I've Been Shredded - My 30 Day Shred Results

This is probably going to be the most revealing post I've ever made, but since I started this journey with you, I figured it was only fair that I end it with you too!

If you've been following me here or via social media, you might know that I started the 30 Day Shred last month. I initially wanted to do this to prep myself for the more intense P90X workouts... because let's face it, I have been out of shape for so long and needed something a little less intense my first time around. The 30 Day Shred is just under half an hour of non stop cardio, strength, and abs... whereas the P90X workouts are like an hour long... I definitely wasn't up for that just yet.

I finished my 30 days yesterday and I have to say that this has been the one workout that I've actually looked forward to doing.... ever. I've tried other workout videos and series in the past but have always become super bored with them. The 30 Day Shred changes things up every 10 days, and there's just something I like about Jillian Michaels. She's like a friend I would hang out with, and motivating at the same time.

So before I get into my before and after pics, I wanted to explain my goals for this. I didn't go into this wanting to lose weight. I simply wanted to tone up and get rid of all of those "extra fatty" bits, especially around my mid section. My big hips have always been a problem for me and getting rid of those "love handles" consistently proved to be an ongoing, no-hope-in-sight task. So, that was my main issue I wanted to tackle. I also just wanted to become a little stronger all around, and let me tell you... I feel a hundred times better than before I started. I may not have bulging biceps or much muscle definition just yet, but it's crazy how I can actually flex my leg now and feel that it's rock hard.

(this is like... super embarrassing to post myself in my undies... i really wish I thought of that when I took the before pics. Oh well, it's the afters that count *wink*. I've also blurred my face because nobody needs to see no-makeup dana!)

The first few days were kind of a small torture for me. I was so sore for days. It's so funny to think about now, but I seriously could not even do the single jump rope move without my calves feeling like they were going to collapse. For those that don't know what that is, it's basically just jumping up and down continuously for 30 seconds or so, as if you were skipping. I couldn't kick my feet all the way to my butt when doing butt kicks. I could hardly do one pushup. Having mastered levels 1, 2, and 3 has been an amazing confidence booster... because going from THAT to being able to do all workouts all the way through (and properly!) is huge!!

(yep... raw and unedited, friends!)

As I said, I didn't do this to lose weight, so I'm not sure what my "before" weight was and if I actually lost any pounds, but looking at the pictures makes me realize that everything I did was SO worth it. I really hate weigh scales and don't think they should be used regularly or to measure your success. For me at least, they are a de-motivator.  If I see that the number went up a couple of pounds I feel as though I should give up or that what I'm doing isn't working. If you're gaining muscle you might also gain weight, which can do some weird things to a woman's mind. The proof is in the photographs not the numbers. I've lost a lot of "flab" around my waist and lower stomach.  My core is tighter, my legs are a million times stronger, and best of all I am happier. After only working out for 30 days, I'd say that the changes (physically and mentally) are pretty awesome.

(shredding those love handles that I've had forever!)

I really recommend this workout to anybody looking to get a little exercise boost. Just do it. 30 days from now you will look back and see the results... just remember to take photos (it seriously helps SO MUCH). You can watch the full Level 1 routine on YouTube. You do level 1 for 10 days, level 2 for 10 days, then level 3 for the last 10 days.

I've moved onto another of Jillian's workouts, 6 week six-pack and am even more excited to see where I will be in ANOTHER month! I still have a little ways to go to get to where I really want to be. I started it today and will keep you updated and I hope some of you will join me in getting fit!

Now I've had enough of this revealing photo posting! What workout videos have you tried and seen results with?

You can get both of these videos below:





*UPDATE: April 30, 2013: I've started the 30 Day Shred again a second time around! I'll be posting about these results as well as my experience with the 6 Week 6 Pack shortly, so stay tuned and subscribe to my blog if you are interested!