Thoughts about the 30 Day Shred on Day 6

Six days ago, I began Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred Fitness DVD.  I really like Jillian’s attitude on the The Biggest Loser, she is direct, she tells it like it is and doesn’t pull any punches. This DVD is pure Jillian.  She doesn’t tell you that it is okay to take it easy, she expects you to give 100% effort for the entire 20 minute workout and promises that if you do you will see results.

Each 20 minute workout  is divided into 3 circuits each containing 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. The 30 Day Shred program is designed so that you spend 10 days on Level 1, 10 days on Level 2 and 10 days on Level 3.   Being on day 6 I am still on Level 1 and it is still kicking my ass.  This workout is tough and I am discovering muscles I didn’t even know I had.  The main problems I am having are all in circuit 1; the push-ups and the cardio of jumping jacks and jump rope.   When I started I couldn’t do push ups and now on day 6 I can do about 10 of them in each round using the beginner’s modified push up.  Meanwhile, the cardio just kills my calves, it is all jumping for 2 minutes and I start to die during the second round of jumping jacks and jump rope and am forced to take a short break.  I am hoping next week to see an improvement in being able to do this cardio set and hopefully make my way through it with no breaks.

So, am I seeing any results?  In weight loss, no.  I put on 0.5kg (1.1lbs) this week.  I have read that people can put on between 1 – 4 pounds during the first week due to muscle gain. Then again I have been eating too many carbs and have only walked three times this week, so that may have contributed to the weight gain.  Hopefully next week I will see the scales going in the opposite direction.  However, I am noticing some small changes in my body. My flabby thighs are a little less flabby and I am starting to get some shoulder muscles.  Also, my stomach is starting to slowly change shape.  So, at the end of week one, I am happy with how things are going but I know I have a lot further to go.

Couch Potato Rating: For spuds who are just leaving the couch this workout is too much.  I would stick to building your fitness by walking five times a week  for at least 20 minutes and/or using something like the WiiFit which is designed to increase your fitness levels.  However, if you are a spud who is looking for a challenge,  then this workout will give it to you and you will see results but only if you give it everything you have got.

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Weekly Weigh In

To keep myself accountable to all of you and to keep a record of my weight loss, I will be posting a weekly weigh in plus a weekly exercise tally.  Please feel free to post your own weekly weigh in results in the comments sections as I would love to know how you are all going.

Starting Weight: 84.5kg (185.9lbs)

Last Week’s Weight: 82.5kg  (181.5lbs)

This Week’s Weight: 81.9kg (180.2lbs)

This Week’s Loss: 0.6kg (1.3lbs)

Total Loss: 2.6kg (5.7lbs)

Hip to Waist Ratio: 0.89

Waist: 98.5cm (38.8 inches)

Hips: 110cm (43.3 inches)
BMI: 26.74

My weight this week actually went down to 81.4kg and then I gained 0.5kg.  I have been doing Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred workout video for the last 6 days and it does contain quite a bit of strength exercises so it is possible that I am gaining some muscle, but I would be kidding myself if I believed I have gained 0.5kg of muscle.  I really think I need to look hard at my diet and see what I am doing wrong.

Exercise Tally

Walking: 226 minutes (3.8 hours)

30 Day Shred: 162 mins (2.7 hours)

Total: 405 mins (6.75 hours)

I only went walking with the dogs three times this week which really isn’t great.  However, I am proud of myself doing the 30 Day Shred Workout video every day this week even when I was tired and it was last thing I felt like doing.  Next week I aim to go walking with the dogs every weekday morning plus do the 30 Day Shred every weekday evening.