Only 5 days in, so if you haven’t signed up for the 30 Day Shred Challenge yet, drop by Paula’s and join the team!  My goal:  all three workouts back-to-back on Day 30.  I’ve included the links to each day below – Paula usually does a video message and it’s fun to read the comments from other shredders.

Day 1 – Instantly remembered why I loved this DVD!  Quick, focused, effective, and boy does Jillian push the boundaries with her 3 minute strength/2 minute cardio/1 minute abs system.  Each 20 minute workout is self-contained.  I started with Workout 1 and used 5 lbs weights.  I could do the first set of pushups but had to modify the entire second set.  Definitely tired by the last circuit.   Really had to concentrate on both sets of shoulder raises.  Probably should have used 3 lbs weights on that exercise to start.   Trouble sitting and standing for the rest of the day…ouch!  And very hungry.

Day 2 – Hamstrings, still sore from all the squats and lunges.  Made it through 6 pushups in the second set before I had to modify.  No doubt, my most difficult challenge.  I’d be stuck on workout 1 forever if Jillian had put them in the third circuit.  I added about 75 extra calories to my pre-workout breakfast.  Not as tired as the first day.

Day 3 – Upgrading to the Natori sports bra = best pre-shred challenge prep ever!  Delighted to do cardio with barely a move from “the girls.”  Completed 9 of the second set pushups before modifying.   Vowed to move on to Workout 2 as soon as I can do both sets two days in a row.

Day 4 – Rained all night and I didn’t sleep that well.  Thought it would be a disaster, but surprise…almost made it through entire second set of pushups!   I’m looking to Ali for inspiration right now.  She’s doing all the pushups, has moved up to 8 lbs weights on most exercises and will likely be on Workout 2 by 10/28.  Woohoo!  Have discovered that the jumping jacks make me giggle like a little girl.  They also make me want to pee.  Oh no.

Day 5 – 2 complete sets of pushups!  Doing the Snoopy dance!  I’ll do it again tomorrow (even the dance) and then move to Workout 2.  Also moved up to 8 lbs weights on everything but the shoulder raises.  I’ve strained that area before, so I’m extra careful.   Rest of team is progressing too – some changing weights and others contemplating starting Workout 2 this week!

Ready for Day 6!  I’m not sure that I ever did Workout 2, so this should be interesting.  :0)