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Thursday, January 31, 2013

Day 8: 30 Day Shred January 31st

"The surest way to escape anxiety and defeat despair is action. Do, don't dwell." Michael Josephson


Today's Update:  
It was a hectic day today, too much to do, but somehow it all got done. I was still able to make it through the workout.

Today's task: A Workout
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

Level 1 workout Day 8.  The workout is still getting easier.

I appreciate that Jillian's video is not annoying like some other work out videos that I have done.  For some laughs, you should check out Crunch workout Cardio Salsa.  It is actually a pretty good workout, but the commentary makes you laugh.

Actual time of the supposed 20 minute workout was 27 minutes. (with all the transitions between moves and segments.)

Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Quote from:
http://blog.inspirationalspark.com/category/change-quotes/

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Day 7: 30 day Shred January 30th

"Tears will get you sympathy. Sweat will get you change." Jesse Jackson

Today's Update:  
I had some much needed rest last night.  I went to bed early.  My LO still woke me up 2 times and I had to get up at 6 am for work, but otherwise I feel a whole lot better than I did the last few days.  Yay!
My neck and shoulders are really tight still.  I need work on those tonight.

Today's task: A Workout
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

I did workout Level One again.  I am finding it easier to do than the day before.  Each day it is getting easier.  Imagine that.  I tried out the audio feature of the DVD which is to just have music without listening to Jillian talking through the workout.  It was kind of funny to see her mouth moving and not hear anything she was saying.  I have to say that the music is sort of uninspiring.  I might have to mute it altogether and just play my own workout music.  I just have to work out the beats per minute to match the moves.

I feel great today and the workouts are helping!  I am so glad I have kept it up and can't wait to accomplish my 30 day goal for this workout.

So far in the first week, I only had one rest day.
6 workout day
1 rest day

Actual time of the supposed 20 minute workout was 27 minutes. (with all the transitions between moves and segments.)

Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Quote from:
http://blog.inspirationalspark.com/category/change-quotes/

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Day 6: 30 Day Shred January 29th

"If you don't like how things are, change it! You're not a tree." Jim Rohn

Today's Update:  
Hmmm.. I'm really tired and my little one woke up at 6:15 am and has only taken one hour nap.  I did get my shower in that hour along with a workout, but needless to say. I am tired.

Today's task: A Workout
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

Level 1 workout from the DVD again.  This is getting much easier, but I still get tired near the end of the strength workout.  When I do anterior raises with a side lunge, my arms are wiped.

My trapezius muscles are really tight.  I am not sure if that is caused from the workout video.  The bent over rows maybe?

I think I would feel ten times worse today if I had not been working out the last few days.. So that's the upside.  I do need sleep badly though.  I think I'll do the yoga for athletes routine I did a week ago before bed.  That should help my tense muscles stretch and relax.  Ahh....

Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Actual time of the supposed 20 minute workout was 27 minutes. (with all the transitions between moves and segments.)

Quote from:
http://blog.inspirationalspark.com/category/change-quotes/

Monday, January 28, 2013

Day 5: 30 Day Shred January 28th

"Everything in your life is there as a vehicle for your transformation. Use it!" Ram Dass

Today's Update:  
Again my little one woke me up 3 times last night including one time that lasted an hour and 45 minutes.  It was 5:15 am when he woke up and 7 am when he finally settled back down to sleep.  I tried to rest but couldn't.  I laid in bed for about 30 minutes and then decided if I wasn't going to be sleeping I might as well do something productive.  I did the workout for today.

Today's task: A Workout
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

Level 1 workout from the DVD again. I found the workout to be easier than the day before.  I find this workout video to be pretty good so far.  It is not as corny as some other workout videos that I have tried.  I find the video to be fairly to the point and a good workout.

I am glad that I didn't just stay in bed and did something productive.  Hopefully it will get me through being tired today.


Actual time of the supposed 20 minute workout was 27 minutes. (with all the transitions between moves and segments.)


Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Quote from:
http://blog.inspirationalspark.com/category/challenges-quotes/

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Day 4: 30 day Shred January 27th

"What is without periods of rest will not endure." Ovid

Today's Update:  
I haven't been sleeping well recently.  My little one has been waking me up frequently at night and so today was my day of rest.

Lack of sleep has been shown to be linked to weight gain.  So I'll say that is my excuse for not working out today.  If you are sleep deprived, your metabolism won't function properly.  Instead I took a nap to try to get some needed rest.

Link to info. about sleep and weigh loss from WebMD.
http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/excessive-sleepiness-10/lack-of-sleep-weight-gain

Today's task: Rest Day
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Quote from:
http://quotationsbook.com/quotes/tag/rest/

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Day 3: 30 day Shred January 26th

"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action." Benjamin Disraeli

Today's Update:  
I had too much to eat for dinner last night.. Ugghh.. I don't feel to hot.  I ate fairly well today. Hopefully, it will even my caloric intake out a little bit.

Today's task: A Workout
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

Level 1 workout Day 3.  I am planning on doing Level 1 for 10 days unless it becomes too easy then, I would instead move earlier to Level 2.

I feel pretty good today considering my large dinner.  I am happy to report that I am finding the workout to be easier today than the last two days.  There is still much improvement for me.  I'm not doing the advanced moves yet.

I like this workout for the most part.  I think and hope it is as truly effective as Jillian claims it is.

I noticed that the DVD said that I could join Jillian's online program for 30 days free as a companion to the DVD.  I was going to sign up today but the time escaped me.

Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Quote from:
http://blog.inspirationalspark.com/category/action-quotes/

Friday, January 25, 2013

Day 2: 30 day Shred January 25th

"We cannot do everything at once, but we can do something at once." Calvin Coolidge

Today's Update:  
My mood has definitely improved a little.  Thanks to all those great happy neurotransmitters from exercise.  Yay! On to Day 2....

From Natural Therapy Pages:
"Endorphins are defined as hormone-like substances that are produced in the brain and function as the body’s natural painkillers.  During exercise, these endorphins are released, and this can produce feelings of euphoria and a general state of wellbeing."

Read more: http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/Exercise_Endorphins.#ixzz2J2raPUyq


Today's task: A Workout
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

Level 1 workout from the DVD again. I realized something else about this workout video.  It makes me crazy when workout videos show exercises on one side and not the other.  Jillian does this during the warmup.  I realize that she wants to make it a quick workout, but I don't want to be lopsided.  :)

Actual time of the supposed 20 minute workout was 27 minutes. (with all the transitions between moves and segments.)

I do feel better today and this definitely helped.  Day 2 done!

By the way, I am also trying to eat healthier by incorporating more fruits and vegetables in my diet.  I had a bad habit from my pregnancy and I think I was a bit addicted to sugar.  It's just so hard.  I really want a cookie.  Thankfully, there are none in the house!

Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Quote from:
http://blog.inspirationalspark.com/category/getting-started-quotes/

Thursday, January 24, 2013

30 day Start: Day 1: 30 day Shred January 24th

"Put all your excuses aside and remember this: YOU are capable." Zig Ziglar

Today's Update:  
So, I was feeling awful yesterday and I decided to start my adventure earlier.  So I started Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred.  I had originally wanted to try to make it convenient and do my 30 day challenge a month, but life is not always so prettily packaged and convenient. C'est la vie, no? I started my 30 day improvement today.

Today's task: A Workout
Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred

From the back of the DVD:
Jillian will guide you through her exclusive 3-2-1 Interval system that combines strength, cardio and abs to blast through calories for a dramatic 30 day SHRED.

Includes 3 complete 20 minute workouts which progress by level of intensity.

I really dislike that each time you place the DVD in the player it is mandatory to listen to Jillian explain the system for like 3 minutes and you cannot fast forward.  I don't have time to waste.  I suppose I will just have to make sure to turn on the DVD player in the morning before I intend to workout.

I started with Level 1 and it is nice to have two levels on each workout with one woman doing an advanced move and another woman doing a modified move.  It makes it easy to try to do.

Actual time of the supposed 20 minute workout was 27 minutes. (with all the transitions between moves and segments.)

I like the short workout.  I just hate having to wait through the intro.

Link to workout DVD from:
http://www.amazon.com/Jillian-Michaels-30-Day-Shred/dp/B00127RAJY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359145731&sr=8-1&keywords=jillian+michaels+30+day+shred

Quote from:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_motivational.html

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Pre-30 day: January 23rd

"Be miserable.  Or motivate yourself.  Whatever has to be done, it's always your choice." Wayne Dyer

Today's Update:  
I feel awful.  I didn't sleep well and my LO was fussy all day and I ate like crap.  Again, I did not have any me time again today and so I am doing this again late at night.

Today's task: A Workout
Get Sexy Abs from Women's Health Magazine Online

The Exercises:
1) Stability Ball Pelvic Tilt Crunch.

2)  Walk the Plank and Rotate.

3)  Stiff-Leg Pullover Crunch.

4)  The Matrix

5)  Knee to Chest Crunch

6)  Prone Oblique Roll

7) Rear Leg Raise

I really needed this workout.  My abs are still a bit flabby from the pregnancy and I really wish my tummy would go back to some where close to where it used to be.  I enjoyed this work out and I would definitely do it again.

Link to workout from:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/the-best-abs-workout-for-women-print-it-now

Quote from:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_motivational.html

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Pre-30 day: January 22nd

"Always do your best.  What you plant now, you will harvest later." Og Mandino

Update from Yesterday:
My hamstrings are really really tight.  I must work on those today.

Carving out some me time today was a little difficult and so I'm doing this as the last thing before bed.

I found this yoga sequence for athletes on the Women's Health website.  It helps with tight hamstrings, quads and shoulders.  That sounds perfect.

Today's task: A Yoga Sequence
Yoga for Everyday Athletes from Women's Health Magazine Online
The moves:
1) Downward-Facing Dog. A classic.

2) High Lunge.

3) Twisted Lunge.

4) Dolphin. This move made a bit light headed, but it felt like my neck was relaxing.

5) Pigeon. A wonderful hip stretch.

6)  Legs up the Wall. Utter relaxation.  Awesome!

There is nothing quite like yoga to center yourself and relax.  I think this was a great idea before bed.  I feel more at peace and hopefully I will sleep great!

Link to Yoga Sequence:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/yoga-everyday-routine

Quote from:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_motivational.html


Monday, January 21, 2013

Pre-30 day: January 21st

"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."  Thomas A. Edison

Update from yesterday:
My hamstrings are really tight. Owie!  I had to roll on a foam roller to ease the tension.  

Today's task: A Workout
Power Pairs Dumbbell Workout from Women's Health Magazine Online

This workout comprises of a 20 minute circuit of 8 exercises; each of which works 2 muscle groups at the same time.  The workout intends to help total body toning and to tone the body efficiently.

The Exercises:
1) Reverse Lunge with Rotation and Biceps Curl

2) Deadlift to High Pull

3)  Stability-Ball Triceps Extension

4) Plank Hold and Single Arm Row

5) Squat with Leg Abduction and Lateral Raise

6)  Hamstring Curl with Chest Press

7)   V-Sit Incline Press

8) Side Plank with Rear Fly.  

I really felt the work in this workout routine.   I was happy to know that the exercises were efficient and made my workout short and sweet.  I would definitely do this total-body toning workout again.

Link to workout from:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/toning-exercises

Quote from:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_motivational.html

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Pre-30 day: January 20th

"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts." Eleanor Roosevelt

Update from yesterday:
Yesterday's workout left my abs sore.  Yay!  That means the exercises must have been challenging enough.

I am still feeling as though I should work on my legs and butt.  Like most post-pregnancy women, I have some toning to do and this workout from Women's Health Magazine Online looks promising.

Today's task:  A workout  
Leaner Legs, Tighter Butt from Women's Health Magazine Online
I decided to do both parts of this workout.  There are 2 routines: a cardio/fat burning routine and a toning routine.

The Exercises:
Slim Down All Over (Cardio/Fat burning routine)
1) Lung with Rotation

2) Reverse Wood Chop

3) Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift

4) Side plank. This exercise burned.  My legs hurt!  It must be working!

Blast Your Lower Half (The Toning routine)
1) Side Leg Raise

2) Clamshell

3) Hip Raise

4) Cross-Body Mountain Climber

I enjoyed this workout and feel that it was challenging which will definitely help to change my body for the better.

Link to Legs and Butt Workout: Blast Your Lower Half
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/leg-fat

Quote of the day from:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_motivational.html

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Pre-30 day fitness: January 19th

"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." Thomas Jefferson

I decided that I should try to read and get started on my journey here since it is better to start now then wait until later.  I didn't want to sit here twiddling my thumbs until the 30 days started.  Life is happening now!  

I ended up on the Women's Health Magazine web-site and did a quick butt workout. 

It's titled "Want a Tight Butt That Defies Gravity?"  It never fails to amuse me what fitness magazines come up with to catch your eye.  Well, it worked for me and the I found the exercises to be easy to understand and do.  The only exercise that I could not do was the box jump.  I don't have the equipment for that.  That might have to be something I need to put on my list of things to buy.  

I really appreciate that if you have an account with the Women's Health web-site you can download .pdf files of several workout that are easy to print out and take to the gym if you are so inclined.  It is sometimes overwhelming if you aren't too experienced in the gym to think of new things to do.  With the printouts you can have a series of exercises to achieve your goal and look like you know what you are doing.  I think that's a good thing.  

Today's task: A workout
Want a Tight Butt that Defies Gravity? by Women's Health Magazine Online
There are six exercises in this article.

1) Plank with a Leg Lift.  Not only does it work your butt and legs, this exercise also works your abs.  

2)  Inverted Hamstring

3)  Box Squat

4)  Stability-Ball Pike.  A Pilates move that I haven't done in a while, but it is again a butt, legs and ab exercise.  Awesome.  Try not to go too crazy on this move or you might wipeout. 

5)  Offset Reverse Lunge

6)  Box Jump.  It gets your heart rate up and works on your butt!

Overall.  I liked this quick butt workout and could see myself doing this when I only have a few minutes to work on a problem area for a lot of people, including me. My butt!

Link to workout:
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/tight-butt-exercises

Friday, January 18, 2013

How did I get here?

I am tired, stressed, out of shape and eating unhealthy.  To be fair, I am a new mother and little sleep makes everything seem a bit more difficult.  The thing is that everyone has trouble surmounting the stress of everyday life.  We are all so busy, too much to do in too little time.  How do we get past the everyday and make our lives better?

This blog is devoted to all the self-help books and workout videos I've collected over the years and never read or exercised to them.

The strategy and course of action are to get fit, to eat better, and to achieve real happiness and build community.

The first 30 days are devoted to getting more fit.  I have purchased a 30 day Jillian Michael DVD video.  No excuses this time.  30 days exercising every day to become more healthy and more fit.

Start date: January 30, 2013.