It’s been too hot to run outside and I’ve got a wooden bed frame stacked against the wall where my treadmill is (waiting for a yard sale and I have no garage) or that’s the excuse I’ve been using on myself. (Oh brother, not even I buy that one). I’m moving it this weekend. No more excuses.

I picked up a scale and was horrified at my weight. I usually go by how I feel, how my clothes fit me. I want to be fit and look good in my clothes, but honestly, my biggest concern is my health. I am the parent of a young adult with special needs and first and foremost I need to be able to lift and transfer my son.

I decided that I needed something extra, a boost to my routine. I’m a fan of the NBC show, The Biggest Loser so, I picked up Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. The routine consists of intervals of:

3 minutes of Strength
2 minutes of Cardio
1 minute of Abs work

Today, I did day 2 of the 30 Day Shred. Oh man. It is a good workout and it’s completed in only 20 minutes. Jillian goes from step to step to step with no rest in between, focusing on working more than one muscle group at a time, or a simple ab or aerobic workout.

Yesterday, I did the Day 1 afer swimming laps. I was a little sore today, so I’m only doing the Shred today.

I’ll update later with my results, but for now I can say I’m really feeling it and I do not know how those contestants get through the first few days with a real live Jillian Michaels kicking their butts. Ouch.

Image credit: Amazon.com

Post from: Pretty by Nature

You can watch a short video with trainer David Jack (cute boy, of course) where he outlines the workout requirements. You can download the workouts straight to your iPod, download them to your computer, or print them out.

In addition, real womenfrom around the country have thier information – starting weight, goal weight, age, personal motivation – posted for inspiration and support. Pretty cool.

I’m starting the program today. I plan to do a triathlon in September and I have a good amount of weight that I want to lose first.

Two years ago I was at a point where I felt very comfortable in my body, but unfortunately, I got lazy (I was in a happy relationship) and I got sad (relationship turned horrible) and I gained weight.

I need to find a way to avoid the emotional eating more than anything. I want to be happy and healthy and not let stress send me running straight to the Brownies (brownies!). I think that the key is to get back into a regular exercise routine. A little success provides a good boost in motivation.

Image credit: Michelle Smith

Post from: Pretty by Nature