Starting something like 30DS early in the journey?

candicejn

I'm still very very far from my goal. I've been doing cardio 4-5 days a week for about 7 weeks, but I wonder if I should get something like the 30DS and incorporate that into my routine, maybe just twice a week? I know that one is meant to be 30 days back to back, but I figure it would still help to get some muscle work in, in addition to the treadmill and bike workout I've been doing.

Or should I stick with cardio until I lose more? I honestly am not sure of the best way to do this, so please be nice to this fitness newbie

mynika

Very good question that I have been meaning to ask as well.

candicejn

Bump to see if anyone has any ideas for me

plhv19

I would definitely encourage starting some strength training to help you build muscle, which helps to burn calories and boost metabolism. 30DS is a great intro into Jillian Michaels. It's only 25 mins with warm up and cool down. So I'd say try to do it at least 3 times a week. It has cardio benefits, so you could cut your other cardio a bit shorter that day. It is definitely worth doing some circuit training/strength building, no matter how "early in the journey" you are. You'll soon have a love/hate relationship with Jillian, as we all do.

travelgirl77

Hi! I am about a week in, with a lot of weight to lose as well. I have been running a couple of days a week, but am adding the 30DS, starting today. I will probably only be able to do it on a couple of days, and not consecutively. I have heard great things about it and thought it cannot hurt! I think it is a good way to slowly get back into strength training!

Sarah

candicejn

Thanks for the replies!! I think I'll go ahead and buy it to try. I've heard such awesome things about it

Giraffe33991

Yes, go for it!

I did 30 DS when I was still weighing in the 200s. I did it 30 days straight, no other exercises mixed in & I lost almost 15 pounds that month! I was challenging to say the least, but really motivated me when I saw that scale moving in the right direction.

Also, make sure you do measurements before & after. I lost almost 9 inches that month!

Good luck! You can do it!!!

medoria

I think you should cut down on your cardio and do 30 DS instead. Youll tone the muscles you have without bulking and burn fat at the same time. Doing cardio only burns calories but doing strength moves and building your muscles will make you burn calories while in rest.

Eponine7

I also agree that you should go for it--3x a week should be good. Stick with Level 1 for a few weeks since you are new to strength training. Have fun and "don't phone it in"!

kaetra

Take Jillian at your own pace. Don't injure yourself. Lots of people injure themselves with that program, so definitely ease into it. Knees are a prime target for some reason, for me it was my back.

I may do it again at some point, I liked the circuit training style. But if I do it will be slowly and CAREfully. Good luck!

Edit - I don't believe it is meant to be done 30 days back to back. It doesn't say anywhere on the video, but someone posted here that the Jillian Michaels company confirmed via email that it's meant to be done every OTHER day, without taking more than 2 days off in a row. (30 days back to back is how lots of people do it, and *high fives* for those who can, etc. etc.)

candicejn

I wouldn't try to do it 30 days back to back, no way! 3 days a week sounds good to me

medoria

I honestly dont see the difference in doing cardio five times a week for 45 minutes and doing 30 ds for thirty 5-6 times a week? Unless your cardio is taking a really slow walk around the neighbourhood, but then its not cardio.

candicejn

I honestly dont see the difference in doing cardio five times a week for 45 minutes and doing 30 ds for thirty 5-6 times a week? Unless your cardio is taking a really slow walk around the neighbourhood, but then its not cardio.

Nope, I do my cardio on a treadmill or a bike. I definitely work up a sweat and get my HR elevated.

And from what I'm reading, it's the muscle building that makes such a big difference. I do close to no strength training with my current workout, just walking/jogging/biking. Good for legs, but not much for upper body. Everything I'm reading says that having more muscle is a good way to boost metabolism and all that good stuff

candicejn

Well I took your advice, bought this through Amazon instant video and did level 1 tonight. (we have a Roku - made it easy ) I liked it! I just need some better workout gear. At my weight, jumping jacks/jumping rope/etc are not the most comfortable thing, at least when you are like me and don't have 'real' workout clothing. um, ouchie! Off to search for some good compression tanks and other similar items