Planning Our Big Day

I just started the Jillian Michael's 30 day Shred. Its only 25 minutes out of my day, to get all nice and toned for the wedding. Losing a few pounds wouldn't hurt either. I have recently gained a few pounds, and most of my pants are getting really tight around the waist! To the point that some I can't even wear anymore :( All the weight I have gained seemed to go to one place - my waist! Stupid love handles! Im mostly concerned about toning up, but def want the love handles GONE!

I'll keep updating this as the 30 days progress.

Day 1: (level 1) There are 3 different levels you can advance to during the 30 days. I'm thinking I may do 30 days level 1, 30 days level 2, 30 days level 1. I might just gradually up the levels during my first 30 days - who knows! lol. I am doing it with my mom, so at least I have some motivation to keep going.
Well I am severely out of shape! Wow!! I had to stop a few times and catch my breath and drink some water. I finished, but damn that was HARD! (for me anyway) Especially for being as out of shape as I am. Seriously I have like no muscle in my body :P LOL. Well I know its in there somewhere! ha. My mom gave up about half-way in lol. (1-27-13)

Day 2: (level 1) I woke up pretty sore after day 1. I felt almost sick. Shaky/quivering muscles.. ugh yuck. My legs and arms felt heavy, I didn't even want to move lol. I started feeling better as the day went on tho, so that was good.
So my mom and I started day 2, ready for action! It was just a TAD easier today, just a tad lol. I'm still sore from yesterday.. but I did manage to do a modified push-up! That's HUGE for me, since I have never been able to do one at all lol. Did the first set of push-ups, when we went back to push ups I did one. I had to stop the muscles in my arm pits hurt SO BAD! Hopefully tomorrow I will be back at it, tackling these push ups! My mom got a little further today, but she still gave up, shes hoping to do it longer tomorrow haha.
{I took pictures after my work out today, probably will post it after my 30 days are up to compare.}
(1-28-13)

Day 3: (level 1) I woke up today just slightly sore, but much better than yesterday. Still kinda hurts in the front arm pit area from those mean push-ups lol. I started the workout today feeling like "omg this is the hardest day yet!" That changed once the workouts progressed, they became easier for me to do as the workout went on. It was feeling pretty difficult in the beginning of today's workout, but I knocked it out! I didn't give up, although I still suck at push-ups! lol. Today my mom didn't even try lol. She was "tired", I think shes done haha. There goes my workout partner, oh well! Until tomorrow shredders! (1-29-13)

Day 4: (level 1) Today I woke up feeling great! Not sore at all! I had slightly more energy to do things around the house too! Could be a fluke lol. I had class tonight, so I was worried I may feel "too tired" after school and maybe I could just skip a day.. I snapped myself out of that, and made myself do the workout after I got home. My mom joined me again tonight, although she still has not done the whole thing through yet lol. The work out is still kinda difficult for me, and I have to push myself to get through the whole thing. But I guess that is good right? No Pain, No Gain?? Push-ups weren't too bad today, didn't have the pain I usually do, I still could only do a few of them at a time tho haha. I did however start to get a pain in my lower abdomen during jumping jacks and jump rope - so that sucked! I stopped for a breather, and kept pushing through. Tomorrow I think I am going to add the weights in finally. I just thought it would be too much all at once to start weights right away. But I think I am ready for it!
After my workout I decided to drink one of my Special K Strawberry protein shakes, just to feed the muscles. OMG how do people drink that stuff?! I seriously threw up in my mouth ahhhhh. Tell me, there are ones that taste better?!!? I think I will just keep mixing it with my orange juice. (1-30-13)

Day 5: (level 1) Woke up today feeling good, not sore. I did today's workout using two 5lb hand weights. It definitely made the workout A LOT harder. My arms are still quivering writing this. I took a few (couple seconds) breaks to drink some water because I am not used to doing it with added weight. It was challenge, I could definitely feel the burn! I noticed that the workout is flying by now! I looked up, and we were only 5 mins in, the next thing I know we are 22 mins in and almost ready for cool down! I was so ready for that cool down too lol. I think I might be hurtin tomorrow...
[Mom skipped another day lol] (1-31-13)

Day 6: (level 1) Well I wasn't as sore as I thought I was going to be today. I actually felt ok, and did alot of running around doing errands with my daughter. Still adjusting to doing the workout with my weights. I took 2 "breather" breaks. Then forced myself right back at it. Push-ups are getting a little easier for me! So that's a definite improvement in my arm strength and not getting that pain when I do them now! Just tired arms lol. My mom went out tonight, so it was just me and Jillian..again lol. I am trying a new protein shake tonight. Its called Core Power, and it has 20g of protein. It actually doesn't taste THAT bad. (Im picky tho lol). It doesn't leave that "chalky" powdery taste in your mouth, like the other one did. I recommend it to anyone that doesn't really care for the way protein drinks taste. I bought the strawberry banana light (the one im trying tonight) and vanilla. I will probably try the vanilla tomorrow. (2-1-13)

Day 7: (level 1) Woke up just slightly sore this morning, nothing too bad. At least compared to my jaw! Which is killing me, because ever since yesterday at noon, the right side has been LOCKED! Its excruciating when I try to eat or chew. Anyways today's work out was good. I think it's possibly becoming "easier" for me! Not entirely, but for the most part lol. I did push-ups the whole way through! AMAZING!! Getting them strong arms ;) haha. When I flex there is a little tiny muscle there, that was NEVER there before! haha. My babe will be so proud hehe. I can't believe I have been at this for a week now, and already seeing a (small) difference! Can't wait to see what the whole 30 days has in store! I reeaaalllly would just like my love handles gone, but I think they are pretty determined to stay :( Not much change there... yet. My mom skipped another day, said she may do it tomorrow(Sunday) or Monday. I am drinking the Core Power vanilla protein shake right now. It is delicious!!! I'm going to have to stock up on those! Yum! (2-2-13)

Day 8: (level 1) I woke up sore again today, mostly my legs. Jaw is still locked, so that was my biggest distraction today. I feel off my "eating healthy wagon" today. Its Super Bowl Sunday! So I stopped at my friends house, and they had lots of "yummies". So I had to have some lol. They did pull out the veggie and fruit platter after I already ate all the other stuff lol. Today's workout was ok. I really wasn't in the mood, after getting back from the Super Bowl Party, Studying all day for my A&P exam, and being super tired on top of it all. I pushed through, and ended up getting a cramp from doing the "jump rope" move. The move is the one I hate the most, when it probably is the easiest lol. I just always get a pain when I do it...mostly in my legs tho. Todays cramp was a killer, in my abdomen. I had to stop and pause the DVD and drink some lemon water until the pain subsided. Once I was feeling better, about 3 mins later, I got right back in to the workout. Two more days of level 1, can't wait to try something new! (2-3-13)

Day 9: (level 1) I woke up today with that pain in my side I got yesterday during "jump rope". I finally went away after about an hour thankfully. Update on my jaw: still locked. awesome. First set of push-ups were a breeze today, second set not so much lol. I did like 5 haha. I'm also some what breezing through squat and press., those have been a killer for me. I made Eric's brother do the workout with me today lol, since my mom has given up. I let him use the weights for dumbbell rows and lunge curls. I used the weights for the rest of the workout. Im pretty sure butt kicks are my fav!! I think I could do those all day lol, love them! It felt so great to be done. One more day of level 1! Yay!! (2-4-13)

Day 10: (level 1) Woke up today, feeling alright. No soreness, which is good... I guess. Jaw is still locked and driving me absolutely INSANE!! I'm starting to freak now, and thinking its never going to come unlocked!! AHHHH!!! Well I made Eric's brother do the workout with me again today lol. Today is my last day on LEVEL 1! Its still kicking my ass tho, man I am so out of shape lol. I'm worried what level 2 has in store for me! Yikes. Workout went pretty good today, no breaks. Ok.. well maybe on the second set of push-ups lol ;) Workout did fly by today, we started and then it was over. Awesome! (2-5-13)

Day 11: (level 2) Woke up today with sore abs. Felt good tho, lets me know i'm working them! Wow level 2, really pushed me hard!! I made Eric's brother do it again, hes only done 2 days of level 1 now on to level 2 lol. I was actually grunting this time and didn't do that in level 1 lol. Whew! Felt pretty damn good tho! I definitely feel like it work my body so much harder. THAT'S A WORKOUT! The ab move she made us do with the weights really worked my lower abs. They were BURNING! Work out seemed to go by quick tho, so that's a plus!! (2-6-13)

Day 12: (level 2) I felt pretty good today, not as sore as yesterday. Today's workout seemed much harder than yesterday. I got a cramp twice, and had to stop twice!! First cramp came with those mean oblique twists! Ouch!! The ab workout with the weights, were much harder today too. I couldn't bring my legs all the way back down. But damn my lower ab were burning. They still are! I love to feel that burn!!! :) Made Darin do this workout with me again lol. Workout seemed a little longer today, probably because we were dying lol. (2-7-13)

Day 13: (level 2) My lower abs were on FIRE all day. I felt like my lower abs were being ripped apart lol. Did the work out with my 6 year old. Not a good idea, he was doing all the moves and saying "this is SOO easy!". Whatever kid, this is not easy lol. OMG it was so much harder today, for some reason?! I stopped twice, not because of a cramp, but because I was about to DIE! I don't think my body is ever going to get used to working out. It just wants to be lazy and weak forever lol. Lame body I have! UGH lol. I'd probably get better results if I ate better too. I have been trying since I started the workout to eat better, and I have. Its just soo hard to make healthy choices, especially when my body is CRAVING junk! :( (2-8-13)

Day 14: (level 2) Woke up today with my lower abs still burning lol. Always nice to feel the burn haha. Today was slightly easier than yesterday for some reason. I did have to stop once, drink some water, and catch my breath. I got a cramp after doing double jump rope. So I just skipped the second double jump rope set. I love all the ab workouts! I think I am going to do her 6 week ab video next. That is mainly my area of most concern anyway. Want to tone all that up! :) I was so happy for the cool down lol, which I am everyday haha. I was sweating my ass off after, wooo. (2-9-13) Happy 12 years Eric my love <3

Day 15: (level 2) Wow I can't believe I am already half way done with the 30 day shred! I also can't believe I have stuck it out for this long lol. Only 5 days left of level two, then im on to level 3!! I have noticed SMALL changes in my body, but nothing drastic. I lost about 1-2lbs, which could also be just water weight or regular body weight fluctuations - who knows. I'd like to think I lost weight lol. Todays workout went by kind of quick. Its sill kicking my "weak" ass tho lol. I'm worried what level 3 has in store for me! Yikes!! Still loving that lower ab workout, hurts soo good lol. (2-10-13)

Day 16: (level 2) I forgot to post this after my workout yesterday. It was the first time I did level 2 without my weights. Still got a good workout, but not as intense. It def got me through the workout a little easier tho lol. I passed out right after lol. (2-11-13)

Day 17: (level 2) Its Fat Tuesday! and I think I did pretty good! No paczkis for me :( and I REALLY wanted one soo bad! But I did have my fav buffalo chicken sub from Subway, so that was my little indulgent before lent, mmmm so good. I think part of the reason I have a hard time losing fat [yes i know im thin, but i do have fat - mostly around my mid-section] is that I under eat which is counter productive for weight loss. I just eat one or two big meals and feel full and gross the rest of the day. I hate it. I start off good, with a good healthy breakfast, which is perfectly portioned, but at lunch is when I EAT, and make sure im FULL lol. I need to use portion control, but its really difficult for me, and eat several smaller meals is much better for you. I need some will power! Did the workout with my weights today. It sucks, but I know it makes a huge difference in how my fast my body will change if im using weight resistance with it. Weight training is one of the best and fastest ways to see results, it just blows! lol. I feel like dying or "gargling my heart" as Jillian says after those damn oblique twists and double jump rope. (2-12-13) Only 8 months until the wedding!!!

Day 18: (level 2) Well I ate pretty great today, and recorded all my food intact on my iphone app: "Lose It". Until after I got back from class, and my mom got me fish bites from McDonalds for lent (Ash Wednesday). Then I was putting together all my sons valentines and candy for his class. When a few suckers broke and I ate the pieces that fell out ;) I regret it now, tho.. mostly those greasy fish bites. I feel so gross after eating those, blech. I did get on the scale this morning and strangely I am down 3.5lbs! 118lbs, to 114.5lbs. I'll take it! (which is probably back now after that grease ball i ate lol) All though my goal was anywhere between 110 and 113 (which has always been my "natural weight" until the past year when I got all flabby and lazy, and gained 8lbs! Doesn't seem like a lot, but the changes in my body and clothes was a huge difference to me. I felt so gross like I mentioned after eating, that I felt icky and sluggish during my workout. I had to take several breaks (paused and unpaused). Where is my will power to push through like I normally do?! I made it through but felt like it was day 1 :( my body will neer see changes if I can't do a 20 minute workout! :( ahhhh. (2-13-13)

Day 19: (level 2) Did the workout with my son. Which is so annoying because he says this is sooo easy mom!!! lol. Then does all the moves with a breeze haha. Work out was good, still looking for that energy tho, but could be my other health issues causing that (thyroid). My knees have been hurting doing jumping jacks and jump rope. So I have to stop and stretch out my knees :/ It sucks. (2-14-13)

Day 20: (level 2) Well I skipped yesterday, which was supposed to be Day 20. We had people over late, and I ended up going out. So I couldn't do it :( This is the first day I have skipped since starting! I did it tonight, with my son of course lol. He loves doing it with me for some reason! lol. I do it at night when my kids go to bed, bc there is no way they would let me in the morning! But my son knows im going to do it and will sneak down out of his room to do it with me! Still hurts my knees doing jumping jacks. I was surprised my abs were hurting today when I got up and throughout the day and I haven't really noticed that before, especially because I missed yesterdays workout. Todays workout sucked, I have no motivation lol. I got through, and it did go by pretty fast, which is always good! I'm not sure if im going to start level 3 tomorrow or do 1 more day of level 2. I'd still do 10 days of level 3, even if I add an extra level 2. So its the 31 day shred now :P lol (2-16-13)

Day 21: (level 2) So I decided to do 1 more day of level 2. So now I will finish on day 31. My son of course begged to do the workout with me again today. I don't know why the kid loves it so much lol, but I secretly enjoy the support and having someone do it with me...even if he is 100x better lol. He was like "I can't wait to try the new moves in Level 3!" What!? He's 6! lol. Crazy kid lol. He knows my workout schedule, he's pumped for tomorrow lol. Today was my bridesmaids day, we went and chose and tried on dresses. We had so much fun! Then my Aunt took us out to Baker Square, of course I had pie :/ lol. It was delicious. I had such a busy day, I was so exhausted when I got home. I stalled doing the workout until 9:45. I did it but my damn knees! :( I wanted so bad to do the jumping jacks fully and jump rope moves but I just couldn't my knees are just horrible and hurt when I try! I don't know why!! I'm probably getting my dads bad knees :( I even stretched my knees out beforehand to see if that would help and it didn't really. My son stole the weights so I did another weightless day, and I still sucked lol. Only 10 days left and I'm still weak as ever lol. (2-17-13)

Day 22: (LEVEL 3!) Today I started Level 3! I was so pumped for this workout, and it was probably the best workout I ever had! I started as soon as I put my daughter to bed. Aidan of course had to join me again, he was just as pumped as I was lol. That workout was intense and felt amazing! My legs felt so heavy after all those floor moves! I was like wow I don't know if I can lift myself up! haha. I'm hoping I start to see some definition in my body soon, i'm starting to lose hope :/ Nothing seems to be changing, not even my strength. Well maybe very little. I'm just a weakling. I'm try so hard to eat better, and I really have been (for me at least). Well now I feel great, and refresh and hopefully can have a great night sleep now! (2-18-13)

Day 23: (level 3) I really was hoping to be able to do this workout ALONE tonight, but nope. My son was in tears when I said he couldn't work out with me tonight. So of course I caved and let him join me :/ I enjoy the company, but he gets in my way and steals my weights! Work out was good. Feeling it alot in my arms and shoulders. Got a nice burn today, felt great! Sweat like a pig tho lol. Yuck! I guess that means I was working hard! Gotta love it! There is no way I can do jumping jacks with the weights, I tried and could barely pick up my arms lol. Maybe once I but those hand weight that you strap on, it will be easier. Who knows :) (2-19-13)

Day 24: (level 3) Well I missed yesterdays workout :( I wanted to make sure my son went to bed on time, bc hes been staying up late to workout with me, then is a crab in the morning! So I said I would lay with him until he fell asleep... well *I* ended up falling asleep too lol. When I realized and got up I was way too tired, and just headed to bed. I ended up doing it this afternoon while he was at school. He was upset I didn't do it with him, so he took it upon himself to do both level 1 & 3! Little stinker! Geez I wish I had his motivation and energy! lol. Work out was pretty good today for me. Felt a good burn going on :) I may just do another afternoon workout tomorrow, I felt awesome the rest of the day! (2-21-13)

Day 25: (level 3) I did my workout a little early again today. My cousin was coming over so I wanted to get it done before he came lol. It was good, my daughter was still up so of course she was all in my face and *trying* to do it with me lol. My knees were still bad, and wouldn't let me do alot of the jumping moves :(
(2-22-13)

Day 26: (level 3) We had people over today so I did my workout in my room. I was also going out tonight, so I wanted to get my workout in ASAP. I was feeling great when I started and my knees weren't even bothering me that much! I was able to double jump rope and haven't been able to do that since day 1 of level 2 lol. It was a pretty great workout tonight. I am really (finally) starting to see a difference. Especially in my love handles, I still have them but they are not as bad as they were! Woo hoo!!! (2-23-13)

Day 27: (level 3) I haven't updated in a few days, so im going to try to remember how each workout was for me lol. So day 27 was a Sunday, and i'm pretty sure Aidan joined me again. He's been missing out on the workouts, must be getting boring to him lol. Knees were kinda bothering me again this day. I was able to get a few of the knee movement moves in, but still hurts when I do them (2-24-13)

Day 28: (level 3) Aidan joined me in working out yet again. He hates alot of the level 3 moves so he just joins in when he sees something he likes lol. I was dying during the workout, I was sooo tired so I had to push myself through. After the workout I went straight to bed and passed out! I felt great after the workout tho! I am down another pound aswell! 113lbs! I think its basically because im*trying* to eat better, since obviously the workout isn't doing TOO much change to my body lol. Loving those side ab workouts tho. Hopefully they shrink my love handles ASAP!! haha (2-25-13).

Day 29: (level 3)Aidan joined me again tonight, even with my attempts to make him GO TO BED!! He even tried getting me to let him do level 1 after we finished. Um no! Workout sucked again lol. I had such a busy day. I had school all day, went grocery shopping, made something to eat, then headed off to Aidan's 1st wrestling match of the season. (Which he won! So proud!) Only two more days!!! Wooooo!! I'm going to 31 days since i added an extra level 2 in there. Finally a much need break/rest in my future!! lol (2-26-13)

Day 30!!: (level 3) I can't believe I made it 30 days already! and that I got to do this workout alone! lol. I was feeling great and energized in the beginning, I was even flying through double jump rope like never before.. but then my right knee was shot pain! I felt like my knee cap was going to fly off! :( So I had to stop doing them. I stretched out my knees and it was a little better and I was able to continue the workout no problem. I just have bad knees, boooo :(It was great workout today, and fly by! Gotta love that! lol Tomorrow is my last day and i'm taking a much needed break!!!!! lol (2-27-13)
Day 31!! (level 3) Can't believe I have made it 31 days!! A whole month! Whew!! Today's workout felt great, just awesome! Probably because I pushed and gave this last one MY ALL!! I'm happy to take a break for a bit, still work out but not as hard lol. I will get back into just need a few days to re-cooperate lol. I took my "after" shots today. I really don't see a difference, maybe slightly, but I am down 5lbs. I was 118lbs, and now I am 113lbs. I had a 8-10lb gain, so i'm not too far off from where I was. But my main concern is just being TONED! Still have alot of work left to do it, but im motivated and want those 6 pack abs! Have to keep up with my workout obsessed fiance lol. He wants to do competitions soon, so hes my extra motivation ;) (2-28-13)

Here are my before and afters (not much of a difference)

Planning Our Big Day

Monday, February 18, 2013

Over thinking.. love to drive myself crazy

Bridesmaids!!!

Monday, January 28, 2013

Shredding for the Wedding

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Wedding Dresses!