30 Day Shred Calories and buddy??

hey all,

I have been doing the Biggest Loser Weight Loss Yoga, and after reading all the raves about the 30 day shred I decided to try that.  I have had it for 2 weeks, but just got around to trying it this afternoon (i know, i know).  I am planning on doing it everyday for the next 30 days.  

I am wondering 2 things....

Anyone want to start the shred in the next couple days and be my 30 day shred buddy?  We can check in daily for motivation and track our results.  I don't care if you have around the same stats as me, but just so you know I am 24, 180lbs, 5'5. My goal weight is 140-150, and right now I am shooting for the 150.

Secondly, how many calories do you think you burn doing this workout.  Right now I am on level one, but plan to go to level 2 and then 3 when I feel comfortable.  How do you log the calories burned?

thanks!!

Thank you so much for the encouragement!  I know it is bragging a smidge by announcing my progress, but I worked very hard to get these results! 

I will be the first to say, though, that I had the weight to lose, which is why I have lost so much in one month.  I don't for a second believe that I will continue along at the same rate in my second month, I am pretty much happy for ANY weight loss, but I also admit I want the results!!

As far as what I have done...I started out at 185.6 lbs on Memorial Day 2009.  I had suspected that I had gained weight because my 'fat jeans' were becoming my 'hey they fit' jeans, so I bought a scale to confirm my suspicions.  The next morning, I registered with CC, which put my daily caloric intake limit at 1700 calories.  I had already done the Shred for about a week at that time, and decided to try and walk 10,000 steps a day along with doing the Shred, since I had read so much about how walking 10k steps in a day is very good for your health.  (I bought a pedometer to help me keep track of my steps as well.)

I work in a law office, so this means I have to get up SUPER early in the morning to make sure I get in my 10k...which started to turn into six miles a morning.  Then eight.  I realized that having the time to myself in the mornings to walk was very cathartic.  I am able to think without any disturbances or distractions, the world is still asleep.  I truly enjoy my walks. 

In the evening, after work, I will either do the Shred or the "Dance of the Inches Hip Hop Party" DVD, whichever sounds more fun.  As far as my weights go, though, I have 4lb weights that I use.  When I first started the Shred, I wondered why it looked so much easier for the girls on the DVD to do their arm raises than it was for me (aside from the fact they are in shape and I am...well...not).  They use 2lb. weights.  Mystery solved.

My diet is definitely an interesting one.  I don't really have any "off days", but eat between 1200 and 1500 calories a day (in spite of the fact CC recommends I eat 1700.  I tried to eat the full amount ONCE.  I felt sick.  1200 - 1500 is where I am most comfortable), but I try to fit in as many things as I can that are healthy, while also leaving room (or just generally incorporating) for "cheats"  or cravings in my diet. 

I measure/portion each meal, and I track every single thing I put into my mouth.  I do the same with nearly every activity I do during the day (including my typing on the computer at work). I am very dilligent with this, since I want to make sure I don't screw up my calorie totals.  I weigh myself every morning immediately after my walks so I can monitor my weight as accurately as possible.  Sure, there's mornings where there are increases, but there are definitely decreases, and by weighing myself daily, I have begun to notice how my trend for weight loss progresses.  The key is to take things one day at a time.

One thing that I will say has helped me when I have sweet tooth needs is the discovery of Skinny Cow and Klondike's Slim-a-Bear novelties.  They are good little additions that easily fit into my daily intake without going crazy, and they are decently sized, so it isn't like a micro-brownie that leaves your stomach howling five minutes later.

I drink a good bit of water, probably a gallon and a half a day, whether it be in just plain H2O form, or as white tea (self-brewed, no additives, not something from Lipton).  Once in a while, I will add in a Crystal Light on the go packet (which has something like 5 or 10 calories), but most of the time I just drink good ol' (cheap) water! 

Umm...I'm trying to think of any other 'tips' and whatnot.  I suppose a big key to the exercise part is to give some variation so you don't get bored, and make sure that you are doing something that you can enjoy.  None of what I do (or what I think this website tries to encourage, I think) is for quick-fixes, but long-term, life-changing maintenance for my own health.  I also cook most of my meals, eating out only sparingly.  If I do go out, for example, I have a serious weak spot for Wendy's spicy chicken fillet (I don't like the roll, just the fillet itself), I make sure that whatever I eat that particular day will allow for me to eat that without going over my calorie limit.  I don't eat strictly, really, but just more intelligently than before.

Hopefully that makes sense and can help you all out!  Don't hesitate to ask me anything, I don't mind sharing!

WOW I did not mean to take up that much room!  I am so sorry!

oh the mystery of the ease of the girls' weights. I have a wicked hard time with the side lunges and shoulder raises. All I have are 5lb weights. UGH

I see ppl talking about working up to 8's and I think, I should be able to do 5! Hopefully soon (:

and dacis, please don't apologize for the space-taking, you answered our questions!

Last 5: Level 2 is a bit harder than Level 1 but completely do-able.  It is during this level that you will see yourself tone up and feel even stronger.  You will be proud when you complete your 10 or whatever days.  Good luck!

Dacis: Thanks for sharing.  It's good that we discuss our success - it's inspiring! you deserve to tell us all about it and then some - 14 lbs is a great accomplishment.

The side lunge with arms raise was tough for me with 5 lbs weights so I alternated my arm raises.

Well...as long as I am not causing eyeballs to pop out of people's heads from writing too much, then it's all gravy.  I have a tendency to be (overly) thorough.

Greeneyed:  Just keep at it!  You will get there.  Just be consistent and do not over-do it!  It is fine to push yourself, but make sure that you are being safe and having FUN. 

Slim: Thank you again for being so supportive!  You are the definition of awesome.  And also genius!  Alternating.  That never crossed my mind.  I was dropping my arms and just lunging.  Some days, my arms just feel like falling off, and am only using 4lbs!

I am now "suffering" from a minor addiction: fresh berries.  They are in season right now - so good! I don't know if any of you have a Publix Supermarket in your area, but if you do, get the four berry smoothie mix they carry in the fruit section!  It is literally a bowl full of berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries) you can nosh on throughout the day. 

They are my favorite!

Ok ladies....... my 10th day of Level one is complete!  yay!  So I went on the scale to do my 10th day weigh in and I went down a pound.  Granted it's a pound but I wont be reassured that Im losing weight until it hits over a 2lb weight lose.  You can never be too sure with just a lb bc of water weight (gain &lose) . 

Tomorrow I start my level 2..... I shouldnt say that Im really scared but I just want to make sure I dont have any fall backs.  I want to be able to do everything so I can get the best results.  Wish me luck.   

All I have to say is "Holy Sh#* !"  Excuse my expression but Im dying right now.  Someone please tell me that Level 2 gets easier with time??????  By the time it came to doing double jump roping I just did singles.  I usually dont have to modify my work out but I did for this level.  I think the one thing I hated the most was chair squats with V raises.  When I was doing the plank pose with the kicks forward and back...i had to stop for a second.  By the time I was done my bf said that my face looked like a red cherry that was dripping wet.  When i was doing the oblique ab work in the second circuit with the weights, whenever i lifted my legs there was slight discomfort in my lower back.  I was just worried bc i had a c-section 11mths ago and didnt know if something was off or if it was just my lower back.  My shins hurt and its only 30 min after my workout.  lol. Oh boy. I have to push through this bc Im doing it 10 days straight.  Ehh.   

Where did everyone go??? 

I just ordered Jillians Burn Fat, Boost Metabolism.  I couldnt help it.  Im addicted!  What are everyones opinion about that workout video???

Hi everyone, it's been a busy weekend with moving and finding a reception hall.

Last5:  Yes, level 2 is pretty crazy.  But you will find it a little easier with time.  The chair squats with V raises got me everytime! I don't think I ever got used to doing that one! lol even my fiance struggled with it.

I'm going to try and get in a workout today but there are boxes everywhere and I will be looking at a couple more halls today so I'll see how it goes.

Have a good one.

I'm still here.  I skipped today and we are leaving in the morning for the 4th of July vacation.  I will hopefully be back and working out again on Monday!!

Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend.  I'm sure you all will be doing better than me, I'm going to relax and not worry about it again until Monday.

Catch ya Monday!!!   Good Luck

I am starting the 30 day shred today... This is my first time partaking in it but it gets RAVE reviews so I am all for it.  I also have an arm, butt and thighs video I will interchange with it, but I really want to do 30 day shred for the full amount of time without any stop days... :-) 

Welcome bqueen!  Umm yea, Im on day 13 of the shred and I have lost 2lbs so far.  Its tough, so be prepared.  I am on level 2 and have died the last 3 days that Ive been doing it.  I almost always want to throw in the towel but I just get myself up and do it every day.  Its paying off but man o man....its a lot of work.  Good luck! 

Hi all! New to the thread, but I've been hanging around these parts for almost a year now. I'm not sure what's crazier, that it's been a year since I started my weight loss journey or that I've lost 50 pounds.

Anyway, I discovered the 30 Day Shred on June 10th and while I certainly haven't done it consistently day-to-day, it's really made a difference for me and broken my plateau. Right now, I'm 5'10" and anywhere between 145 and 147lbs. Prior to the Shred I was fluctuating anywhere between 151 and 155lbs. At this point, I could really care less about what the scale says and am quite pleased with the visual changes in my body composition. My stomach is virtually flat, no sucking in required. It isn't free of fat and I don't suspect a 6-pack to be showing up any time soon BUT there is quite a bit of definition going on.

Being moderately fit when I started level 1, I began with 8lb hand weights and did the cardio intervals in double time and it kicked my butt every single time. I'm super pumped to move on to level 2 but am a little scared because it looks so intense. My goal is to decrease body fat while maintaining muscle mass.

I hope everyone keeps positing their progress, it is so motivating!!!

OK, I am back. Have continued on with the elliptical, treadmill, and walking; but I need to get the gut completely gone. I'm not flabby just soft (there is a difference, you know). I don't think I would ever have 6 pack abs (nor do I really want them), but I would like flat and firm. I am managing the flat part, but I still need to firm. Will add Shredding back starting today, and I need you all to keep me honest and going. The schedule is really full these days, but I have to keep in mind that this is my investment in me--and I am the most important part.

Watched level 2 yesterday. I think I could do it, but it does look tough. I went on youtube yesterday to check out anything else that I might be interested in. Tagged Tony Horton's P90 100 ab workout. It's 10 exercises done 10 times. P90 was the precursor to P90X. Supposed to be a good workout but not as intense.

Am down almost 10 lbs for the month of June. Would like to lose 10 more in July. If I do, I could reach CC target (127) by fall. My weight loss is slow, but consistent. Seems like I plateau for 3-4 days about every other week. Still, the line keeps moving down on the weight. I don't let myself be discouraged, I just add a little extra cardio.

I do think I need to eat more protein. I have had a lot of fruit in the house and it's easy and low cal to fill up on melon. I'll try to have egg whites more mornings.

Will check in later.

J-mom

Hi,  I am on my 4th day of level 1 of the Shred and am just starting to walk normally again!

I understand that the Shred should be done every day for 30 days but what about the concept of not working the same muscles on 2 consecutive days to allow the muscles time to heal?  I am sure that Jillian has mentionned this before...

My legs were so sore after the first day that I had to rest them the following day.  Today I am doing my 3rd consecutive day but am worried that the muscles do not have time to heal properly.  Maybe that concept only applies to heavy weightlifting?

Any thoughts?

Btw, I am 42, 5'4", 138 pounds and am only looking to get to a more "middle of the road" BMI, losing about 10 pound or so.

I am so excited!  FINALLY!  Somebody noticed today that I have lost weight!  Granted, I am wearing a black sweater and black is slimming, but finally someone has noticed!! 

...and I am sure that there are some odd thoughts of "Why would someone in Florida be wearing a sweater in July?"  My boss is currently 36 or 37 weeks pregnant, and is convinced the a/c is broken.  I kid you not, I walk around the office with my winter coat on, it is so cold.  She insists it is a boiler in here!

Keep up the good work, everyone!!

I love Jillian's workouts! I am now doing the Boost Metabloism and No More Trouble Spots (or something like that) on Exercise TV. It is tough! Really a workout.

I keep track of what I do on a calendar on my fridge. I love writing down what I do each day. When I think of stopping or not working out, I think about writing my progress on my calendar. For example, when I run, if I want to stop at 4 miles, I think about how good it will feel to write 5 miles instead.

I wish I could go to CA and hire Jillian to be my personal trainer! :)

Ok, Im so glad that today wasnt such a struggle.  Dont get me wrong, its still hard but Im getting adjusted.  I made sure the fan was right on me though.  My face was still super red when i was done.  I almost dread doing the workout but once im done it feels great.

Currently L2 D 14.  Down almost 3 lbs.  The scale is moving ladies!  Almost there.  Its so humid lately so Ive been sweating off some excess water too.  If I can lose 3 lbs half way through then once Im totally finish with the 30 day challenge i should be at my pre preggo weight with more definition than I started with.  =)  I dont have much to lose so thats why i am losing little by little.  I only had 6 lbs to lose.  I wish i did the shred earlier....i could have been skinnier faster and wouldnt have wasted my money on other dvd's that did nothing for me. 

Does anyone else experience achyness in their shins after working out with L2? 

Girl4moon~ I hear you on the calender thing.  Something so little as crossing off another day feels satisfying in itself.  lol. It keeps us on track.  How do you like the Boost Metabolism?  I just got it but wont try it til im done with the 30 day.

Daci~ LoL, you crack me up.  14 lbs has to be noticeable.  The ppl around you have to be blind or just not acknowledging your great work.  You are doing great and keep up the great work.  Ill have to check and see if you posted any before or afters.  You should if you havent.   

Bilbalou~ I was sore but only for 2 days.  Somehow, with my will power i just worked out everyday and didnt strain myself.  As for how many days you should work out..... I know ppl who work out everyday and they are super healthy.  If you are concerned then maybe just work out to the shred every 2 days then take a day off then another 2 days.  In my eyes, i believe that everyone should be working out at least a half hour every day.  I believe that it can be bad for a person if they are working out everyday for 1 1/2 - 2+ hours a day.  Thats extreme on the body.  Good luck and push through!

jehzimom~ Good job on the 10lbs in June!  Thats awesome.  Its so supportive and motivating seeing and hearing about others changing their lives to be healthier and watching them drop weight.  You should sooooo be on L2 with all that you do.  It is tough but you might as well jump in now to get your body trained and adjusted to it.  It will help start with that other 10 lbs for july. 

Lindsay~  Welcome!  Im fairly new myself.  Congrats on the 50 lbs.  Im sure your life has changed a lot.  Good job on all the hard work.  I too have started the shred a little after you did.  Its amazing. Its tough but thats good for the results that I want and am getting.  It has also broke my plateau. 8 lb weights!  Omg.  I only use 3 pounders and find it still challenging.  In level 2 you may want to go down but who am i to say.  You may be way stronger in your upper body than me.  Well good luck and keep us posted! oh and level 2 is hard but worth it.  The scale seems to be moving now that i started it.

I'm on day 4... I'm making a real effort, doing it in the heat, when I've got an event later, even though I'm quite sweaty...

Already, it's beginning to get easier.

One problem - I can feel my abs getting bigger [I've always had good abs] but there's a layer of fat in the way, so as a result my stomach is just getting bigger.

Pfft... I'll have to wait it out!

Im sooo frustrated!  I lost some momentum.  I dont even want to do the 30 day shred.  I was going strong and then when i went to level 2 for about 4 days i just didnt like it anymore.  I think it was just level 2 that i didnt like.  Its kind of irratating.  So i got bfbm and I did that twice.  I attempted to do level 3 today but half way through i turned it off bc i was just so tired today.  I layed down and took a nap.  I think im just burning myself out with the baby, work, and then working out. 

Whats up with me?!