30 Day Shred – Day 29 | Motivation Files

30 Day Shred – Day 29

By Trisha Bartle Friday March 5, 2010

The 30 Day Shred is almost over! Jillian Michaels has kicked my butt all over February and now it’s drawing to a close.

As you may remember from my last update, I was debating whether to finish out the 30 days with the Level Two exercises or to move on to Level Three. In the end, I chose to go with Level Three.

Although it was certainly harder than the previous levels, Level Three was still doable. To give you an indication at the increased level of exercise, normally the warm-ups would consist of two bouts of jumping jacks. In Level Three, you do one bout of double jump ropes and one bout of butt kicks.

I have to tell you, I’m thrilled at my progress. I’m a lot stronger now than I was a month ago, that’s for sure.

Here’s a day-by-day synopsis of my journey using Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred:

Level One

Day 1: I could barely breathe through the cardio and had to stop frequently. Afterward, I was insanely tired for the rest of the day.
Day 2: I was able to do more of the cardio and wasn’t tired like day 1. My arms, specifically my shoulders, ached in a good way.
Day 3: I wasn’t nearly as achy after this workout. It seems my muscles are getting stronger and getting used to the strength exercises.
Day 4: I woke up from 9 hours of sleep to feeling like I needed 9 more. I slept for most of the day, but took a break to go do the shred. I half-assed it in the cardio, but that’s better than nothing.
Day 5: Was almost able to get through all of the workout without stopping today. The first section of the cardio is the worst. Jumping Jacks/Jump Rope/Jumping Jacks/Jump Rope, all without stopping in between each move. Ouch!
Day 6: Still doing alright with the workout. I really busted out the move for the final ab section: bicycles. Unfortunately, I overdid it. I have a delicate neck and constantly holding up my head for 1 minute straight made my neck hurt for the rest of the day.
Day of Rest
Day 7: Back in the saddle! Decided to alter the Bicycle moves and am doing alternating oblique moves with transverse ab moves in between. That means my neck is saved.
Day 8: Though I made a concerted effort, I STILL couldn’t get through all the cardio.
Day 9: The strength is starting to be easy. I even upped the size of my weights for the lying chest exercise. If it weren’t for the cardio, I would feel ready to move on to Level Two.
Day 10: Really busted it out in the workout, never stopping. I think I might have overdone it and I ended up with a headache for the next two days.
Day of Rest
Day 11: Things are much easier now that I’m not stopping during the cardio portions.
Day 12: I’m doing better at the butt kicks. Also, Valentine’s Day.
Day of Rest
Day 13: Since it’s gotten so much better, I made the decision to begin Level Two on Day 16.
Day 14: I’m feeling good and not at all sore like I did in the first week.
Day 15: My last day of Level One. It’s felt so much easier, I’m glad I’m done with it.

Level Two

Day 16: I started Level Two and am feeling GREAT! All of the planks and arm exercises made my shoulders and back painful, but in a good way.
Day 17: My shoulders are still hurting, but it’s alright.
Day of Rest
Day 18: I sweat so much during these workouts. Pouring sweat!
Day 19: The hardest move for me is the V-Raise with weights. That’s weird for me since arm exercises are normally a breeze.
Day 20: There are so many planks in Level Two. I’ve gotten a lot better at them, but they’re still not my favorite thing in the world.
Day 21: I think I like the core exercises better in Level Two than One. They seem to hit more abdominal muscles.
Day 22: Yeah, I’m sleepy. A break would be nice, but whatever.
Day 23: I’m so excited that I’m almost done!
Day 24: For some reason the workout was a lot harder today than usual. I just couldn’t get myself moving. I kind of half-assed the end of the workout.
Day 25: Should I move on to the next level? I’m not sure!

Level Three

Day 26: First day of Level Three. I was actually able to pull off jump ropes and butt kicks with no problem. I struggled with those in the beginning of the 30 days. Progress!
Day 27: I’m really noticing a change in my body. Even my calves/ankles look smaller!
Day 28: I SO didn’t want to work out today. I made myself do it anyway.
Day 29: I pushed myself harder and did less of the modified moves.

I’ll let you know about my final results on Monday, so stay tuned.