30 Day Shred -- Doesn't Get Results?

Not to discourage those that felt they had good results from the 30 Day Shred, but after doing my second attempt (now that I am serious about losing weight), I have some apprehensions.

I know it burns and it feels good! But I keep looking at before and after photos and I honestly see no different in 98% of the photos. I’m sure the person feels good and different, and they are probably stronger than before. And then I notice that they only lost 5-6 pounds in 35-40 days. As a person who is striving to lose 2 pounds a week, I do not find this impressive (especially since the DVD says 20 pounds in 30 days). Is it just that I have not read the best success stories? I was considering doing 2 days 30DS, 1 day cardio, 2 days 30DS, 1 day cardio, 1 day off. Does anybody have any suggestions or corrections if I am wrong in my assumption that the results shown from the 30DS have been disappointing. I have heard great results from either 130 lb-ers trying to tone or 200+ lb-ers trying to get a jumpstart. I am 170 (I carry it well) trying to get to 140. I don’t want to waste my time if I think a program will not deliver results. Do you guys have any suggestions?

Note: It also could be that I am afraid the calorie burn isn't the same: ~180 for 30DS versus ~400 on the elliptical. Is this a fallacy?

Replies

SnicciFit

Looks like you lost a cat in those 30 days too!

Great job!

half_moon

I agree with the poster that said you're not going to see results as a stand alone workout. I have seen great results mixing it with lots of running and lots of elliptical. I try to burn 3500 calories through exercise and I like to do about half of those via my JM DVDs and ellipticals, and about half of those via running.

Do you use a heart rate monitor? Before I got one (and before I started to run) I would see myself burning 100s and 100s of calories and eating better but no weight loss. Those machines are highly inaccurate- What I thought was a 500 calorie burn ended up being only about 300 when using a HRM. I started to run a mile during the time I usually did elliptical and dropped 15lbs with no effort. Then once I got a HRM and measured the difference in calories burned between 1/2 hour of running (around 400-450 depending onspeed) vs. a half hour of elliptical (closer to 250-300) it made a huge difference! I find that it is a lot easier just to run at a 5.0-5.5mph pace than it is to work on the elliptical to get the same intensity workout as running.

Hmm, really? So should I aim to run outdoors vs. elliptical? I live in houston, so that may be hard in mid-July, but it's good to know. So you burned more calories running with the same effort than you did on the elliptical with the same effort? Veeeeerryyy iiiiintereseesesessttiiing... Damn, now I have to go get a HRM. Haha. Or borrow my sister's. >.>

half_moon

Looks like you lost a cat in those 30 days too! Great job!

Aww, thanks for your encouragement!! *sends love your way*

pastryari

30 Day Shred is more known for loss of inches rather than lbs. It worked for me and I saw great results. However, it can get boring.

sandrajune72

I got good results... even after just completing level 1....

BEFORE:

AW!!! Love that your cat got in on the photo!! (sorry!! huge cat lover here!)

Vecch09

I am getting ready to get the 30DS. Here is a great article from a PT that explains muscle vs. fat: Muscle does not weigh more than fat, any more than lead weighs more than feathers. A pound is a pound is a pound. Where the misunderstanding often comes in is that muscle is much more dense than fat, so that, by volume, it seems to weigh more. That is, a pound of muscle occupies less space than a pound of fat. In addition, because a pound of muscle burns more fat than a pound of fat, even at rest, by increasing your lean muscle tissue mass, you're helping your body burn more calories. http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=8311&sc=128

If you get a chance, read what you can in the Abs Diet book. Whether you choose to use the diet or not, it explains a TON about weight loss, muscle gain and eating and exercising. A very informative book. There are also some recipes in there in case you want to try some.

Good luck on your journey! I'll post more after I start the 30DS and let you know what kind of results I get.

sunnyshine1313

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half_moon

I am getting ready to get the 30DS. Here is a great article from a PT that explains muscle vs. fat: Muscle does not weigh more than fat, any more than lead weighs more than feathers. A pound is a pound is a pound. Where the misunderstanding often comes in is that muscle is much more dense than fat, so that, by volume, it seems to weigh more. That is, a pound of muscle occupies less space than a pound of fat. In addition, because a pound of muscle burns more fat than a pound of fat, even at rest, by increasing your lean muscle tissue mass, you're helping your body burn more calories. http://www.weightwatchers.com/util/art/index_art.aspx?tabnum=1&art_id=8311&sc=128

If you get a chance, read what you can in the Abs Diet book. Whether you choose to use the diet or not, it explains a TON about weight loss, muscle gain and eating and exercising. A very informative book. There are also some recipes in there in case you want to try some.

Good luck on your journey! I'll post more after I start the 30DS and let you know what kind of results I get.

... My brain just exploded.

Thanks for that explanation!!! Makes so much more sense, now. I care about inches, not pounds! :P I'd like to weigh less than 170, though-- prefer slim over bulkiness.

stephbo4

I lost quite a bit when I did it about 10 pounds, however when I started it I was going from not working out at ALL, to doing 30DS and it about killed me. If you are already working out and burning a lot of calories in your workouts, I doubt you will see drastic results. My results were drastic because I went from doing nothing to something hard.

Also, it says "UP TO" 20 pounds, not that everyone will lost 20 pounds.

amoffatt

My HRM tells me I burn close to 300 to 400 with 30 DS. I didnt lose the weight on the scale but did inches and could see muscle definition. I gained endurance as well. Some people may be wanting something different out of the excercise than others and diappointing them when these results are not what they are looking for. I was discouraged about the lack of weight loss but the loss of inches did put a smile on my face at least. We just have to find what works for us.

Edit: I didn't lose that much weight and inches on the eliptical alone and my calorie burn was less so I think I will add this in with 30 DS as a strength. It is great for toning and this is what I will use at my goal weight as well.

alyja09

It helps tone, but it is still important to have a calorie deficit. Nothing is magic, if you're consuming more than you're burning, you aren't going to lose. With my heart rate monitor, I only burn less than 300 calories doing 30DS (which is a lot in only 20 mins) so I add extra cardio in with it. It isn't meant to be a stand alone.

Also, pounds aren't the only determining factor. Your body will change with 30DS, even if you aren't losing 2 lbs a week.

stephbo4

I've done all of Jillian Michael's dvd's except the yoga one. I did the Shred, Ripped in 30, Shred it with weights one after the other. Did not lose a single pound or inch.

That's not ALL of her dvd's she has many more dvds than that....

goforthd5

My weight loss goal is not as high as some on here. My goal is to loss 18 lbs, so far I have lost 9 since January. To some that may seem horrible, but I am pleased with it. Once I realized the 1230 calorie diet was not what my body needed, I have had slow but consistent results. 30DS was a helpful tool to increase my capability and arm muscles. I really did not think it was doing much until it was over. For example, I lost 2 1/2 in off my chest (around ribcage). So if you are looking to tone and decrease in overall size, then I think it could be a good tool for you. I was also able to go from soup can weights to 5 lb weights, now that is something I am very proud of, especially with shoulder problems. I liked to do the video first thing in the morning to jump start the day and then did cardio in the afternoons.

SF2514

I'm on day 5 of shred and love it. I'm the type of person who has been playing the same video games for over 6 years though

. Also, since last friday I've lost 2lbs and I believe I look more toned already. I do about 200-800 cardio burn in addition to that as well everyday.

Sbehlmer

I just started Day 1 Level 3 today, & incorporate that with 6 days a week speed walking, 3 days a week weights, and completely changing my diet, & with that I've lost 40 pounds in 62 days, so I do know it's helping in my weight loss.....I like that she mixes the weights along with ab work, planks, etc, & pushes you. I think everyone needs to find what works for them (some will like JM, some wont...it's all about getting physical activity with the type of workout that you want, & doing it consistently....that's when you truly see results, when you make exercise a habit)

wawrzje

I agree with the majority- the 30 day shred is definitely a good starting point and tones you up. It doesn't necessarily make you lose pounds but it does firm up some flabby areas. When I wear my heart monitor I typically burn about 250 calories. Considering this is a pretty short workout, it's not that bad. When I compared that to spin class I take, I burn over 600 calories doing that. I think the DVDs are great for days when you can't get to gym or work late and just need a little filler to do something active for the day to burn calories.

ChassityGetsFit

I just restarted JM30DS because I don't do any weight training and I know you need some sort of strength exercise to effectively lose weight properly, cardio on it's own won't do it which is what I'm been mostly doing! The first time I tried it I only did it a few days but I could tell a difference in my endurance, which is good, but I don't remember my weight loss that week! I have an HRM and I average about 350 calories burned in the 25 minute workout, which isn't bad at all! I think if you are more out of shape then yes it's probably more likely that you'll lose more weight in the 30 days, but if you have been working out then I don't know how high the intensity will be! If you decide to do the workout then try doing more throughout the day in conjunction with the 30DS! I walk my neighborhood at a decent pace with my kids for 45 minutes every day and I also go to the gym for group classes or extra cardio. I'm only using 30DS to up my strength training!

Some of my friends are trying Insanity and they all love it! It's not about how fit you are it's just about doing it to the best of your ability! I'm planning on ordering it soon and trying it after I finish 30DS!

KyliAnnHobson

I think it depends a lot on diet, too, and if you do some extra cardio as well. I've done 30DS, RI30, and am on 6W6P. I stay under my calorie goal and eat pretty healthy, usually. I feel that I've had really good results with Jillian's DVDs.

Here's my progression over the past few months.

Top left is before 30DS, top right is halfway through 30DS, bottom left is halfway through RI30, and bottom right is about halfway through 6W6P.

HeavyLiftGirl

I had really good results with the 30 Day Shred! Here are my before/after pics. I did it right after I had my daughter.

:happy:

TheNewo

I think diet is a huge part of one's success with 30 DS. 1200 calories of lean protein, veggies, fruits, nuts, and legumes. Food that builds muscle while you're burning fat. ...and I'm a Cancer.

Haha I was just mentioned my sign to emphasize my impatience and fiery demands.

My diet contains veggies, fruits, nuts, and a lot of protein. Hopefully that will help, then!

As for body type, I'd prefer a slim hourglass. Victoria Secret Angel status. Ohhh yeah. I don't crave to be very muscly or Joyce Vedrall-y. I'm definitely not aiming for a six pack. I'd like smooth, soft, small, still hourglass. Yep! I guess that's something I should consider when choosing my workout. Never thought of it. Thanks!

Lol, some of my favorite peeps are aries!
I think your diet sounds great, you should be well on your way!

paulaviki

I've just posted this elsewhere but I am on day 20 of 30DS and so far have lost 5lbs and 5-6 inches from waist/hips/arms. I'm not doing any other cardio but I feel it is working for me. I feel stronger and my stomach is flatter - this s combined with my calorie intake of 1510 per day and I eat back my exercise calories as well.

I've seen some great results from other posters and some smaller changes, but everyone is different so I don't think everyone would find this workout beneficial - I wasn't really doing any exercise before, so maybe it doesn't work so well for people who already workout a lot or are fitter?

creech6317

I am on level 2 of 30DS and Ialready see a difference in my body. I have only lost 3 pounds, but people have noiced the better definition in my arms and legs.
I also am doing C25K and I walk about 4 miles 3 days a week. By itself it isn't enough to count as my exercise, but I figured it would be a good starting point to get some endurance so I could do the harder workouts like insanity. Next I will probably do her kickboxing DVD, I have heard it is fun and a good workout.

Shelbert79

I did 30DS and mixed some elliptical in there, still didn't lose a lot of weight but did lose inches. I can tell a difference in my pics (they're on my profile) but maybe that's just me. I get bored easy so now I've been alternating her videos around, so a week of 30DS, a week of RI30, etc, plus I ride my bike every morning.

HeavyLiftGirl

AACK! My pics aren't showing. Here it is again. Excuse the duplicated post:

I had really good results with the 30 Day Shred! Here are my before/after pics. I did it right after I had my daughter.

:happy:

half_moon

AACK! My pics aren't showing. Here it is again. Excuse the duplicated post:

I had really good results with the 30 Day Shred! Here are my before/after pics. I did it right after I had my daughter.

:happy:

Wow. You look incredible. I wouldn't say you were over weight before, however; maybe I should wait until I'm in the 140s to see results with the 30DS?

donnab83

Bump

Emaz1027

I just had this problem because last week I did the 30DS everyday non stop and I stepped on the scale and lost 1 lb! I was so pissed cuz I was really sweating. But I'm 5"6 and 220 lbs, I'm way over weight but I'm like you I carry it well. When I tell people I'm 220 then think I'm lying so i thought weight would fall off with me doing this and I was very disappointed. Reading everyone's post makes me want to keep doing it and check my inches but so far this week I've added yoga and treadmill also. JM is just not enough, I know that now but I want to tone while I lose so I'm not stuck with a pouch of excess skin so this DVD will stay in my routine including RI30.

half_moon

I'm thinking, to summarize, I will NOT do the 30DS. I will wait until I have burned off my fat with strict cardio and dieting and use the 30DS to tone up. I'll also use it while I am on vacation in Turkey so I don't fall off the wagon completely.

Thanks for ALL of your support and help!

SmashleeWpg

I've done all of Jillian Michael's dvd's except the yoga one. I did the Shred, Ripped in 30, Shred it with weights one after the other. Did not lose a single pound or inch.

*point* *point* See, this is what I keep hearing! More stories like this and less of the "amazing ridiculous life-changing" etc.

My point is, if I'm not going to see a huge difference, I'd rather stick with elliptical/cardio and tone when I lose weight. Bad idea?

You'll lose the *weight* faster if you incorporate strength training now, as opposed to waiting... having more muscle means your body is a better calorie burning machine. Obviously it comes down to what works for you and what you're comfortable doing, but there's no reason to wait to start lifting! Furthermore, burning off your fat with strict cardio and dieting can lead to "skinny fat" syndrome, and while you've mentioned you don't want a six pack, toned muscles are never outta fashion!

aimelee

I had pretty amazing results with it. I was diligent with it (doing it all the way through, 3-5 times a week), and ate healthy and stayed within my calorie goal. After doing the entire program exclusively about twice through, eventually just to switch it up I incorporated some more cardio (walks and eventually jogging), along with other workout dvds (other jillian vids, pilates). But most of the results came from 30DS. I'm mom who also works full time, so all my workouts happened after my son went to bed at night, and a short workout video was about all i had time and energy for at that point.

Here's where i started from, after having my son (roughly 160lbs):

and here is where i ended up, after finally taking my diet and exercise routine seriously (roughly 125lbs).

I was in a size 4 in that after picture at 125. I weighed about 123 few years prior (with no exercise), and i was a size 8/9.
Going to do it all again after i have this baby, and i'm going to take MEASUREMENTS this time!!!! I'll be more excited to see the inches go than the pounds! :flowerforyou: