Attention Shred-heads!

It's been exactly 12 days since I issued the 30 Day Shred challenge and nearly 150 of you signed up to join me! (Click here for the original post.) Honestly, I thought I'd get maybe a handful of you to sign up for the 30 day reign of torture, so I was a bit caught off guard by the enthusiasm. That said, know that I don't have any formal agenda for us to follow other than to offer support and accountability to each other...which for most of us, it's exactly what we need to stick with this workout.

I thought I would start by giving you an update on where I am in the challenge and the impact it's had on some other areas of my life. When I finish with this update, I'll be shredding in front of my TV in the living room...(drumroll, please) on Day 21! Some of you have already weighed in on the original post and are reporting your progress and of course, your soreness! Stick with it -- two-thirds of the way through, you will be glad you did. Like me, you may even wonder how you lived without it as part of your daily routine. Twenty minutes, people. That's all!

I originally started on Level 1, which is highly recommended for people like me whose only form of exercise is an occasional 200 yard walk to the mailbox. I recall Day 5 and 6 being the point for me where I was tempted to quit. Then like magic, it began to feel somewhat easier and my soreness began to wear off. I had planned to stick with Level 1 through Day 10, but it became clear that I would need to stick with Lever 1 a bit longer. I moved onto Level 2 on Day 20 and am proud to say that I survived the workout. Barely. And OMGosh, am I sore! I took yesterday off and will pick it back up today.

Level 1 was great, but I didn't feel like my legs were really getting a good workout. Right around Day 17, I noticed that Level 1 was starting to become less challenging. And would it be shallow for me to say that I was tired of seeing my bff, Jillian, in the same workout gear? It's was time for a change. I would love to tone my thighs and Level 2 may just do the trick as it contains some strength and cardio movements that work the legs more. I am planning to stick with Level 2 through the remaining 10 days of my 30 day challenge. After that, I may alternate back and forth between Levels 1 and 2. I won't move to Level 3 until or unless I've mastered the movements of Level 2 comfortably.

Now, for an update on visible changes: I had to go shopping for new shorts last week because I am a size smaller! But, here's the weird part: I have not lost a single pound since Day 8. I mentioned in the original post that my goal was not to lose weight as I am currently within my target weight range. However, I did find it odd that I haven't dropped more than a pound in the last 13 days and yet, my clothes are looser. I should note that I had lost about 5ish pounds over a 3 month period prior to starting the workout, but have noticed the biggest change in my shape from the workout rather than the previous weight loss. As a disclaimer, I am NOT trying to lose weight, but rather, wanted to encourage you just in case you are not noticing a big change in the number on the scale.

Here are some other changes I have experienced in 20 days of shredding:

* I am eating more healthily. I am pretty good about sticking to a 1300-1500 calorie diet each day. I don't formally count calories, but I have been paying more attention to what I eat and trying not to snack much throughout the day. I lost the original 5ish pounds slow and steady by eating a protein bar in the mornings, a Lean Cuisine for lunch, and then whatever the family ate for dinner. I only do this on weekdays and then I'm off on the weekend. I am a big fan of the 100 calorie snack packs and stock up on a variety when I go to the store. I also snack on almonds and fruit. My diet may not work for you, but for someone with a crazed schedule like mine, it has to be sweet and simple.

* I no longer experience a mid-afternoon sinking spell. I have more energy throughout the day and have been able to get more done. Not only am I no longer tired halfway through the day, get ready for this next one:

* Halfway through the workout, I began to incorporate more exercise into my day. I didn't plan to do that, but I began to feel more healthy and as a result, would take a mid-afternoon power walk or jump on my bike and tackle a few hills in my neighborhood. I actually like to sweat now!

* My legs look better in shorts and my arms are beginning to look toned! Last summer, I avoided sleeveless shirts because I was getting "old-lady" arms, but oh my, I have guns now! Not big ones, but hey, anything is better than that what I had before!

* Last of all, I just plain feel better about myself. I actually ordered a new swimsuit yesterday (online) and did not experience the same dread as I have in years past when swimsuit shipping. Glory hallelujah. And amen.

I will plan to do another update in about 10 more days as I wrap up my 30 days of shredding. However, I plan to continue the workout indefinitely, so I'll continue to cheer you on and invite you to weigh in every 10 or so days as long as there is interest.

So, now it's your turn. If you are taking part in the 30 Day Shred challenge, weigh in (not literally!) on your progress. Let us know what day you are on, any differences you have noticed, challenges you've faced, etc... Let's make this the largest online Shred-head support group on the web! Oh, and I LOVE how some of you are doing the workout with your daughters. My college daughter is home next week and planning to start the workout with me.

Next Shred-head update: Monday, May 11th! Don't give up ... imagine the changes you'll see by then! Maybe I'll post a pic of me showing off my new guns in my new tankini top! Ha! That should get you back here. Now, I'm off to shred...