I did Day 10 and Day 11 today since I slacked off yesterday and didn't finish Level 1! It's tough

Level 2 - Day 2 Complete!

fao thistimesuccess - or anyone else with back pain from shred!

I think I'm in a similar position to you!
I have zero upper body strength and have had a sore back for the last 5 days. Am pretty convinced it's from the push up's and planks too! I think I was arching my back and putting pressure on it all through Level 1 doing bad pushup's on my knees Hoping to start back tomorrow but nervous about doing damage.

Just wondering if your modifying all the plank moves? There seems to be an awful lot of planks! I'm not sure whether I should be doing basic planks without movement to try and get my arms and core stronger to prevent bad posture and injury in future, or just avoid them altogether!

Any thoughts appreciated

I just started today. Oh my gosh. I believe that Jillian Michaels tried to kill me.

^^ That's how I felt during day one of the second level...LOL
I've never liked planks. They hurt my wrists.

Level 2 day 3 just finished. I'm ok with the cardio and abs but my upper body strength is really lacking. The push-ups in level 1 and planks in level 2 are really hitting that. I'm improving each day which keeps me pressing the play button.
I've been running a lot before starting the shred. I expected running to have improved my cardio but I didn't expect the abs to be so much more do-able now. It may be the running/weight loss combination but whatever it is ill take it. The scales won't budge though despite a calorie deficits ...shrug

Did Day 4 of Level 2 yesterday and it still sucks. So many planks!!

I just did Level 2 for the third time today. I'm definitely sweating more than I did in Level 1, but the time seems to go by faster.

I might have my husband check my form for planks as I've never done them before 30DS, don't want to hurt myself, and don't really think I can check my own form (especially without a mirror).

The military presses kill me, even with my little two-pound weights. I'm hoping I'll be able to use my five-pound weights for some of the exercises in a couple days, but I can't imagine doing military presses with five pound weights any time soon.

I think my arm muscles are getting stronger (they were pretty weak when I started) and my endurance is improving, but I haven't noticed too much external change in my body (didn't take pictures). I gained about 6 pounds the first week, and am still about 3 pounds above my start weight for 30DS (thankfully, now back in the upper end of healthy weight - the first week pushed me over). Based on calorie consumption, I should still be losing, but some extra sodium this month may also be contributing to sabotaging that.

I did Level 2 day 1 this morning... my arms still feel like jello. It was hard to wash my hair in the shower! It did go fast and I liked it, but it was TOUGH!

Just did day 15 today. It gets a lot easier after doing it for a few days. I almost feel like it's easier than level 1, probably because I've gotten more in shape as the days go by. Don't give up, just imagine the satisfaction you'll feel when you've completed the last day!

I'm supposed to start level 2 today, but keep convincing myself otherwise. I've never finished anything ever, so finishing level 1 is huge for me. But damnnnnnnnnnn my body is just refusing, and my mind seems to be in agreement. This is really tough, fighting against myself.

I'm supposed to start level 2 today, but keep convincing myself otherwise. I've never finished anything ever, so finishing level 1 is huge for me. But damnnnnnnnnnn my body is just refusing, and my mind seems to be in agreement. This is really tough, fighting against myself.

UPDATE: ok so I was just about to quit a few minutes ago, and then I retook my measurements, and have lost 23cm / 9inch in overall so far!!!! That's all I need to keep going.... level 2 here I come!!!

Im glad you decided to stick with it!! Youll feel absolutely amazing if this is the one thing you do finish. Keep going!! I'm glad your amazing results have given you that push to keep going. hang in there.

I also took a few days off from the 30 Day Shred, but (late) last night I remembered the commitment I made to myself to see this thing through, and I did my L2D2 workout. Man, I dread Level 2.....but with a few modifications, it wasn't so bad. I'm planning on doing it again tonight. We CAN do this! It doesn't need to be perfect, or 30 days straight. The big picture is about increasing activity level, gaining strength and following through with what we said we would do!