30 Day Shred - Start: May 9th

I think about this quote often when Shredding: "Push it to your max, and you'll always get results." - Teresa Tapp

It's a perfect reminder that as long as we are pushing our personal limits, we will always be improving.

As far as stretching goes, I do the cool-down stretches Jillian shows us but I hold each one for 20 seconds before moving on. I also do an additional hamstring stretch (from standing position, bend over and grab ankles/calves) and then stretch out my neck - a problem area for me.

Sassy... I love that hamstring stetch too! Learned it back in my days of Irish dancing. I especially use it after cycling. That feels really good.

My point is that you shouldn't underestimate how strong your body can become, as it may surprise you in a good way. I know mine has!!

Thanks for that Sassy! That's wonderful motivation for me. :flowerforyou:

Steph and Sassy, I'm the exact same way. All I have to work with is 5lb weights, and those lateral raises are killing me. Should I tough it out, or continue what I've been trying, left-right-both-both?

Adelphia... I would push it with the weights as far as you can, then put the weights down and continue to go without the weights. I did that at first too. I remember my goal for L1 the first time was to get through all the bicycle crunches, and by the end, I was! Just work your way up to doing them all with weights. :bigsmile:

Also, my leg started cracking a bit during the last butt kicks. I got a pretty nasty injury on my right leg at a show a few months back, and it's been bothering me on and off since. Is it possible I have an untreated fracture? I'm just worried with the past eating disorder issues, it could lead to some gnarly bone damage. Someone told me it might need amputation if it gets infected. Yikes!!! :explode: I will pee on everything you love, Moshpit Guy!

Adelphia... Hurt yourself in a mosh-pit eh? That sucks. I stand back from those... FAR back. I would go easy on the butt kicks. Do them small, without kicking your butt, or modify it with another low impact move, or (as Jen would say) walking on the spot. You can put a lot of energy into walking on the spot, swinging your arms (while controlling the movement), and burn lots of calories!

(That... was NOT brief.)

:laugh: Neither was my response...

"Workout complete, you are well on the way to being shredded."

"If you got it, flaunt it [gentlemen]. No shame."

fluffyduck... Right on! Way to start it up!

froglegjack... Great job completing D1!

smtraxx... Excellent to hear about your modifications! I agree with what smessom said - 10 days at each level. I wanted to move on after D6, then I missed a day, came back to it, realized I could still improve, and went for the whole 10 days.

Iceskatefanrn... Way to push the push ups! I'm in the same boat. When I started the Shred (Feb 6), I kid you not, I couldn't not do ONE push up. I'm doing another challenge now (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/230996-30-30-30-challenge) where I've chosen to do 30 pushups, squats, and bicycle crunches for 30 days, and I started out only being able to do 5 real push ups, and yesterday I was up to 10! I've added about one every other day. That said, today I could only manage 5 cause the Shred and Zumba got to my arms. :laugh:

CricketKate... I don't make it up to eye level with my 3 lbs either... Work it the best you can!

crazysexykoo... Great job on the Shred x2!! I started Ripped, but didn't like week 2 so much, so I'm giving it break for now. I was thinking to go at it again after this round of the Shred, but not sure yet. :laugh: Lots of time to decide. Keep on Ripping things appart!

Also, my leg started cracking a bit during the last buttkicks. I got a pretty nasty injury on my right leg at a show a few months back, and it's been bothering me on and off since. Is it possible I have an untreated fracture? I'm just worried with the past eating disorder issues, it could lead to some gnarly bone damage.

PS - I thought of some other things... a) have you been to a doctor? Totally get that checked out b) you might look into taking MSM w/glucosamine and chondroitin as a supplement to help with joint pain. My mom takes it for arthritis, and I take it to ease general pain. The only thing is you have to take it consistently for the benefits, but look into it!

banishthebelly... I've found that circuit training is on the low side of what you are probably burning, but that's what most people do without a HRM. And L2 is awesome! Congrats for making it so far! I saw the biggest results in L2. You will love it by the end! :bigsmile:

Awesome job all you fellow Shredders!! :drinker:

Hey all! can I still join this group or is it too late? I should be getting my dvd this weekend hoping to start in mon!!

START NOW!! :bigsmile:

OMG I sound like my mum. :laugh:

:laugh: