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Thursday, June 27, 2013

what’s that, you ask?

So what is this picture you ask?

photo

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.

19 comments:

Ashley @ Gratitude and Latitude said...

You are awesome. So proud of you. You worked hard and your results prove it! You look so good, Linds!

Brandy said...

Great job Linds!! I just bought the DVD for The 30 Day Shred and am trying to find the motivation to start it. This was just what I needed!

Amy said...

that is awesome! you look great and i bet you feel great, too! can't wait to get my butt in gear after this baby comes!!! keep up the good work, momma!

Andie said...

That is great! how awesome! you have every reason to brag lady! :)

Ashley Paige said...

Way to go, Mama! Seriously, thats an incredible accomplishment! Not only is it difficult to find the time but even more difficult to STICK to it. Proud of you!

Unknown said...

Awesome job lady!!! Definitely a reason to brag!

Deanna said...

Good job!

Katie @ Loves of Life said...

GOOD GAME BUTT PAT!!!!!!!!

love ya!!!!!!!

Lynsey said...

I am so proud of you lady!!! I completely agree that accountability is a must!

erin - mutterings of eringirl said...

When are you going to start Ripped? Because I really need someone to hold me accountable. I will do it with you. When? when? when?

erin - mutterings of eringirl said...

When are you going to start Ripped? Because I really need someone to hold me accountable. I will do it with you. When? when? when?

Katie said...

Oh my gosh, you are awesome! Those are exciting results! I am so jealous. I just finished the 30 Day Shred yesterday and I didn't lose any inches....boo! I can tell I am stronger but I was hoping for some visible results...oh well, still a good thing to do.

Mateya said...

That is so awesome! I think the best advice for anyone trying to get more toned is to throw away the scale!!! It's so disheartening! Inches speak way louder!!!

Way to go!!!

Meg G said...

That is awesome! I tried it one day a few months ago and could not even finish the first day. But I am going to do it again, this time I will do the entire 30 days. You have inspired me! I will do it!!! I'm going to start on Monday July 1st. So here goes nothing... And you look great, by the way!

Vanessa Maleare said...

I started this before I got pregnant the second time and you are right man, you see real results. I think at least half of it is that you are scared of Jillian. She'd be like, "you can do this! Four hundred pound people can do this!" And I would be crying sweat, "yes Jillian, I'm sorry Jillian!"

Shannon Dew said...

Good job lady! That ish is hard & keeping up with anything for 30 days is an accomplishment!!! I cannot wait to really start working out again! Be proud!!

Nicole said...

Awesome! Congrats! That's a great accomplishment!

Mama B said...

Woohooo!! Awesome job, mama! :)

Laura @ My Thoughts-Uninterrupted said...

Great job lady!!! I gave up day 2 lol. I did recently start hot yoga (that means heat, not looks....had to clear that one up for my husband) and I'm hoping to keep up with that because my weight isn't budging either! So proud of you!