Level 2 And Bitter
At the turn of the new year, my buddy Steph completed her ambitious year-long blogging project and decided that I was just the kind of sucker she could talk into joining her on a shorter-term project.
Let's do the 30 Day Shred
, she said.
It will be fun if we do it together, she said.
In the throws of New Year's guilt, I thought, hey, why not. I've done 30 consecutive days of exercise, and the 30-Day Shred is only 20 minutes. And everyone seems to love Jillian Michaels, right? She's not a yipper, which is one of my most hated traits in an exercise guru. So we started once Steph got back from Disneyland.
The first day we were totally into it.
Steph: how'd you do?
me: I did it!
Also? OW
Steph: yay!!
lol
I KNOW
me: I only could find my five pound weights
or bigger ones
Steph: I couldn't do most of the ones that you do the side squat and lift straight out
me: but I really should have done body weight only or something
Steph: whatever that shoulder muscle is doesn't exist on me
you are way strong
me: And I did total sissy pushups
but I did them!
Steph: me too.
I'm proud of you!
me: My poor arms feel like noodles
Oh ho, we were so proud of ourselves. Until two days in...
Steph: how are you feeling? I am having a hard time moving
me: I am so friggin sore
Stepht: my legs hurt. it hurts to get off the toilet
me: I'm not going to exercise until tonight
I'm hoping I have time to heal by then
Steph: I'm going to take some advil
I was so cranky last night. I picked a huge fight and swore like a salior
no reason
me: It is my stupid thighs
Steph: your thighs are rather smart
me: Well, they are angry
Despite complaining to anyone and everyone who would listen that I had to use the counter to drag my butt off of the toilet, because my rebellious thighs would not comply, I stuck it out. And despite myself, I have gotten strong enough to survive the 20 minutes of the first level, and almost do the full versions of the moves. You know how there is always some advanced people and then one not-so-advanced exerciser to follow? Well, this one is Anita. I've moved beyond Anita in level 1.
Then, Steph goes and mentions that we're almost to the 10 day mark, and she was going to move up to level 2. Of course, as Jillian keeps mentioning day in and day out, we've got to keep stress on our bodies in order to see rapid change. So I decide to move up a day earlier than Steph.
Steph: I shredded
me: YAY what version?
Steph: level 1
I think it was the last time
I'm ready. I think.
me: level 2 wasn't as much with the jumping around
Steph: hmm
me: it was more everything in plank position
Steph: ah
are you sore?
me: no
but I also didn't do the full version
Steph: you did Anita?
me: I totally did Anita
because I wanted to see what the hell
also? I was wearing slippery socks
Steph: I'm annoyed that their hair doesn't ever come undone
me: Yeah and Jillian needs to wear a better sports bra
Steph: lol are they in different outfits?
me: yes and dude, I had REAL FEAR that I was going to see nip when Jillian started jogging
it will bug you too
Steph: lol
now I can't wait
that's hysterical
me: the camera totally cuts to her feet a couple of times
A couple of days in, and I'm still totally doing Anita. And I'm settling into a grudge-like hate of Jillian, which is not exactly fair, because the workout is definitely working. But uh mah gaw am I ready for some yipping, or for some cheeky moves or SOMETHING that doesn't involve supporting myself on my arms, or something that allows me to forget for one second that I'm exercising with a capital E.
Just this morning, Steph confirmed exactly what I've been thinking all along.
Steph: I shredded. I hate Jillian
I really hate her
I completely Anita'd it out but I'm tired and shaky
and I hate her
me: Thank you, because I shredded early and I also totally Anita'd and my arms are sore and I hate Jillian
We can't wait to see what they are wearing in level 3. Because I suspect we'll somehow manage to survive, even if we totally Anita it out the rest of the 30 days.
Comments
I've been doing it as well, but not every day. Generally every other day. I do level 2 and it feels way more like arms to me than leg exercises and I definitely get that noodle feeling too. I was GAINING weight with her workout when I was doing it every day the first week or 2 and my jeans felt tighter... I know it was muscle but it freaked me out. I had visions of bulging muscles everywhere.
So I went to every other day and I intersperse it with Gilad Total Body Workout on Discovery Health. While I like Jillian, I think I like Gilad's workouts better. I feel them and I think I see results faster with his.
Anyway... keep up the good work! You ROCK!
Posted by: Cookie | January 24, 2009 4:45 AM
Found your blog from the Crockpot Blog. I'm also doing the Shred. I'm about to do my 10th Level 1 this morning. I've done it every day, and I am totally seeing the difference in my muscles. It's awesome. My husband is planning to start it today.
The first day, I almost passed out. And I'm pretty fit. Insane. But I kept going. It has gotten much easier. Still not easy, but easier.
Can't wait to see Level 2! And, btw, lmao at "Anitaing Out."
I know you are done with Level 1 now, but I was worried about injuring myself with my two 5 lb weights on the front raises. I discovered that it works for me to hold one of my dumbbells using both hands (one hand on either side of the dumbbell). The arms are a little narrower, but I don't feel like I am in danger of tearing my rotator cuffs.
Good luck with your Shred!
Posted by: Astrid | January 24, 2009 4:56 AM
That's so funny, i'm in the UK and bought Jillian because of another US blog as we don't really know her here...anyway, i bought it ages ago and i just put it on as a sort of pre-starter after reading your blog, unfortunately i'd had 2 glasses of wine so not really in the 'zone' as you say, plus i've got 2 baked bean cans for weights, am going to start properly tomorrow i think. I run 25 mins 4 times a week but even the 10 mins i did tonight was really hard! so keep at it and well done! I'll be interested to know how much weight you lost if any. I find i definitely have to cut calorie content if i want to see any difference no matter how much i excercise.
Posted by: Nicola | January 24, 2009 10:52 AM
bwhahahaaa! I love you.
It's Saturday, 7pm and I have NOT shredded. I called you to tell you I didn't want to do it but you didn't answer. And then I read this. And now I feel like a big baby so I should probably just do it.
But I Pumped it Up today at a b-day party. My bladder might not make it.
ugh.
xoxo
steph
Posted by: crockpot lady | January 24, 2009 7:15 PM
I've been doing it too but haven't made it to level 2 yet. I've looked at all 3 levels....which is why I think I'm staying at 1.
Posted by: Kimberly | January 25, 2009 6:28 AM
I don't know what shredding or Anita is but I Wii and it's kicking my tail!!
Posted by: Hula Doula | January 25, 2009 5:24 PM
Um, after two rounds of running and "Advanced" Step on the Wii Fit I needed a break. Definitely not ready for the Shred.
Posted by: Mama Bub | January 25, 2009 9:29 PM
Why is it called Shredding?
Are you shredding muscles?... ;-)
The Amazon reviews scare me.
Posted by: Mrs C | January 26, 2009 5:53 AM
This is the BEST review of the Shred that I have read! Hysterical and so true!
Posted by: Frances | February 7, 2009 8:52 AM
I've shredded twice - it was incredibly tough the first time (and I was really sore the next day) but much better for my second time. But then I went out of town for a few days and came home to lots and lots of snow with no electricity, so I haven't gotten back on the wagon. Seriously need to do that - but then I remember how much the first time hurt! It would be nice to skip that this time around. :)
Posted by: Kristen | February 7, 2009 1:10 PM
I just started The Shred a week or two ago! (it's on my cable's On Demand exercise channel!) It 's fantastic, but it DOES totally kick your butt!! I am not doing it everyday because i was sooooo sore after the first few, so I'm tyring to work myself up to it! I've only done the first level. And I do the weenie push ups too! :o) I actually lost 6 lbs the first week I did it! But I also started eating lots better! Hoping to keep it up and get to level 2 soon!
Posted by: Stacey | February 8, 2009 5:23 AM
I think this workout is probably better done every other day, right? Anything with that much strength training needs a day of rest in between. You could do some other cardio on the off days, or yoga, etc.
Posted by: Alison B | February 8, 2009 6:42 PM
Jillian can SUCK IT. LOL I boycott her because of The Biggest Loser & expecting people to keep up with hours of exercising daily when they leave that show, and I think that's BS. :) That is SO not "real life", and it's almost setting people up to FAIL, and I'm SO not down with busting my ass to only end up gaining stuff back. DAMN.
I'm doing www.fityummymummy.com & love it... 90 min. a week... really fun! Do-able for me with the busy schedule, and I LOVE Holly. She is WAY better than Jillian anyway. :) Tee hee!
This post CRACKED ME UP! Love you 2! :)
xo Gwennie
Posted by: Gwen | February 9, 2009 1:53 PM