30 Day Shred Complete! Before and After..

I did it folks!  I successfully completed the 30 Day Shred!  I did 6 days a week, and took Saturdays off, since that's the day I do the most activities with my little guy.  It definitely wasn't easy.  There were times when I had to work out at 11:00pm after a full day of work (plus all my mama duties), and I'm tellin you I wanted to quit.  But I didn't, and I'm so proud of myself.  I haven't worked out this much since I was in high school! 

The one thing I learned is that the most important thing is to have a good support system.  I had a workout buddy who always reminded me to workout - like an accountability partner of sorts.  If I said that I was too tired to work out, he'd give me the firm, yet encouraging push that I needed to keep going.  When I began moaning and groaning about how unfair it was that I wasn't seeing results quickly enough, or how much I wanted a burger and fries, he brought me back to reality and reminded me why I was doing all of this in the first place.  I was definitely stubborn at times and needed some tough love.  Thank God for special friends!

It was also very helpful that I took before pics and measurements, because I would often get discouraged from what I saw on the scale, but once I retook pics and took out the measuring tape, I felt so much better!  So now, without further ado - here are my results:

Measurements Before
Each Arm: 13.5 in
Bust: 44 in
Waist: 42 in
Hips: 46
Each Thigh: 25.5

Measurements After
Each Arm: 13
Bust: 41
Waist: 39
Hips: 45
Each Thigh: 25

Total inches lost: 9 inches
Total pounds lost: 4 lbs

BEFORE PIC ON THE LEFT, AFTER PIC ON THE RIGHT

Uh, did I just really post those pics??  Eeeee!!!  *cringe* That took a lot of guts, friends.  I know, I know, I still have a lot of work to do, but I do see a difference in my biggest problem area (the baby bump that my little one left behind as a parting gift O_o)  The hardest thing for me ended up being the healthy eating.  I would do well for 5 days, but then tank on the weekends, which would undo the work I did.  It's still a struggle for me, but I'm improving day by day. 

The amazing thing about this journey is that I have now developed a healthy habit of exercise.  I actually feel uncomfortable if If I don't work out now.  Have you heard that age old pop culture factoid that it takes 30 days to make or break a habit?  Well actually, research shows that it takes an average of 66 days to form a habit, so I'm halfway there.  In any event, I've decided to do another round of Jillian's 30 Days, then either do one of her other Biggest Loser workout dvds or the dreaded "Insanity" workout by Shaun T that people have been raving about.  (Although I hear that it's the toughest workout known to man at this time...eeek!)  Anyway, I'll keep you posted!  How have you all been doing with your fitness goals?

Some Tips For Your 30 Day Shred Journey

So I've been doing Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred for two weeks now.  Friends, it has been the hardest workout that I've ever done, but I'm so proud of myself for sticking with it thus far.  In an effort to make it easier for those of you who may decide to join the shred family, I put together a few tips: 

•  Take Your Measurements and a Before Pic - I'm so glad that I decided to do this and not just rely on the scale.  For me (and for most shredders out there), I'm seeing more change in inches as opposed to pounds.  I've actually gained a pound since beginning, but I've lost 5 inches throughout my body in just two weeks.  And mamas, those of you who are still battling the post pregnancy bulge, you'll be excited to know that the biggest change so far has been in my waist line *squeal!*

•  Take One Day Off - Jillian recommends doing the work out 7 days a week since it's only 25 minutes, but as a beginner, I felt that if I didn't get one day to relax and prepare for the next week of exercising, I'd give up.  So a rest day was imperative for me. I've seen results already, even with the rest day, so rest away!

• Low Carb It on Your Day Off - In order to stay on track on my off day, I decided to consume tons of protein, and only about 50 grams of carbs.  That way, I can boost my weight loss potential on the day that I'm not burning the extra calories.  The 50 grams of carbs should be from fruits/vegetables and/or whole wheat bread.  (For the rest of the week, it makes complete sense to take in a regular amount of carbs because that is what gives you energy to work out.)   

•  Switch Levels Every 10 Days - The workout comes with 3 levels.  I didn't know when I was supposed to change to the next level, but after researching what other shredders do, it seems to be the general concensus that changing levels every 10 days is the best idea. It gives you enough time to master the level you're on before moving up.  Of course if you're still not ready to move up after the 10 days, then stick with the level you're on. 

•  You May Gain Weight Initially - Let me tell you, I was extremely upset after seeing that I gained a pound after all my hard work over the past two weeks.  Yes, I may have had some minor set backs with my eating here and there, but for the most part I stuck to my 1500 calories per day and 6 day a week workouts.  After boo hoo-ing about it for an hour or two (or five), I decided to research a bit. I found that many shredders gain a little weight during the first 2 levels, and start to see the pounds melt away during level 3.  This weight gain phenomena actually happens to most people who begin a new workout regimen.  When working out, you retain water a lot more than if you were sedentary.  This is because the water is being sent directly to your muscles to protect them while they're growing and changing.  Your body regulates after 2-3 weeks of consistent exercise.  That's when your weight starts to drop.  So don't pay attention to the scale for the first few weeks.  Focus on inches and the mirror.

• Use Heavier Weights Next Time Around - Jillian's 30 Day Shred is awesome, but it's..well.. it's just 30 days.  And if you have a ton of weight to shred off *raises hand*, then you might want to redo the cycle.  So after my first 30 days, I plan on taking a two day rest, then going right into the second cycle, but this time using 5 lb weights instead of my current 3 lbs. 

So stay tuned, folks!  In about two weeks, I'll be done with my first cycle of 30 Day Shred, and as promised, I will post my Before and After pics for ALL TO SEE! *shriek!* *passes out* See you then!