30 day shred/ripped in 30 starting asap

CaliMomTeach wrote: »

What is this? Does it involve weights? I am almost at goal weight, but want my body to be a little firmer. Will this do it? Do I need to buy weights in addition to the DVD? Thanks. I might try it. All I do is the elliptical now. I'm 47. Are people my age doing this? I don't think I can even do one push up, lol.

I'm 49, so I'm your age. I used to just do the elliptical for cardio. I also lifted weights at the time, but I developed plantar fasciitis that I've had for 2 years now. Now I can't even climb on one- boo hoo. I wouldn't do the elliptical by itself. Cross-train by doing something else. I think lifting weights is a great way to firm up, but these videos will help you all-around. It's not easy if you have joint issues. There's some jumping jacks and other things that bother some. When was the last time you've done a butt-kick? Exactly my point. You'll be sweaty today and sore tomorrow.
The 2 Jillian DVD's I've done involve light hand weights. I wouldn't go over 3 pounds if you're new. I use 2 pounds, and that's plenty most of the time. You can get them at Walmart pretty cheap, or even a set at a Ross/TJ Maxx type store. It's 3 minutes strength (where you often use weights), 2 minutes cardio, then 1 min abs. You do three circuits. Each one has different exercises. The Ripped has 4 levels, one per week. I think the 30 day shred had 3 levels. You wind up doing 20-ish minutes of workout, with about 5 minutes on either side of warmup/cooldown.
I can do the pushups girly style, but I've been doing them for a while. You probably won't have more than 30 seconds at a time, so do as many as you can. No judging when you work out at home. You can look as silly or uncoordinated as you'd like. Jillian does try to help with your form, and she has a "modified" (less tough) groupie with her to show you the "easier" way. Then of course she has the other groupie pushing harder, which I can't keep up with most of the time. JIllian does more talking than working out sometimes, but I appreciate it.
I just did Day 2 of Ripped in 30. I haven't checked out the other levels, but they do increase in toughness week by week. If it's too hard, just stay on level 1, modify, or do a different move that's easier. That's the beauty of working out at home. You can pause and get a drink, go potty, or collapse for a few extra seconds if you need to.
I've seen some DVD's of hers within my library system, but you can find most workouts on YouTube. Good luck and better health whatever you decide. I'm guessing you're a teacher, so have a great year!

VanVanDiane wrote: »

CaliMomTeach wrote: »

What is this? Does it involve weights? I am almost at goal weight, but want my body to be a little firmer. Will this do it? Do I need to buy weights in addition to the DVD? Thanks. I might try it. All I do is the elliptical now. I'm 47. Are people my age doing this? I don't think I can even do one push up, lol.

You need hand weights for some of it, but could substitute bottles of water. I'm 48 and in no danger of ever doing proper push-ups either, but my knee push-ups now rock

@SheilaCali - you go girl! Think of all the gain that pain is bringing day 4 done - level 1 of Extreme Shed done and now everything hurts.... onwards and upwards!

I only started doing pushups this year, so anyone can try. Extreme Shred? Wow, that sounds painful. I may try that one next. We're not spring chickens anymore, but we can still try to feel (or look) like one. Bok Bok!

SheilaCali wrote: »

CaliMomTeach wrote: »

What is this? Does it involve weights? I am almost at goal weight, but want my body to be a little firmer. Will this do it? Do I need to buy weights in addition to the DVD? Thanks. I might try it. All I do is the elliptical now. I'm 47. Are people my age doing this? I don't think I can even do one push up, lol.

I'm 49, so I'm your age. I used to just do the elliptical for cardio. I also lifted weights at the time, but I developed plantar fasciitis that I've had for 2 years now. Now I can't even climb on one- boo hoo. I wouldn't do the elliptical by itself. Cross-train by doing something else. I think lifting weights is a great way to firm up, but these videos will help you all-around. It's not easy if you have joint issues. There's some jumping jacks and other things that bother some. When was the last time you've done a butt-kick? Exactly my point. You'll be sweaty today and sore tomorrow.
The 2 Jillian DVD's I've done involve light hand weights. I wouldn't go over 3 pounds if you're new. I use 2 pounds, and that's plenty most of the time. You can get them at Walmart pretty cheap, or even a set at a Ross/TJ Maxx type store. It's 3 minutes strength (where you often use weights), 2 minutes cardio, then 1 min abs. You do three circuits. Each one has different exercises. The Ripped has 4 levels, one per week. I think the 30 day shred had 3 levels. You wind up doing 20-ish minutes of workout, with about 5 minutes on either side of warmup/cooldown.
I can do the pushups girly style, but I've been doing them for a while. You probably won't have more than 30 seconds at a time, so do as many as you can. No judging when you work out at home. You can look as silly or uncoordinated as you'd like. Jillian does try to help with your form, and she has a "modified" (less tough) groupie with her to show you the "easier" way. Then of course she has the other groupie pushing harder, which I can't keep up with most of the time. JIllian does more talking than working out sometimes, but I appreciate it.
I just did Day 2 of Ripped in 30. I haven't checked out the other levels, but they do increase in toughness week by week. If it's too hard, just stay on level 1, modify, or do a different move that's easier. That's the beauty of working out at home. You can pause and get a drink, go potty, or collapse for a few extra seconds if you need to.
I've seen some DVD's of hers within my library system, but you can find most workouts on YouTube. Good luck and better health whatever you decide. I'm guessing you're a teacher, so have a great year!

Thank you so much for all the info! I appreciate it

SheilaCali wrote: »

Just did Ripped in 30 Level 1. O.M.G. My arms are so shaky I can hardly bring my arms together to type. I can't believe how hard this was for me. I can hold a plank for 30 seconds, and just a few weeks ago I cranked out 100 pushups in a day. Yes, it took me all day. Doing one thing after another is what did me in. I stopped to drink water twice, but tried to make up the moves for them. I was dripping. I've heard some say Ripped is easier than 30 Day Shred. I think Ripped was tougher. I'll be dead in 30 days....but I'll be ripped! Or should I say R.I.P'd? Ha ha, must be the low blood sugar. Good luck everyone, and if you need to take a rest day (or 2) I won't be throwing stones. I may have just pulled my quads again. Awesome. I'll be at it tomorrow unless I can't walk. Have fun kids!

ps- thanks to caz98 for starting this challenge at a great time of year!

Your humour is amazing - I was laughing having read your post. We definitely need to laugh to get through this.

I have just done Day 3 of Ripped in 30. I definitely can't hold a plank for 30 seconds or do 100 push ups so well done you. For some reason I find Ripped in 30 easier (I know that's not the right word as it's far from easy) than 30 Day Shred. It must be a mental thing. I am always dripping with sweat by the end of it. That's our fat crying so keep at it. There were a couple of times when I was tempted to stop and give up but I kept telling myself it's only a few more minutes I can keep on going. That was the one of the longest 24 minute workouts I have ever done. Got there in the end.

How's everyone getting on?

I agree, if this is week 1 and level 1, I dread to think what level 2 is like. I have never got past level 1. I will attempt to do level 2 in week 2 but if it's virtually impossible for me, instead of giving up like I have done in the past, I will continue with level 1 until I am able to move up a level. I will not give in this time. I am motivated to finish this. Plus how wonderful would it be to actually be "Ripped" like they are in the DVD (okay, yes I know I am dreaming).

SheilaCali wrote: »

I have more definition now than in decades, so that's saying something. These girls are ripped because they've committed themselves to it (and they're young and healthy). They sometimes workout for hours at a time, or they are getting paid (it may be their job too). I'm not healthy (or young-ish), but I'm just going to see how ripped I can get. I guess I'm ripped in my dreams. I don't ever seem to have body issues then- well, except when I'm naked in a crowd. Ha ha. We'll leave that to Freud to figure out. I hope I don't have nightmares tonight!

Haha - mine generally involve teaching a lesson and suddenly realising am topless or bottomless and wondering how I'll busk it... no Freud needed to analyse that one I reckon

I concur about the definition- 30DS seemed particularly effective at creating upper body definition where none had been before

missevil wrote: »

I really hope for more definition. 9 days of 30DS are done and today there will be day 10! I'm so freaking proud for sticking to it. Tomorrow, I'm going to take my measurements again. I haven't done pictures, but I feel that there is an improvement in my stomach/upper arm area. Tuesday I'm taking a break since I have a yoga session anyway and on Wednesday, I'm going to try stage 2.

Fun Fact: I hate the rope jumping exercise most. For some reason, my upper arms and shoulders really hate the rotating motion. Don't know why, but it really feels uncomfortable/hurts.

Wow you're on day 9 already? Way to go I've just finished day 6 so still a long way ahead...

VanVanDiane wrote: »

Wow you're on day 9 already? Way to go I've just finished day 6 so still a long way ahead...

I'd started two days before I saw this thread, which is why I'm a bit ahead. Just thought it would be fun and helpful to join anyway

Day six is great already!

I'm in!

caz98 wrote: »

I'm stopping Jillian and step for a bit as my knee has been complaining. I'm just going to do strength (moving from Gracefit UK to gains4girls) and walking for this week. On the plus side whilst the scale hasn't budged I'm definately seeing progress.

I hear you on the knee pain. I've had some twinges during my first week. I consider my knees relatively healthy. Definitely watch the moves- even when your form is correct it can still hurt. She's not a physical therapist, and I imagine one would gasp watching one of her workouts. You can modify some stuff, but pain is no bueno- especially since it's just the beginning. Do what you can- it's more than you were doing. That's a WIN! I'm a little afraid to see what level 2 (Ripped in 30) brings tomorrow.

serser28 wrote: »

I am getting through level 1 (just about) but I am sure level 2 is a completely different ball game! Is everyony else sweating buckets long before the end of the workout?

I know I am. Although it depends a bit on my form on that day. Some days it's worse and I need a towel, to get through the workout, some I'm just sweaty overall and the first drops start rolling towards the end. And boy, do I hate sweating... well, no pain, no gain.

Today, I plan to start level 2 of 30DS. I'm a bit scared, but hell yeah, I'm going to do it, just like the last 10 days.

I almost feel bad, because my BF started his first try of basic exercises (crunches, push ups) yesterday and failed miserably. He's so frustrated and here I am, bragging about my 10 days Shred success. But I remember clearly my first attempts at doing any sports and failing spectacularly... Hope I can encourage and motivate him.

Day 1 of Ripped in 30 Level 2. OMG. I don't say that very much, but wowee. I sucked, keeping it to the lower modification most of the time. Holding a plank for 2 minutes isn't in my wheelhouse yet, so doing plank jacks and mountain climbers wasn't good. My form suffered, by putting my butt in the air too much. My hubby wouldn't mind that, but I was putting a lot of stress on my wrists. I feel my mid-back hurting already, so some ibuprofen with lunch. Well, only 6 more days left. I miss my 30DS, which is saying a lot.

I'm still on day 9 - but am hanging in there! I so didn't want to work out after walking home from work and getting soaked through for 30 minutes, but I did it. Only 21 days to go