Let’s see, what do I like about this DVD? It kept me on my toes.  The three circuits seem to flip by fairly quickly, and as soon as I think I’m about to die, it’s time to change to another set. The formula seems to work – three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio, and one minute abs.  Three circuits and you are done. Use your choice of hand weights – I used 5s and 8s.

Circuit number one begins with squats and overhead dumbbell presses, and the cardio involves jumping jacks – probably my least favorite exercise. Combined with crunches, it’s an effective first level – but nothing too severe.

Circuit two – back rows, lunges with bicep curls, punching and butt kicks – this is the level that killed me. Thirty seconds of non-stop lunges doesn’t SOUND too awful – but try it and you’ll see.  (insert maniacal laughter here…) One great feature is that Jillian gives pointers throughout the circuits with tips and hints – on the butt kicks, actually KICK your own butt.  It’s nice to have that reminder to keep my chin off my chest during ab work and press my throat to the ceiling. When it feels like it’s getting easy, she always tosses in a reminder of what you COULD be doing – abs in, butt back – and boom! It suddenly gets more difficult.

Circuit three featured chest flys, side lunges (again with the lunges!) with front raises, a repeat of the first four cariod choices, and more ab work. I have to say, the abs on Anita – one of the demonstrators – made me a believer. You don’t get those abs for free, and any time I wanted to quit, I looked her way.

Level one was great.  Level two awaits – I hope I’m up for the challenge! Anyone want to join me?

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Jillian Michaels’ Thirty Day Shred – Week One

I first met Jillian Michaels on a whim at Blogher 07 in Chicago.  A girlfriend told me that the conference was offering the ability to have lunch with her, and she thought I’d really enjoy it.  I think at the time I had watched one, maybe two, episodes of The Biggest Loser. I really didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but my newly completed weight loss meant that I had an interest – some might say fascination – with all things weight and exercise related.  I gamely grabbed a lunch, being sure to make healthy choices, and went to the reserved table.  Where I was promptly blown away.  Thus began my first girl crush.

Since that day, I’ve followed each episode of The Biggest Loser faithfully.  One of the best parts of it, for me, is listening to the wisdom that Jillian espouses in each episode.  I’ve often wondered if I’d ever be lucky enough to work out with her – that’s a definite dream of mine.  When I saw the DVD for 30 Day Shred, I was intrigued, but wearing a walking boot on my leg for ten weeks would limit my ability to try it. (Thanks to a torn gastrocnemius muscle – that’s the interior muscle in the calf.)  I vowed that I’d try it out as soon as I was healed and released from physical therapy.

That time has come. The time is now. I did day one, level one today, and oh, did it burn.  She’s a wicked, wicked taskmistress, and she killed me.  I need a nap!  It’s only a 20 minute workout, so I’m hopeful that I can keep it up for the entire 30 days. I consider myself to be in decent shape, but the last ten weeks off from exercise have really not been good for me.  I’m flabby in all the wrong places and my endurance level is kaput.  So the 30 Day Shred is going to be my ticket to get back, and blogging it here is my conscience.  I’m even going to put my measurements up, so I can see if there are really any results.

Bust:  34/29

Waist: 27.5

Hips: 37

Bicep: 12.5 (I have Olive Oyl arms, no matter how hard I work them!)

Thigh: 21

Wish me luck!  Anyone brave enough to do it along with me?  I’ll be checking in once a week, and we can monitor our progress together!

Post from: Diets in Review Blog

Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred – Day 1