Workout 29 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 3 day 1)

I had to do it, I had to try level 3 today.  It is VERY hardcore compared to levels 1-2.  There were some moves of which I will never be capable.  I don't mean to sound negative but I have a severely inflexible upper-back so I cannot do the table move correctly--my upper-back won't allow it.  Also, some side-plank moves are impossible for me because a single elbow joint cannot handle supporting my body weight.  Jillian usually incorporates a modified version that makes it still possible but this workout did not have one.  When I encounter situations like this, I do something similar that is physically possible for me.  I don't take a break!  That is one perk from when I used her website last summer, every move had a link to a different move that worked the same muscles in case someone couldn't/didn't want to do something on that day's workout plan.

I will say this much, I really enjoyed this level despite it's difficulty.  I plan to go back and finish level 2 but I am excited to do level 3 again soon.  It's fun and it introduced me to more cardio moves that I can do without hurting my ankles/knees.

Workout 28 of 2011

I failed to mention that my workout last night was done barefoot which today resulted in nagging shin splints.  That was a bad call on my part.

Tonight the whole fam walked to the park (about 1 mile away), ran around a lot and then walked home.  When we did this exact activity this weekend, I didn't count it as a workout but I'm thinking it should count.  Being active is being active.  In this beautiful weather, our every-other-night walks will likely become a popular "workout" on here; however, I fully intend to lengthen the route by going up and down streets in the neighborhood along the way.  I doubt the kids would mind as Gavin rides his bike and Kailee rides in her convertible stroller/trike.

Yea for beautiful weather!

Gavin and Kailee on their bikes!

Workout 27 of 2011

Tonight I did random Jillian Michael circuit moves while watching the Biggest Loser.  I DVR it and was dying to watch.  I did not feel like doing the elliptical so my only option was to do various moves that I know by heart from Jillian's DVDs.  I feel good and look forward to doing level 2 of Ripped in 30 tomorrow night!

Workout 26 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 level 2 day 3)

Workout quote of the week: "Being defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent." – Marilyn vos Savant, Columnist

I picked the quote because of my horrible last workout.  It made me not want to workout yesterday and made it difficult to muster up enough motivation to exercise today.

Though I didn't actually workout yesterday, I did push Kailee to the park and back (2 miles) and ran around chasing the kids, so at least it was an active day.  It's days like yesterday and today that make me wish I could run.  It's PERFECT running weather.  Unfortunately my knees and ankles still say "no way!"

Today Brady agreed to workout with me--though he wanted to do the kettlebell workout again.  I convinced him to try out this workout, but it was very hard on his knees.  I think it upset him that he had to modify some of the exercises, but Jillian always says to do what you can while not pushing so hard that you injure yourself.  Tonight, I kinda hated Jillian.  My upper body is stronger than it's ever been but it's still not strong enough to not drop to my knees in the plank and pushup (I do girl version) exercises.  I feel like I shouldn't move up to level 3 until I no longer cheat but I don't think I have the desire to stay with this level that long, LOL.  At this point in time, I still plan to do 2 more workouts of level 2 before moving on to level 3.

1/4 of the way to my goal! Workout 25 of 2011

I can't believe I've already done 25 workouts this year.  I feel like I just started working towards my goal of 100 workouts.  It's so exciting to see that I'm making big progress this year so far.  There are still 9.5 months left in the year and I already reached 25% of my goal.  It feels awesome!

I just have to stay on track.  I have been good about not overdoing it the weeks I'm particularly motivated.  Because of this, I have not gotten burnt out at all.  This week I do plan to do some extra workouts since I'm off for spring break, thus making it okay to slack off next week if I struggle getting back into the swing of things.

Today's workout was one of the worst I've had in awhile.  I was motivated to do it but once I got started, it was apparent that I have absolutely zero stamina today.  I believe this is due to various factors including but not limited to my lack of significant water consumption over the break, coughing my head off all night, being a couch potato yesterday and today, and still being PAINFULLY sore from my workout on Wednesday.  Regardless, I did 15 excruciating minutes on the elliptical followed by various Jillian Michaels ab moves from No More Trouble Zones.  I feel sluggish even as I type.

Here's to a better workout tomorrow!

Workout 24 of 2011 (Ripped in 30 Level 2 day 2)

Today I returned to level 2 and was DREADING it.  I was dreading it so much that when I actually did it, it did not seem as bad as I remembered.  The couple of cardio moves that I could not do (high knees and jump rope) I substituted with the modified form of skaters and fast feet from level 1.  This made the workout go more smoothly than when I have to jump on the elliptical for 30 second intervals of cardio.

Right now my arms are shaking pretty bad from all the plank moves and from the other exercises that require you to hold your body weight with your arms.  My arms are a lot stronger than they were a year ago but they are still kinda weak.

I plan to take advantage of being off the next two days by working out during nap time.  That way, if I feel like being lazy next week, I can justify it :).

Workout 23 of 2011 (Ripped in 30, Level 1, day 5)

Workout quote of the week: "Strength is the product of struggle" – Unknown

Tonight I did level 1 for the last time :(.  Yes, I am sad to be leaving the easy level behind, LOL.  I really enjoyed my last go at it.  I definitely think that once I complete the program, I will still come back to level 1 from time to time!

I'm heading out of town tomorrow so the earliest I will workout again is Wednesday.  My next workout is supposed to be level 2 and I know it's going to be hard.  That is why I picked the the quote I picked for this week.  If I want to get to where level 2 is easy, I have to push through,  I will get stronger through this struggle!  Cue the dramatic, yet cheesy, music.

What's really cool right now is that I can see some muscle definition in my arms and legs.  It's amazing to be able to visibly see changes happening.  Don't get me wrong, I can tell I am significantly smaller than I was a year ago, but I've never really been toned (though I did have amazing legs growing up thanks to figure skating and running).  If only my abs would visibly tone.  As I keep saying to Brady, I'm pretty sure there's a six pack in there somewhere, it just might not ever show through.