what’s that, you ask?

So what is this picture you ask?

Oh, nothing.

Just the blurry (sorry, Jillian makes my arms wiggly) sweaty-hot-mess face of a Mama of two after completing DAY 30 of The 30 Day Shred.

That’s right! I did it. It took me 32 days (one day off at Gwen’s party and one other day off after doing a big long hot walk with C-Biscuit), but I did it.

So, excuse me while I write a completely braggy post. I’m sorry, I just have to. I may need to look  back on this someday and remind myself that I CAN DO IT. Also? I want this to serve as an encouragement to any of my readers who may be in the place that I was a month and a bit ago and let you know that YOU CAN DO IT, TOO. You really, really can.

So, here’s the first thing I’ll say … if you are starting a workout/diet program and you want to see results, TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS AND BARE BELLY BEFORE PICS. Really, do it. Even if you never intend to show the pictures to anyone, you will want them for your own comparison. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any before pics (wish I had) but I am SO thankful that I stopped on Day 3 of level 1 to take my measurements. Had I not done this I would not have any tangible results.

Because, you see, the scale has not budged.

I stopped drinking Pepsi regularly over two months ago. Within three weeks, I had dropped 8 pounds. Other than walking more, and trying to eat better overall, this was completely a result of no pop. And then, a month ago when I started the Shred, I stepped on the scale to see that I had put 4 pounds back on, resting at 4 pounds below my original starting weight.

And guess what?

Today, I am only 1 pound below that weight. The thing is I am far leaner and more toned than I was a month ago. I can see it and feel it. You know what they say, muscle weighs more than fat, right? So, take before and after pictures and take your measurements.

The second thing I’ll say it DO IT. YOU CAN DO IT. The beauty of the Shred is that it is intense but it’s do-able. Let’s face it, I wouldn’t have success in joining a gym. I live in a rural area, so going to the gym would be a trek. And then there’s the whole ‘when do I go’ thing, since not that many gyms around here have a childcare program. That’s what I love about the Shred. I can always find 20 minutes to slot it into my day. It meant that some days I was working out at 9pm, but so be it.

The last thing I’ll say is TELL PEOPLE YOU’RE DOING IT. If you’re anything like me, if you tell people, you’ll stick with it. I am far too proud and stubborn to give up after telling everyone and their neighbor that I’m doing a workout program. I checked in with my mom, husband, best friends, and sister nearly every day of the month. I knew if I didn’t Shred people would be ON MY BACK.

I’m not going to share my actual before/after measurements because that’s just too personal, but I will tell you how much I lost in each area:

Before measurements taken May 29, 2013 (day 3 of The Shred). After measurements taken June 27, 2013 (day 30 of The Shred)

Butt – lost 0 inches (baby got back?)

Arms – lost 1 inch

Thighs – lost 2 inches

Chest – lost 1 inch (womp, womp)

Hips – lost 2 inches

and, wait for it… here’s the killer:

Waist – LOST 5 INCHES!!!!

So that there in itself has proven to me that it’s been worth it.

Next up? Ripped in 30. Bring it, Jillian.