30 day shred problems

cdngrl81

I have been doing the 30DS and am having issues with some of the exercises; mainly the complex (arms & legs) exercises. The ones that cause me the most problems are the squat and press and side lunge and arm exercises. I can follow Natalie with the squat and side lunge (getting really low), but there is no variation for the arm portion which is where I am having the problem. I cannot for the life of me keep my arms up the entire time and during the side lunge there is no way I can even get my arms up. I have been making my own variations, such as raising one arm only during the side lunge or bringing my arms down during the squats (which she says not to do). I have also tried doing it without weights but doing the moves anyway. Btw I am using 5 lb weights (they are the lightest ones I have). Does anyone have any advice for me?

lradloff

I would try it with no weights first... or buy some 3lb weights. Just so your arms can get used to being up and what not. Starting slow. I am doing it w/ 3 lb weights... it was hard at first, but got easier as I went along. Good luck!

brity77

I am also doing 30 Day Shred, Level 1 and I have found myself to be having the same problems (even though I consider myself pretty in shape, it's still tough!) Like you, I also try just lifting one arm while doing the side lunges. I alternate between right, left, then do a couple with both arms and so on. As for the squats with the arm press, since she does say not to let your arms down, the only suggestion I would have is to use smaller weights. Sorry, not much help. But I do feel your pain! It's a good pain, though!!

petithamu

I think you need to lower the weight. 5 lb weight make the routines significantly harder. I know, I'm trying to use them on my second round of Shred. Try the 3lbs weight first and see how that feels. I am crap at the side lunges as well, I just make sure I don't bend my knee like she says and I try to stick my butt out to the back as much as I can but I don't go nearly as deep as Natalie. As for squats and arm raise. Try not to go as deep in the squats and if you can't do a press, just keep your arms straight up so you keep the tension. But really, try the 3lbs weight first. 5lbs are killers.

amstein18

use water bottles as your "weights" so they aren't heavy but you're still getting the feeling of holding onto something during the exercises. i did that the first few times i did it & now i use 5lbs with ease.

loseit4ever

5lb weights are way too heavy!! I would never be able to do that. I got some cheap 1lb ones at Walmart and they are perfect. I think if you got the right weights, you'd have much better luck. I can do it with the lighter ones. It's still not easy, but I can get through it. Good luck!