7 weeks. Yesterday was day one of 6w6p and I feel like I've been hit by a bus!

Hope everyone is doing well...I'll read back and catch up tonight. Just need to drag my sorry arse out of bed to do day 2 now