Tag Archive for '#shredheads'

Not a Summer Camp for Shoes

Published on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 2 Comments Tags: , , , .

So, last weekend, I went to a Boot Camp. One of my friends had invited me to join her at this free event put on by her gym. I figured, “Why not?” I’d always been curious as to what these entailed, and now that I’m in the midst of doing the 30 Day Shred again, I wanted to see what all I could do.

Plus, how bad could it be?

I deal with pain and the potential for pain with humor, so it was no surprise that my Twitter Updates and Facebook Statuses up to that day were filled with questions about Boot Camp and if it was like a Summer Camp for Shoes.

I can’t say I was surprised to find out that it was just what I thought it would be. Deep down, I knew it would be hard.

I try to keep this blog clean, for the most part, so I will refrain from using the language necessary to describe this Boot Camp.

There were no songs. There were no crafts. There were no marshmallows to roast. And, no one even wore their boots. I feel totally misled! ;)

It was an hour of pure torture. I can honestly say that without my experience with The Shred, or getting to this place weight-wise in the first place, I would have died. I would have keeled over on the lawn and collapsed. It was intense!

After the HOUR (yes, HOUR) was over, I was exhausted, but I didn’t feel too bad. My friend asked me if I’d consider doing another one, and I heard my voice say I would. Then I laughed and joked that I’d give her an answer tomorrow.

Well, the next day rolled around, and I almost sent her a text that read, “I hate you.” But, I’ve seen enough Law & Orders to know that things like that taken out of context are never a good thing. Plus, the strength needed to open my cell phone was proving to be too much for me.

My whole entire body was broken. I’m not sure how it happened, which of the running laps or sprints or jumping jacks or squats or pushups or kickboxing routines (on repeat) was the final straw, but my body was broken. Maybe it was the part where they made us run up and over the picnic tables? I don’t know.

My husband wouldn’t let me do my next day of the Shred. I didn’t have the energy to fight him, and I figured that 60 full-minutes of Shred-like workouts should count for something.

I’m still sore, but I have almost a full-range-of-motion in my extremities back. I am back onto the routine now, after taking a break for a couple of days. And, if you have a problem with that, I’ll show you some of the kickboxing moves I learned. :) You think I’m kidding? At one point one of the three massively muscular trainers was giving me a hard time, er, I mean “being encouraging,” and I asked him if we could go back to those moves and use his head as a target. He thought I was kidding.

Heh.

But, I did it! I completed a Boot Camp without barfing and without passing out. Yes, those really were my two goals.

Will I do it again?
Ask me when the drugs have worn off…

:)

What day is it?

Published on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 10 Comments Tags: , , .

So, I didn’t do the Shred yesterday.

Why?

  1. I figured that it was supposed to be Day 34, and any day that starts with a 3 is okay to take a break.
  2. My knees were killing me!  I don’t have knee problems!  I’d heard of other Shredheads having knee issues, and didn’t think it would happen to me.
  3. It did.
  4. I like making lists.
  5. Four is my favorite number, so I should have stopped there in the list.

Anyway, today, I thought I’d jump back into it.  Is today Day 34?  Or 35?  Eh…doesn’t matter.  Right?  The Perfectionist part of me really wants to know, but the Casual part says it doesn’t really matter.  Neither side has the energy to argue about it.  :)

I asked Claire which Level she wanted to do, and she told me Level 4.  There is no Level 4.  Thank goodness!

So, we decided since I’d done two days at Level 1 again and took a break that I could do Level 2 again.

You know that part in Level 2 where Jillian says, “Block it out” at the end?  Well, apparently I had.  (It’s okay.  As a former counselor, I would tell you that blocking things out is a coping mechanism and somewhat effective at times.)

I’d forgotten the oblique twists.  How can you forget the oblique twists?

Claire was doing them today and got herself spinning in a circle and then fell down.  She laughed and screamed, “My OH-BLEEK TRISTS just knocked me down!”  Had I been capable of laughing at that point, I would have.

You’d think that after 33+ days (there! that’s a good way to say it!), I’d have the energy to laugh in the middle of the workout.

I’d forgotten how wrung out it makes you feel.  I literally collapsed on the floor at the end.  Oh, Level 2, how I’ve missed you.  Jillian.  What have you done to me?  I willingly come back for more…almost every day…give or take a day past 33.  ;)

You can check out all my Shredding Adventures by clicking here!

Day 31 of the 30 Day Shred

Published on Friday, April 17, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 4 Comments Tags: , , .

Yes, you read that correctly. I started it all over again. Now, before you get all antsy about The Casual Perfectionist turning into more of a fitness blog than it has been over the last month, let me assure you. I am not going to be diligently blogging about The 30 Day Shred Revisited. Well, not every day at least.

I promised to go back to business-as-usual around here, and I am.

I just wanted to pop in and say that I did Level 1 again today. I was all cocky. I thought I’d be able to follow Natalie with no problems, because I’ve been to Level 3, baby! I did all 30 days! Level 1 should be easy for me!

You think Level 1 isn’t a real workout after you’ve reached the upper levels?

To quote Jillian, “Think again, buddy.”

Wow. I did it. It wasn’t nearly as hard as the first time I did it, but I dare say it really does qualify as a good workout, even after Level 3.

So, hang in there, Shredheads! I’ll be updating Twitter (@casualperfect) with updates for Day 31 and Beyond. If I have something more monumental that can be encapsulated in 140-characters, I’ll blog about it.

But, I’m here.
I’m still working.
I can’t wait to see where this goes.

We’re all naked under our clothes

Published on Thursday, April 16, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 20 Comments Tags: , , , .

Well, today is the day! I finished the 30 Day Shred! Yes!!

Now for some final results:

Inches off tummy: 2 inches!
Inches off thighs: almost 2 inches – off each!

How do I feel?
Awesome!

How do my clothes fit?
Terrible! And, that’s awesome! ;)

None of my jeans fit correctly anymore. I had to ransack my wardrobe and found some capris (do people still wear capris?) that fit, and even they are a little too big. I love having an excuse to buy new clothes, and I think I timed this perfectly with the new season. Yay!

So, what about weight-loss?  I had a net-loss of 2 lbs, which isn’t the “20 lbs. in a month!” they tout.  However, I already did the weight-loss program I wanted to do.  This was separate for me.  I wasn’t using this as a weight-loss tool. I am more focused on toning and building muscle. I am happy with my weight. I wouldn’t be opposed to losing a few more pounds, but my goal was toning. That being said, watching the scales raise during the transition from fat to muscle was frustrating, but it’s gone back down to where it was…and it’s still going down…so I’m happy with that!

So, a big question I toyed with was whether or not I should post pictures. I am thrilled with my results, but if you were to see these photos out of context, you’d be like, “and she wants to wear a two-piece swimsuit eventually, why?”

I mean, the truth is, I’m sensitive. I’m not ashamed of my body, but I prefer to keep it covered.  My clothes hide a lot of indiscretions.

Plus, I’m shy.

Okay, those of you who know me in real life can stop laughing right now.

Seriously. There is no photographic evidence of my skinny-dipping days, and that snorting you’re doing from laughing so hard is so unbecoming.

:)

But, because we’re all naked under our clothes, and I want to show the progress I’ve made, I decided to post pics, but you can only get to them from here: Click on this link if you want to see my progress.

You’ve been warned. I will not be held responsible for nightmares or visual impairment problems that result from viewing these photos.

And, be kind.
Please.
I am a delicate flower.
;)

I’ll wait here while you click over to check them out.

…

…

Please don’t hurt yourself.

…

…

…Okay, are you back?

Quite a change, huh? Those are not photoshopped in any way, as you can see by the sunburn I got yesterday!!

I’m not signing up to model any swimsuits, but I can’t stress enough how impressed I am with the 30 Day Shred.  And, anyone who has done it or is in the middle of it will tell you that the 30 Day Shred is just part of the story.  I made the effort to do it every day.  I summoned my Inner Yoda.  I’m going to try not to hurt myself patting myself on the back.  ;)

So, what’s next?  I’m going to keep on going!  I am starting the 30 Day Shred over!  I can’t wait to see if I can keep up with Natalie all through Level 1 now.  I haven’t decided if I’ll do a couple days at each level, or if I will just mix it up a bit, but I will definitely keep doing this, and my goal is to do 20-minutes a day.

After all, tomorrow is Day 31 of the 30 Day Shred…

And, I can’t wait to post some new “after” photos when the time comes. :)

Kinda like the last 30 seconds, only better.

Published on Wednesday, April 15, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 4 Comments Tags: , , , .

Today I finished Day 29 of the 30 Day Shred, which is Day 9 of Level 3! You can read more about my 30-Day Shred Adventures by clicking here!

I.
Have.
One.
Day.
Left.

You know when you’re working as hard as you can, and you know you’re almost done, and you hear Jillian say something to the effect of, “These are the last 30 seconds,” and you either give it just a little more or you hang on just a little tighter?

Yeah, it feels like that…only better.

So, now that we’re getting to the end of the “official” routine, my personal trainer (Claire, my 3 yr old) has stepped things up a notch herself.

Imagine my surprise when I went downstairs and saw that she had the room all set up for me! She’d moved the ottoman over, which is no easy task! It’s huge! And, she had my blanket all laid out on the floor (to help with the rugburn issues), and my weights were off to the side where I usually put them.

I already have her somewhat trained in that every morning, she brings me my socks and shoes and exercise clothes, but getting the room ready is a new one.

It’s about time she starts earning her keep. ;)

So, tomorrow is the last day of the 30 Day Shred! But, I have a feeling that it will be the beginning of much more.

Push. Hang in there. Breathe.

Published on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 2 Comments Tags: , , , .

Push.
Push your limits.
Push your obstacles out of the way.

Hang in there.
Hang on.
Hang on to the reasons you’re doing this.

Breathe.
Whatever you do, breathe.

“Push. Hang in there. Breathe.” Jillian says this throughout the workout, and it’s something my mind grasps a hold of toward the end.

Today, I completed Day 28 of the 30 Day Shred, and Day 8 of Level 3. You can read more about my 30-Day Shred Adventures by clicking here! When I started this personal challenge, the days loomed before me, so I focused on the one at hand. Now, we’re careening toward the end, and it’s almost here. All I have to do to reach it?

Push. Hang in there. Breathe.

The sneaky spicy salsa of the 30 Day Shred

Published on Monday, April 13, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 3 Comments Tags: , , , .

So, I got up this morning and went into my office to check my mail and look at my calendar. I flip it over to the new week. My little personal trainer brought me my shoes and socks. I have her trained well!

I’m looking at the calendar and we’re ready to head downstairs, and there it is. I can see it! The little number 30 I wrote on Thursday. I can see it right there. The end of the Shred! Is this week!

You can read more about my 30-Day Shred Adventures by clicking here!

Just seeing that little number kept me motivated enough today to get through Day 27 of the 30 Day Shred. I’ve been doing Level 3 for a whole week, now…and my abs are screaming at me. Who knew that Level 3 would be the sneaky spicy salsa of the 30 Day Shred?

You know what I’m talking about. It’s like that salsa that seems really tasty and not too spicy. Until you eat gobs of it on a salty tortilla chips. The alarms start to go off in your head. Your tongue starts to sting, and your eyes start to water. Oh, it’s spicy alright…you just didn’t realize it until you were elbow deep. Don’t get me wrong. You like spicy if you’re prepared for it. Or, maybe you prefer savory over spicy. Either way, you’ve got to deal with the spicy, because there is no turning back.

Blindsided or not, I can’t turn back now. I can see the end. It’s right there. I can see it.

And, I know I can do it. Spicy or not, I can do it.

Be careful with the scissors

Published on Sunday, April 12, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 4 Comments Tags: , , , .

Day 26 of the 30 Day Shred is done, baby! I’ve successfully survived six days of Level 3! You can read more about my 30-Day Shred Adventures by clicking here!

I must have done something a little differently yesterday, because I can really feel it in my abs today! Either that, or the last five days of Level 3 abs moves are finally catching up with me.

Wow. Today, I was nearly killed by the scissors…more specifically, the scissor abs move. How can something that looks so incredibly benign be so tough!? Today, I couldn’t do this one without grunting out loud, and my little personal trainer was right there to kiss me on the shoulder.

“I’m so sorry, sweetie,” she said. “I’m so sorry she’s making this hard for you.”

I didn’t have the energy to explain to Claire that it’s okay for Jillian to make things challenging.  She’s not hurting me to be mean.  I’m a willing participant.   Some days are just harder than others, and today was just one of those days. :)

I got through it, and my abs will thank me for it…maybe not today, but eventually.

So, be careful with the scissors.  Don’t run with them.  Carry them correctly, and by all means, don’t be afraid to grunt through them when you get to Level 3.  ;)

Day 25 is done!

Published on Saturday, April 11, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Day 25 of the 30 Day Shred is complete! You can read more about my 30-Day Shred Adventures by clicking here! I’ve done five days at Level 3, and it’s not really getting easier. But, it feels great! In fact, I can’t wait to go back and try Level 1 again, just to see how it feels.

Since this is the weekend, today’s post will be short and sweet. I did have the opportunity to be a guest writer at the BornFit blog, so be sure to go check that out!

Click here to check out the post.

A new pace

Published on Friday, April 10, 2009 in 30 Day Shred. 3 Comments Tags: , , , .

Yeah, so I forgot to pace myself at the beginning of Level 3.
And then I died before I got to the third circuit.
The end.

I’m so tempted to just end today’s post there, but I won’t. I didn’t really die. I was hanging on by a thread, and it was just enough energy to summon my Inner Yoda from Level 1 and finish Day 24 of the 30 Day Shred, which is Day 4 of Level 3.

So, will I pace myself tomorrow? I don’t know. I haven’t decided yet. Part of me thinks that I could probably handle the new pace, and the other part of me is blubbering to herself in the corner and too exhausted to argue.

In other news, my own little personal trainer completed Level 3 without breaking a sweat and came up with some additional moves she’d like me to try. She’s only 3-yrs old, but her moves are awe inspiring. If I followed her lead, I’d definitely have to find a new pace.

I certainly hope she doesn’t give Jillian any ideas!

You can read more about my 30-Day Shred Adventures by clicking here!