An Un-Conventional Review of The Shred

 

 

 

The Shred

 Day 1

I have not worked out in about 4 years. 

For some reason I feel like I can do this.

I have purchased the Shred at Target and cringe slightly as the checkout girl snickers as she scans it through.  I’m gonna show her!

__________________________________________________________________

  

I just completed the Level 1 workout.

 

It is tough.  Twenty minutes of cardio, strength, and something else I can’t remember.

 

Oh yeah. 

 

Abs.

 

The jumping jacks hurt the most and I do not own a good sports bra so the girls are flying up high enough to knock me out.  (So is the ole belly, but I’m gonna fix that!)

 

 

Day 2

Am a little sore.  Notice the pain most when pick up my 6 month old.  But mostly tolerable. 

 

Workout feels pretty good actually.  I thought being sore would make it worse but my muscles kinda loosened up a bit and I barely noticed during workout.

 

I haven’t actually added hand weights yet.  Mostly cause I don’t have any.

  

I read a blog where this lady was talking about how she started The Shred and was pretty sore.  Even though she fit it in after her 3 mile run everyday.

I’d pick my jaw up off the ground but its too heavy.

  

Day 3

Based on feedback of others, I was expecting this to be the worst day.  It wasn’t.  What I realized was I actually delayed my worst day until tomorrow.  I managed to extend the pain on a full 24 hours based on some ridiculous decisions on my part.   How do I know this?  Well. 

1. I actually added weights today.  Not real fancy schmancy $11 hand weights from Target, but rather 2 large cans of baked beans.  Not the best choice I have ever made. 
2. I actually did the full body bicycle ab crunch at the end of the routine.  Apparently, I had never done this correctly as they have never hurt before and the real ones do.

I learned that ‘high impact’ girl’s name is Natalie.  I am pretty sure she was mocking me as I barely bent my knees for the bicep crunch. 

  

 

Day 4

I am actually not as bad off as I thought I would be.  Sore.  But the pain is manageable. 

 

 I did not, did not, did NOT want to workout today.  But I finally did.  As soon as the DVD started playing I was like a totally different person…

 

“I can totally do this.  I got this.  Level 1 is cake.  I should be able to start Level 2 today.  Well, maybe I’ll just go for a ‘easy’ day today on level 1.”

  

 

Things you should be able to do without stopping before moving on to Level 2:

The second set of jumping jacks followed by the second set of jump rope.  In its entirety. 

 

That is, without stopping to make sure the baby sitting next to you doesn’t need a new toy or to get that spot of dust you missed on your TV screen or go and grab a water bottle from another room of your house just far enough away to miss the 30 seconds of cardio.

 

The lunges/bicep curls… all of them and going as far as possible every time.

  

The ab routine correctly: not pulling your head forward with your hand and pretending that’s a sit up.

 

Get through DVD without silently (it’s too hard to talk outloud) wishing Jillian would just stop talking and go away forever.

   

Day 5

Skip weekend Shred workout, carried 80 lb. blocks and dug big holes

 

Day 6

Ditto

 

 Day 7

If I learn anything at all from Jillian, it will be that I should ALWAYS doubt my ability to make rational decisions.

 

Even though I took 2 days off from her workout, I was ‘working out’ by lifting and shoveling and pushing wheel barrels and other forms of heavy-duty manual labor  So, for some insane reason, I thought… “I have been working out for 6 days in a row, I think I can handle Level 2”.

 

Please, take a moment and laugh laugh laugh at my asinine idea.

 

I just want you to know, as I type this, my arms are completely resting on the desk and I am getting a little dizzy from the exertion.

    

I wish I were making that up.

    

Since I am unable to type anything else I will just say this… what evil person came up with the ‘plank-jack’?

 

 

Day 8

I REALLY wanted to regress and just do Level 1, but I didn’t.  But this whole Level 2 thing is just. to. much.

  

I can’t even do ONE of the end ab plank thingies.

  

BUT!  I decided I had better be a little positive…

I can now do the jumping jacks without stopping.

I can do 20 (knees down) pushups.

I can make it through Level 1 without saying mean things about Jillian.

I have NOT lost any weight.

My clothes fit the same.

I have hope.

 

 

 Day 9(ish)

I sorta took 5 days off.  Kinda.  It was a long weekend and I didn’t bring Jillian along.  So (hanging head low) I had to start over with Level 1. 

  

 Day 10

Level 1 was not as bad as I had thought it was gonna be, so I thought I would just do it one more time before going back to Level 2. 

   

 

Just want to make doubly sure I am ready to move on.

  

 

Day 11

Have you ever seen a June Bug on its back? 

 

Think about the final abdominal circuit in Level 1.  You are laying on your back with one leg bent and one straightened, arms bent with hands resting behind your ears slowly moving opposite elbow to knee, elbow to knee, elbow to knee in a bicycle motion.  Shoulders off of the ground, abs tucked in tight.

 

I have decided that I look exactly like a June Bug stuck on its back when attempting to do this final circuit… my legs bending and straightening in slow motion, arms moving slowly back and forth, face frozen in horror… am I gonna die like this?

 

 

 Day 12

I FINALLY was able to somewhat keep up with Miss Natalie (The ‘advanced’ backup pain deliverer) on Level 1.

  

However, I am now unable to nurse my baby as I cannot lift up my boob to feed her.  Something about having lost all ability to raise my arms.

 

 

Day 13

I did Level 2 and was ok.  I say that because I only did the bare minimum requirements of miss green bra low impact chick.

Colton asked me if I was going to work out today, and when I said yes, he said, “Take off your shirt mommy!  Like the lady on TV!”

Yikes.

I have yet to complete one solitary ab-plank.  It haunts me. 

  

Positive updates:

I have not lost any weight.  I have gone down two jean sizes.  I am slightly stoked about that.

I can complete every single set of jumping jacks and high knees and oblique twists.  Cardio-check.

Strength-Questionable

Abs-Will be the death of me.

 

 

Day 14

 

I got the fancy schamncy weights from Target.

  

Much, much easier to do the push ups with the real weights versus big cluncky cans of baked beans.

   

 

 Day 15

Recently, some interesting information has been brought to my attention.  I am not sure how to proceed, as I cannot fully rely on my emotions concerning Miss Jillian.  I seem to have developed a certain ‘dislike’ for her.

 

But, supposedly, and this is all hearsay at this point because I have yet to test for myself, but allegedly, Level 2 is actually twenty SEVEN minutes long.

   

 

I am sure some MAJOR laws are being broken here.  I am thinking about contacting the *National Institute for Fitness Duration Accuracy.  I think they would be VERY interested in knowing the additional SEVEN minutes of pain Miss Jillian is inflicting on her unsuspecting victims.

  

*I may have made them up.  But they might want to consider starting up after the 'Jillian' incident of 2009!

 

 Day 16

Dread

Dread

Dread

Am I ever gonna WANT to do this?

 

 

Day 17

Level 2 is very, very, difficult. 

 

 

I have completed almost all of the suggested ab-planks, but still cannot do plank-jacks.

I am sick of plank-jacks.  Who came up with plank-jacks?

It’s like a form of abuse those plank-jacks. 

I feel like if I just say plank-jacks enough maybe I will be so used to the idea of plank-jacks that they will become familiar and comfortable to me instead of my idea of torture.

Highly doubtful.

   

 

Day 18

Have moved on to Level 3.  I am surprised to say, when following Anita (the easier girl) I did not find it to be any harder then Level 2.

 

Except. 

 

 

Stupid plank-jacks.

 

I suppose the next thing to do would be to do Level 3 at the difficult pace. 

For now, I will pat myself on the back for finishing Level 3 without passing out and go drink 27 bottles of water.

 

Day 19

Uh.  Was I temporarily out of my mind?  Level 3 is NOT easy.  It is hard.  And by far, this level has made me the most sore.

 

I have also turned into Monica Seles (remember her… she was the grunting tennis player?) when I do the ‘old school’ ab crunches. 

 

 

Colton keeps saying, “Mommy, the ladies on TV don’t yell.  Stop yelling mommy!”  As I scream in pain at the top of that sit up.

 

I would also like to kindly tell Miss Jillian, “I am NOT your buddy!  Stop calling me that!”

 

Day 20

Have now lost a total of 8 pounds. 

 

 That’s in about 3 weeks, so I think that’s pretty good.  My endurance is getting better and better.  I can carry Audrey around much longer now and even run down the street with the kids chasing after the soccer ball. 

 

I like the ‘fit’ me that has been hiding under all my fat.

 

 Day 21 

I think I accidentally kicked my child as I attempted to do one of the raised leg kick thingies.  The sweat dripping in my eyes prevented me from actually seeing it, but the dent in the wall might be a good indication.

 

 

 Day 22

As I prepared a lovely dinner tonight of ground buffalo (instead of ground beef) tacos, I realized something.

 

I am hungry.

 

I stirred the meat in the pan and realized that I wanted to eat it.  All of it.  I wanted to just get a spoon and start shoveling meat into my mouth.  I wanted to eat it so bad I started thinking of reasons I could tell my husband why there wasn’t enough left for him or how I could blame it one the kids or how I could go and quickly defrost another package so no one would know.

All this working out is making me hungry!

 

 Day 23

Ok, so what is the deal with all of the ab workouts?  As I am doing them the only thing burning is my THIGHS.  Not my abs!  My legs twitch and shake and quiver but my abs feel fine.

 

 

 Day 24

I have decided that I sorta like the way these workouts are set up.  For someone with a short attention span, the diversity of the movements and short amount of time spent on each (30 seconds) helps keep me motivated.  If I am in the middle of doing oblique pushups and think my arms are going to give out from under me… I just try and count to 10.  Usually, if I can make it to 10, the set is over.  Except the plank-jack sets.  Those never end. 

 

Day 25

I took my kiddies to the park today.  I like to get there pretty early so that I can avoid mass mobs of kids and don’t lose mine in a crowd. (Just stick with me here… I promise this will be slightly tied into a Shred workout.)

 

After we had been there about an hour, a ‘moms’ group starts to show up.  I have ‘moms’ in quotations because they look more like J Crew models then moms, but oh well.  All of these moms have the cutest summer fashions… capris with a mid calf tie, a tank with some famous name brand logo, big sunglasses, an oversized bag for all of their baby essential, perfectly manicured nails and toes, and hair styled just so…

 

 

My insecurities started to set in, as I had very conscientiously throw on a black t shirt and jean shorts this morning right after putting my bed head hair in an unfashionable ponytail.

 

As I was leaving, I had a pretty snotty conversation in my head with these ‘perfect’ moms, but it came to a screeching halt when I muttered something under my breath that I never could have imagined myself saying,

 

“Yeah?  Well I can do Level 3 of the Shred!”

So there Miss July!  You may look like you stepped out of a magazine, but I can rip that magazine in half with my bear hands!

 

*actual validity of whether or not I can rip a magazine in half with my bear hands is still in question.

 

Day 26

In my newfound sense of accomplishment and achievement, I threw in The Shred this afternoon and told Colton to pick a workout for me.  “One, Two, or Three sweetie?”

“One!”

Ha.  I had to chuckle.  My little Colton had just given me a freebie day!  Level 1.  I am SO over Level 1. 

 

30 minutes later.

 

Seeing as I can complete Level 3 and not pass out, I of course had to attempt to complete Level 1 with Miss Natalie.  The ‘advanced’ girl.

 

I am dying.

 

I kid you not.  I have never been this sore or hurt this bad.

 

MUCH worse then ‘easy’ Level 3.

 

Who was I kidding with all that inflated ego?  Right now the only reason my head is big is because it is throbbing and swollen from accidentally falling on my face after trying to do a pushup.

 

Day 27

I have to wear 2 sports bras to flatten the girls so I can do cardio without knocking myself out.

 

One of my sports bras is a size to small and when I try to lift it over my head to remove it, my arms screamed out in agony forcing me to freeze in that position and I was stuck with a sweaty sports bra over my face for a good 3 minutes.

 

I heard my son calling me from upstairs.  I totally ignored him as answering him would have required me either yelling back or getting up.  Neither is currently an option.  And I do have a sports bra stuck on my face.

  

Day 28

  

Previously, on Level 1, I saw Natalie cheating in the background.  I am never gonna forget that.

  

It sorta makes her more human I guess.  

  

Day 29

This one time I was ready to give up.  Seriously.  Busting through that last interval of cardio is not easy.  Especially when Miss Natalie is so in shape when she does her ‘advanced’ routine she doesn’t break even break a sweat and I could swear one time I saw her painting her nails between lunges…  but I digress.

 

So this one time I was gonna give up and I heard Jillian say, “Don’t you dare give up.  Remember why you bought this video.  You got this for a reason.  Let that motivate you!” (rough paraphrase, I am sure my brain was not receiving full oxygen at the moment I heard it)

 

She is right!  I started this because I wanted to lose three kids worth of baby weight and make a positive change in my life. 

 

One kids worth of baby weight? Check

Positive change in my life? Check

Motivation to keep going? Check

   

 

Day 30

Can it be?  Have I really been working out for thirty days? 

Lets let the stats be the judge.

 

Weight lost: I have lost exactly 20 pounds.  I really did!

Pant size: Gone down two sizes.

Shirt size: Gone down one size.  Maybe more, but I am still nursing and its kinda hard to tell.

Confidence raised: Totally.  I can actually work out, complete a workout, and not require medical attention.

    

My personal opinion on this is that The Shred is the ideal plan if you want to lose inches.  If you want to fit into that dress you wore to your High School Prom for your High School Reunion.  (hopefully you graduated 2 years ago or you might be making a risky fashion statement)

 

If you are planning on going for the numbers, as in, looking at the scale and seeing the numbers going down, you have to change your diet in conjunction with the workout.  I started protein loading for my core fuel meals and that has made a big difference.

 

I plan on continuing the Shred.  Really.  I will be doing it because I want to.  I just want to lose about, well, roughly how much my four year old weighs and then I will be happy.  Or, happier.

 

ON that note, I will leave you with five things that I have learned from the Shred.

  

5 Things 'The Shred' Taught Me

1. The word plank-jack.  And that I do not like plank-jacks.

2. That I can do just about any workout Jillian can throw at me...for 30 seconds.

3. What a love/hate relationship is.  I think I love Jillian.  But I haven't worked out yet today.

4.  If you happen to workout in your family room and it is carpeted, it might be a good idea to rent/get a wet vac for a really deep clean.  Sweat smells.

5. Thinking about 'mean' people I know and what I imagine them to be saying about me is a great motivation for those extra long cardio sets.  Try it.

 

 

Comments

[Dea]

Thanks! Thats always good to hear! And good job with the shred! Your comments on it were funny to read!

Oh, and by the way, your excellent cookies had inspired me to try to make them, but mine turned out no where near as good as yours! To high a standard I guess ;)

[Bethany]

I laughed so hard a snorted. Seriously.

Also seriously...You rock.

[he & me + 3]

Wow for you on the weight loss and sizes lost. I have lost count of the days I am on...but I finished 30 days in a row. It was hard, but I do love it. I am supposed to be working out right now. oops. I will get to it.
I haven't lost any weight, but I am not dieting either. But I do see myself firming a bit. So I guess I will be happy with that.
Super funny post!

[Kelli]

OH my GOODNESS Amanda!!! This post is just TOO FUNNY!!!
I'm so glad to hear that you are thinking the same things that I think while doing "The Shred" workout!!! and it serious IS over 20 minutes...she lies terribly about that!!! ;o)

[ElizaBeth]

YEAH YOU! Keep at it!! BTW muscle weighs more than fat, so remember when you "plateau" you're still losing fat, but gaining muscles. Muscles burn more calories. I'm thinking maybe I should print this blog and stick to the fridge, and the tv and the 'puter......

[Big Mama]

Loved it! I literally feel your pain.

[debbie]

You are a hoot! I never stick with any exercise for more than a few days. And Jillian - I don't like her and I've never even tried this shred thing.

[Artie]

Hi Amanda, thanks for the comment you left on my blog the other day! The MckPicnic was so much fun, and those cookies you made were adorable! Congrats on the weight loss! My dh lost 60 lbs last year and completely re-shaped his body by taking a boxing class (and by not eating anything after 5 pm). I bet it feels awesome.....even though it's killing you at the time! ;-) I've considered getting The Shred, but I haven't yet. Thanks for the hysterical review!

[Tonya]

This is by far one of the funniest postings I've read -- ever! Congratulations on sticking with it and seeing results. Wow! Your weight loss seems to be right on target for a "healthy" rate of loosing weight, and you are already on track for a whole new wardrobe (plus feeling stronger and more fit). That is amazing and inspirational! Keep up the hard work!

[Laura]

Yup, that pretty much sums it up! Although I was thinking something else when you brought up the wet vac....I mean seriously, does anyone else (as in anyone that has givin birth to more than one child) having bladder control problems with all the jumping??

I also have a love/hate with Jillian. I do love the workout, it's intense and short (although it is NOT 20 minutes...my DVD player thingy says 26!) but I can't stand hearing her say the same things every day...drives me nuts! And I also hate when she says "buddy" - whatever Jillian! Oh yeah and the part where the "advanced girl" cheats on level 1...what is up with THAT!?! I noticed it the first day and I can't even pretend it didn't happen!

Congrats on the weight loss, totally awesome!

[Amanda Rettke]

lol  wet vac....bladder control.... girl, you are RIGHT ON!!!!  I love it!!!

[Heidi]

I laughed.. I cried...I might have to go buy this particular workout!

[Amanda Jo]

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!! YOU'VE TOTALLY INSPIRED ME!!!! YES I AM REALLY YELLING!!!! Great job...this post was hilarious and very well put together!!!!!

Keep up the good work! I'd love to see where you're at in another 30 days!

[Kurt]

Atta Girl! Very impressive workout routine

[Christina]

You are awesome! Congrats on the weight loss!
I so need to be doing SOMETHING right now.I might just go look on amazon.
Thanks for the review!

[Alicia]

Laura--I *haven't* had kids and I can't do jumping jacks without needing to pee. I was on a trampoline with kids I take care of earlier this year; I nearly wet myself a million times, and that was *after* I'd been to the bathroom and squeezed out every drop of urine I could.

Amanda--this was hilarious. Congrats on the weight-loss; such a great feeling, isn't it? Keep going!

alicia :o)

[Laura]

So I am new here and upon reading your blog I am not only laughing but I am grateful that I'm not the only one with these problems! I started the 30 day shred last week and then joined up for her website a couple of days ago. As I do the jumping jacks I keep thinking back to elementary school and wondering if they were this f@&#n difficult at age 9!

On the upside I am completely encouraged that you lost inches! I only have about 30lbs to lose overall and I know I am gaining muscle with this program which weighs more than fat so I am not really expecting to see a huge drop in pounds in the first few weeks.

[carma]

I was all like well I guess I'm not missing out on much as this workout sounds horrible and then I saw the results section. A workout with real results & man, you kicked butt. I'm impressed!!! Hold on a sec....a-chooooooo-- fortunately I have a Boogie wipe handy!! I feel like I'm too lazy to have to keep up with a workout with different levels and all that jazz, but this is tempting...Oh, and having "mean" people to think about as motivation - check.

[janmary]

I read SO MUCH about The Shred on blogs - it has YET to reach us.

Not sure I could cope with it.

Well done YOU for sticking with it :)

Keep us posted with your progress.

[Stephanie]

Amanda! Good for you! I recently started walking on the treadmill every morning. But something tells me I have it way too easy. Maybe I should couple the treadmill with the "shred".
Loved reading your workout journal. It has inspired me!

[angie]

i am glad one sister can get thru it....i did 6 days and forgot about for like the last 36...i will have to start up again based on your inspiring day by day commentary. Well Done!!

[Amy Seavert]

I think I might need to try this DVD after baby #2! I've never heard of it, but I LOVE the Biggest Loser.

[Julie in WA]

I have not heard of the Shred, either, but you make it sound like, GASP, fun? No, more like worth the challenge. I am wowed out with your weight lose and stick-to-itiveness. I have been on Weight Watchers, lost 21 lbs, now gained back 9 lbs, all because I HATE HATE HATE to exercise. But I am feeling inspired, and will look into the shred. I think keeping a daily diary like you did would be immensely helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience with us, and give us some periodic updates, okay?

[Tammy]

WOW Amanda, tons of comments. I am so proud of you. That is totally awesome. Thats a long time to stick to a workout and obviously it toatlly payed off. Nice work girl. You totally ROCK!!!!!

[Hannah (Tracy) Lewis]

Amanda- This is soo great! I love Jillian, but have never worked out with her! I am going to have to check it out...

[olivia]

wow. tons of comments on this on, eh? that's because you deserve it! what an experience that you sort of lived to tell about. and what a hilarious account of it! seriously, i want to go read it again. it's so miserable yet hilarious. we all feel your pain, sort of. i totally want to get Shred and know personally because i've hear about it alot this year. question:why don't people just mute jillian? seriously, i have an exercise dvd and listened to the chick once and after that it was MUTE her and on with the MP3. congrats on the weight loss. that must feel amazing.

[Elyse]

THANK YOU SOO much for linking me to this. I needed it! I am not really in it to loose weight as I have gained muscle over the past week. The plank jacks and the double jump rope KILL me! Plus that lovely twist-ab thingy at the end of level two. Seriously...she thinks it hard?? She really has never had to lose SEVERAL pounds and have the energy to complete the workouts.
I have already seen Natalie CHEAT on level 2 so I can't wait to see level three. I usually follow Anita but get tough and "try" to follow Natalie if I can. I truly think that this is a great program, but could do without Jullian's mouthy talk sometimes :)

[Joanne @ The Simple Wife]

BTW, like someone else up there I cannot do jumping jacks and jump roping on level 1 without peeing my pants. Have to stop and run for a potty break EVERY SINGLE TIME. Maybe I should stop drinking half a pot of coffee first, but I need some caffeine to get motivated!

:)

[Kimi]

Ohhh, I've never had such a love/hate relationship as the one I have with Jillian. She is my worst enemy and my best friend for life. Looking forward to doing the Shred for all of September. Honestly, must be crazy here as I usually take at least a day or two off each week.

Thanks for stopping by my blog

[La Belle Mere]

Hi!

Thanks for stopping by my blog today! Your review has inspired me. I'm going to do it!!

LBM xxxx

[Jenny]

Somehow I missed this when you first posted it, but I laughed AND snorted at my desk just now.

This is so darn funny. You should really send it to a magazine for publication. "On the Minds of Moms" in Fargo would be perfect!

[ellerbrookfamily.blogspot.com]

Amanda, I just found your blog and I have to say, you're hysterical...especially this post on the shred. I was laughing so hard I was crying.

[Amanda Rettke]

Thank you so much... what a huge compliment!!

[Margaret]

Funny, Funny, Funny! Well, I don't intend to try Jillian's workout...but I love to watch The Biggest Loser. Usually, while they're working out, I'm doing the hand-to-mouth workout as I watch.

[Kat-watson.blogspot.com]

I personally find that the ideal moments to scream at Jillian are during Level one when she asks crazy questions like "WHY are we doing lunges along with bicep curls?". Insert any of several angry comments here.

Finding this thrilled me. Glad that I'm not the only one who thought (on several occasions) that the 30 Day Shred might kill me.

Oh. And whenever I now hear people say "just take the stairs", I have to fight the urge to shout back "that's a false message of lethargy that's not doing you any favors!". When will this urge go away...? ;)

Katie

[Amanda Rettke]

Hilarious! lol  Thanks for making me laugh today Kat!

[Angel/TaDa! Creations]

LOVED this! I've got the shred and only made it to day 5. Couldn't get over the fact that it's more than 20 minutes long...teehee. Actually our whole house was sick for most of a month right after I started. I really need to start up again. Today would be a good day, thanks for the motivation. I'm looking forward to going down in jeans size too.

[Tina Fisher]

I just peed my pants from laughing so hard!

How's the shred going these days?

I am hoping to find this at Target!

[Missy @ The Marketing Mama]

Just found this old post and had to read it since I'm on day 15 or is it 16 of the shred now... Loved your take. Can relate to so much of it! Also died when I saw Natalie cheating. In fact, I've seen her cheat a couple of times. I'm amazed you lost so much weight during it... although the last couple days I've consumed a lot of chips. I'm blaming my period. Everyone gets their period at least once during the 30 day shred. :)

[Kristin Kunoff]

{Saw your site at Tasty kitchen}
I just ordered the Shred and it should be coming in the mail today...along with two other of Jillian's workouts. Let's see if I can stick with it.

[Amelia Sprout]

Bwahahaha! I've been doing it for almost a year, with other exercise, and this is the best thing I have ever read about it. Ever.

I like to swear at Jillian when it gets hard. It makes me feel better.

[Tonya]

OMG....I'm laughing so hard I just might pee my pants! I'd done 5 or 6 Shred workouts until I pinched a nerve in my neck/shoulder last week. I'm still on level one and don't think I want to move on! ;)

Good for you for stiking with it....even though Jillian is an evil shrew!

[Erin]

Thanks...this actually gives me motivation to do the workouts. I've been skeptical of the promised results and just plain lazy. So, thanks :)Hope you're still on the path toward your goal!

[Dana]

Amanada I have the shred! LOVED your entry. I am proud that you stuck to it. I don't want to workout today but I will because of what I read. So what did you eat..thats my struggle, I can workout but then I ate a ton of treats. What did you do?

[Kami]

Sweet lady, you have been on my heart today, so I have been browsing your blog and I came upon this. It made me laugh a LOT. Not at you, mind you, but at the fact that these are all the things that I'm yelling at myself as I go through my new Jillian workout. I'm not doing the shred, but whatever I'm doing, it HURTS! I can completely relate to almost everything in this!! This is a phenomenal post :)

I hope you're doing well! I miss you lots! Let's arrange a coffee date or even a Burger King playplace date soon, okay?!

Loves!

[Courtney]

I think I need this.. My lack of motivation has got the best of me lately. I need a swift kick! Encouraging to see that you stuck with it. Great job!

[Cheryl]

Loved the review!! I just bought this DVD online and am waiting for it to come in the mail. I'm excited to find out what those plank jacks are all about...

[Lisa @ Crazy Adventures in Parenting]

This review is made of win. OMG, best take on it EVER! (BTW, Im on day 19, just began Level 3, and I think I gave myself a concussion from her plyometric-whooziewhatzits)

[Becca -Our Crazy Boys]

HILARIOUS!!!

[Alysa]

Love it!

[Maranda]

I think it's funny that I found this post today because I just finished the 30 Day Shred Challenge this morning. 30 days straight of working out and I can't believe it's actually over! Your review is awesome and I will probably not be able to compete with yours! My review of the DVD will be posted within the next day or so...I measure tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your review and congratulations on completing the Shred!!! It's not easy, that's for sure!!!

[Heather]

Ok so I have to ask...what did your "diet" consist of? Did you do a real strict diet in order to get your results? You have inspired me to do this video! I purchased it about a year ago and did it for a few days then left it to collect dust. I decided to try a "do over" and tomorrow will be my day 5! I'm sore!

[Jenna]

Great post!!! Thanks for the lowdown. I bought this DVD a while ago and it's still in the plastic packaging. I am inspired to do it now. Thank you!!!!! Are you still doing it?

[ValerieLovesAbWorkouts]

To bad I can not literally "laugh my but off", I think your article would have done it for me if that were the case. I have been looking to start a new cardio workout and the results you have had from this workout is just the encouragement I have been looking for. Shred, here I come.

[melissa stover]

i never moved past level 1 on the shred. i quit when i couldn't get up and down off the potty.

[Serina]

Thank you for these awesome posts. I'm a mom of 1 but the baby weight makes it feel like so, so much more! I'm on day 4 of the Shred (and do very sore!) and really want to stick with it-- I think reading your posts EVERY DAY helps!!

[Janae]

You should try her Yoga video. I have the shred video and I think the Yoga one is harder. I like to vary them for a change of pace.

[Stefanie]

LOVED THIS! This has given me the want to actually put in the effort (until I work out) to stick to it for 30 days! Plus some extra cardio while I can. I need someone to keep me honest and check in with me and tell me I MUST work out ... otherwise I always cheat and don't : / Thank you for showing me its possible, I can finish and the results can happen!

[Monica]

So funny! I stumbled on your blog today through a link to your red, white, & blue pancakes. I had just finished my Shred workout for today, so I clicked on this entry. Thanks for the laughs and encouragement! P.S. I totally grunt on the abs too! How else can I make sure I am working my stomach muscles instead of my neck/back?! :)

[JessB]

Wow, you have inspired me to get this dvd! It's been on my Amazon wish list for a week or two, but I've been resisting actually buying it. Now that I've read your hilarious post about it, and your awesome results, I'm going to put in the order as soon as I get paid on Wednesday.

Also, thanks heaps for the tips at the end. I have just started trying to work out at least 5 days a week, and have been weighing myself to track my weight loss. You've inspired me to add measurements to my little diary, so I can see myself shrinking... hopefully!

I came here from your I Am Baker blog, and have now added I Am Mommy to my To Read list. Thanks for the laughs, and the inspiration.

[Elizabeth G]

I don't know how I managed to stumble upon this post today but I SO needed to read it. Thanks for this! It was so motivating and encouraging to hear about your experience and your success... Way to go!!!

[Jaclynn]

This was awesome. I have done the shred a few times. Have I ever done level 2 or 3? Nope. Do I ever do it for 30 days? Nope. Will I do it now and document it for YOUR reading pleasure. Hmmm, Let me finish this margarita and I'll get back to you!