And that’s no joke!

Yay! It’s April 1st, and I just finished Day 15 of the 30 Day Shred! Are you sick of hearing about it? I would apologize, but I warned you…and you only have to suffer through 15 more days!

I think I’ve been scaring people with my descriptions of Level 2, so I want to devote this halfway mark to what I like about the 30 Day Shred.

I love the fact that my hips and back are pain-free. Seriously. They haven’t hurt since I started the program. And, the other muscles that did hurt because I started? They no longer hurt, and they’re stronger. It’s a win-win.

I love having a routine. For so long, I sat around thinking about an exercise program. I guess that’s a little misleading. I rarely “sit around” when chasing a preschooler is my main focus, but you know what I mean. I knew I should do something…but what? I hate exercise, so I kept putting it off. Will I ever tone? Will I ever find a way to fit an exercise plan into my day? Now that I have a routine, that worry is off my mind.

I love having energy. I always thought the people who said exercising gave them energy were a little wacky. Who knew that it’s true! I have so much more energy now that I’ve started this routine. I just can’t believe it. Yes, I was back down to where I want to be weight-wise before I started, and I thought that would give me enough energy, but I was wrong. The weight-loss helps, but the exercise is the key.

I love seeing the results. When I was in Weight Watchers, I was shocked at the transformation my body went through after losing 40 pounds. The transformation in itself was motivation enough to help me maintain it. But, it took a while for the mental image of myself to catch up with the image in the mirror. I was never unhappy at my former size, and on the inside I still felt the same. I was taken aback when people started treating me differently. They were all positive changes, but so shocking. That’s how I feel now that I’m seeing results with this program. “Are you sure you can see a difference?” is a question my husband is so tired of hearing me ask. But, he’s used to it. He was the calm voice of reason and support on my weight-loss journey. Soon, my brain will catch up with my eyes, and I’ll stop asking for reassurance. Plus, seeing the results is so motivating to work through the tough parts!

I love this feeling of accomplishment. I said I would do something, and I’m doing it. And, it’s not something that’s easy. Some days it’s hard. Some days are easier than others. But, I love the feeling of accomplishment.

I love setting a good example for my daughter. Exercise doesn’t have to be boring or torturous or something other people do.  It can be fun, challenging, and something we do.

I love the community that I’ve found while doing this project. There are so many people working toward the same goal, and each of us is made stronger by the experience of the others. We’re all feeding off of this common bond, and it’s awesome. Go Shredheads! You can do it! And, to those of you who have stuck by me through this…even just by reading my follow-ups, thank you!!

So…do I grumble about the Shred? At times. Is it an exhausting challenge? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. And, that’s no joke!