Today (insert chorus of trumpets here) is Day 30 of my foray into the sweaty, gut-busting, eye-bleeding world of The 30 Day Shred. I figured, since I’d talked it up so much here, I’d give an accounting.
The program has three levels – I am nowhere near Level 3. Truth: I am nowhere near not wanting to throw up after finishing 20 minutes of Level 2. But I give it all I’ve got every single time and I am happy to say, it’s paying off. I have triceps! And svelte shoulders! And… and a gay dude dressed as a condom at the Big Gay Halloween Party told me I have an amazing ass! And I am not inclined to question the authority of someone parading about as a prophylactic. Safe sex is no joke. The bathroom scale is (freaking) finally on board with my success, too. Thirteen pounds*, it says! And above all, I kind of love how I look in my navy blue polka dot bikini. What? It’s Texas. We lay out in October.
Thing is, either I started off with a serious muscle deficit (totally possible – I couldn’t do a single girl-style push up. Don’t judge. I’m the brains – not the brawn – of this operation!) or 30 days is not nearly long enough to complete the program. Looks like I’m gonna need at least another couple weeks of Jillian Michaels telling me, “I want you guys to feel like you’re GOING TO DIE” (um, mission accomplished, lady). I have every intention of mini-puking my way all the way through Level 3. Because I love the pain. And the abs. But mostly the abs.
If you’re still playing along at home, I want to hear about it! And if you have compliments to offer on my ass, I want to hear about that, too. Still needy, people. Still needy.
* Probably not all to do with the Shred. I try to jog 2-4 miles a day and pretty carefully watch what I eat. That cholesterol test next month? Yeah, oat bran and I are going to kick its ass.
Fish….. you have an AMAZING ass!!!! *Bounces quarter* yup it even passes the quarter test. You ROCK, girl!
As happy as I am for you, I must admit I’m somewhat jealous and definitely envious! (I’m still under medical care so, I’m still not “allow” to hit the gym…. Ugh!
sigh…)
Anyhoo… GOOD FOR YOU!
How’d that date go, or is that tomorrow?
You sound great, Fish and your ass… well it’s simply amazing!
Keep it up! Kudos!
Congrats on your physical success. May I just say that there’s nothing like a nice ass in polka dots! I’m moving to Texas!
You’re my inspiration! I’m trying so hard. I’m still on level 1 and feel like puking already…
yeah for you, so glad to come on here and find a happy post from you!
Not to drag anything down (sorry in advance!), but i had a question regarding unemployment. I was laid off and have only been with the company for 5 months. I have to start the filing process tomorrow. I work in NY, and was wondering IF I qualify, do you have a ballpark figure of how much I would get? If you’d like to email me (instead of post), my address is hmarie10024 at yahoo.
I so appreciate any questions you can answer, I am besides myself- no family and alone. And it’s so bad out there right now
Thanks, Fish. I hope things continue to look up for you.
Wow! I am totally impressed…and now motivated to crack open the dvd and start it myself. Do you really have to do the dvd EVERYDAY?
I’ve been doing it a week now and although I no longer want to hurl my guts out on a daily basis, I still want to reach through the TV and both strangle and hug Jillian. She really is the best of all worlds – and devoid of that oh so irritating perky thing that seems to be ingrained in so many trainers. And oh the results… they seem to be so worth it.
You give me hope to keep going! I can feel things changing, and quickly, but still, it’s occasionally hard to get up and make yourseld realize, yes, just how much you suck balls at push-ups and yes, you do like the taste of bile in the back of your throat. Most of my ambition to get my ass in gear came from watching my brother win a bronze medal in rowing at this year’s Olympics.
If he’s a freakin’ Olympian, then I should be able to handle the 30 day shred. Right? Right? Yeah, well, maybe not yet, but soon, soon.
Keep up the good work!
Your brother is an OLYMPIAN? That’s effing sweet!
Thirteen pounds?? Wow, after I have my baby I am so going to that! I kind of wish I’d found out about it before I got all knocked up!
To borrow from Akon,
Smack that, all on the floor
Smack that, give me some more
Smack that, ’til you get sore
Smack that, oh-ohhh-oh-ohh
I may have to check out this Jillian Michaels person.
Can I just say that I love me some oat bran but my doctor made me switch to wheat bran. Apparently it’s the best bran for your digestive system. Now I mix them with my yoghurt and banana breakfast smoothie and my tummy has not been so happy for many years.
Do you have to buy anything other than the DVD?? And do you REALLY TRULY have abs or atleast a flat stomach? I just recently purchased the Tae-Bo dvds and I thought it was going to be really great but so far noooo results not even a little bit I don’t even feel any increased energy or anything.
Pleaseee tell me!
In the past two weeks, I began a low glycemic index diet (doctor’s request, pre-diabetic & high cholesterol) and started the 30 Day Shred. I’ve lost two pounds! Not a lot but it’s a start. I am still enjoying Level 1 and haven’t found myself bored with the routine. I think it’s maybe the interval aspect of the workout.
I look forward to hearing more of your progress!
Thanks for the review – I have my high school reunion coming up next month so I may just have to give this a shot.
And if a gay man told you you have a great ass it must be so. Keep at it, Lady.
Bizarrely, I’m really interested in your progress with these shred workout videos. As a married man, I’m not allowed to comment on your, uh, posterior (at least not in public). But keep up the good work!
so proud of you!!!! i’m on day three and feel like i’m 85 years old rather than the 45 i’m turning tomorrow. i hope i can eventually get through level one (full push ups included!!!). holy crap i’m sore.
For those of you interested in trying the 30 Day Shred, I feel compelled to share my 2 cents. I’ve been doing it for 27 days (alternating levels 1, 2, and 3 – AND I’ve been doing the full-blown push-ups!). I have definitely noticed that I’m more toned in my upper body and that my endurance is improved. Unlike Heather, I DID NOT do any additional cardio.
However, I haven’t seen a reduction in my body fat percentage or changes to my trouble areas*. I think that my November challenge will be to do the Shred every day AND add in a some extra cardio (maybe 45 minutes, 3 days/week) to boost up the fat burning.
So, just to manage your expectations, the Shred will definitely help you tone and strengthen, but if you have a hard time losing body fat – like me, you may want to supplement this with some extra cardio and a diet.
*This could be because I have thyroid and insulin issues so my body holds on stubbornly to any/all fat, so feel free to ignore.
Can you post a picture of your triceps and your ass?
Would be happy to compliment but need to see the goods first…
A picture in Polka dots would be nice but a pair of jeans and tank top will do.
….WOW!! now I want to try!
So proud of you, Fish! I gave up carbs and worked out hard for the last month in preparation for a photo shoot, and I certainly know that “want to hurl/die/convert to sumo” feeling. Good for you, and rock that bikini girl!
I’ve been doing the video about twice a week because I have classes at the gym that I do on other days. But the 30 day shred in addition to the stepmill that I started around the same time have put me at the strongest I’ve ever been! I believe the combination of the two have made my Total Body and Pilates classes easier to do. Not that they’re easy, but I can now do it without being thisclose to fainting or throwing up.
I don’t feel like I’ve lost weight, but hopefully because i’m building muscle.
Okay, so I am on day 11. I have only lost 4 lbs, but my girl push ups and bicycle crunches are rocking! I firmly believe that I am building lean muscle mass which is why the scale is not moving that much. I don’t even care, I am almost ready for level 2, I only sort of want to puke during circuit 1 of level 1, but I am floating by circuit 3. Jillian Michaels is a crazy woman, but I love her!
congrats to you! that’s a heck of an accomplishment!
so i know there are three levels- but, is there one video for each level? i see them “on demand”- and i’ve done level 2 before– is there only one of each level?? that is what i was confused on…
The DVD has all three levels on it…
I’m just into my second trimester of being preggers, but am definitely going to invest in this post-baby. My hubbie keeps saying I’m going to be a “hot mama” so at least with this I can prove him right!
My question: What do you do after the 30 days? Do you start the cycle again or keep it up at the highest level you can forever (or at least until you get too bored with it)? How do you maintain it afterwards? I know that’s the eternal diet/exercise question, but just wondering if teh DVD gave you any pointers on it.
Keep up the awesome work! You should be VERY proud of yourself!
Oat bran, nature’s rotor rooter.
I’m on day 9, although I did jump ahead once and do level 2. I was cussing at the television and Jillian’s completely insanity the entire time.
I’m down 5.5 pounds, I just got on Jenny Craig, too, so 1200 cals (plus cheating wine) for me. Last night in hip hop I could see my arm definition in the mirror from 30 feet away.
Important question, because I can’t do one real push-up either bt am looking to change my ways:
How many can you do now?
Congrats Fish!
Do you do the Shred every day, or do you take a rest day between workouts? I did Level 1 three days in a row, and couldn’t walk straight for the next couple of days…I am only on day 6, and I can already see my biceps and abs making an appearance!
I just started level 3 after about a 2 weeks of level 1 and 4 weeks of level 2. Holy. Crap. During my first shot at level 3 I: grunted, panted, yelled, laughed and literally fell on my ass (I’m not very graceful). It kicked my ass! Hard.
I mix in cardio and count my calories too and I’ve lost 12 pounds in 6 weeks. I don’t see remarkable differences, but I’m DEFINITELY stronger and my clothes fit better.
The only part I don’t like is how she keeps reminding us how hard it is and how we should feel like we’re going to die. I’m like, thanks for the reminder, Jill.
Either way, I’m obsessed.
Keep up the good work!
I have done level 2 twice. It is not twice as hard as level 1. It’s like ten times as hard. I’m not doing it every day though. I’ll probably only do it three times this week. The other days are elliptical and gym machines (x2) and pilates (x2). I need to jog though. The fact that it is so painful is how I know it’s what will really help me!
I’m really happy for you Heather. And congrats to all of you who are kicking fats maniacal butt!!
So, in 30 days you’ve lost 13 pounds?? Just clarifying because I’m about to start this shred phenomenon thing and if I continue to run daily (which I have done already), I’m trying to gauge possible results.
That is awesome, though – congrats!!!
Yes. That’s what I’m telling you. Well, 13 lbs in 33 days, actually. I missed doing the Shred for three days while I was at my friend’s ranch.
I have only done level 3 once and it was WAY harder than level 2, and way, way harder than level 2 was than level 1. I can only imagine how shredded one could get at level 3, if one could only finish the workout on a regular basis. Keep it up!
Comment catch-up:
Congrats on your nephew! I’m glad you’ll get to see him while he’s still small – they are so snuggly then.
I’m so glad the interview went well. Fingers crossed you get good news soon.
The Shred is kicking my butt in the best way. Love the results, but love Jillian more. Not having a peppy automaton directing me thru a workout is priceless.
You’re a trooper!! You inspired me to check it out, so I started the 30 day shred. Day 1 level 1 I thought to myself, “This isn’t nearly as bad as I imagined, in fact, kinda easy. I shall try level 2 sooner than I thought”. Then, last night, Day 2 Level 1, every muscle I have (and those I was not aware of) refused to move, cooperate or simply warm up. Turns out, I am not the buff level 2 go getter after all.
Good luck with your job search, and congratulations on your nephew! The world as I know it, has been populated with 8 boys and 1 girl in this past month alone, that girl is going to have options!!!
Congrats Auntie Heather!! Your nephew is beautiful. I just started this shred business..just wondering, what amount weights are you using??
Could someone let me know the level of jumping? Not in terms of how hard the jumping effort is, but how much noise it would make in an apartment? Would love to try this, but don’t want my downstairs neighbor to want to kill me!
I have downstairs neighbors… and they’ve never once complained. There is bouncing, but the cardio is only in 2-minute segments, so it’s not like it’s relentless or anything…
good for you – I’ve wondered if that program was any good and now you’ve got me intriqued. way to go!
How about a Jillian update? I just finished day 30 and am throwing myself a party. I’m down 12 pounds (but also doing a 45-60 minutes of yoga per day and watching what I eat). I can do the “Natalie” version all the way thru Level 3 now and I too thought death was the only option on the first day of Level 1. Go us!