Yooohooo Jillian

Today I completed my 30 Day Shred Challenge.

I started the challenge before and made it through day 13 or 14 before I took a day off and then never resumed. This time I made it. It was not easy and I did almost give up a few times. Something that made this time different was the awesome support from my friends in my playgroup and the positive comments on Facebook when I posted each day being done. I could not have done it if it weren't for that. There was one day where I finished my workout at 11:00pm, but thanks to a friend giving me a kick in the pants I did it. I am SOOO happy I finished this. There's a huge feeling of satisfaction having started AND completed this challenge. Thirty days is a long time to commit to doing an intense workout Every.Single.Day.

I did take before and after pictures. The before pictures were taken on the arm of the sofa with auto timer, but they are what they are. I wanted BEFORE pictures so I had to do them myself since I forgot the prior day. I got my husband to snap some after pictures this evening. There's not a HUGE change, but I see things and more importantly than seeing - I FEEEEEEEL change.

At the start of this challenge I barely got through the workout. Pushups were horrible. I could do maybe 5 in each set. Today I counted as I went and finished with 16 and 12. I did 28 pushups. Yes, they were with my knees still but I could do them. The last 5 or 6 were difficult but easier than that 5 or 6 that I labored through the first couple days.

I went from doing almost every exercise following the modified versions with 3 pound weights to all the of advanced version (with the exception of pushups) with 5 pound weights (with the exception of still using 3 lbs for the side lunges/anterior raises - I'm positive that I don't have the muscles she's trying to work). I think that's huge for 30 days.

And I'll share my stats...

Beginning:
Weight - 161.8 lbs
Hips - 41 1/2"
Waist - 38 1/2"
Bust - 37"
Thigh - 24 1/2"
Tricep - 12"

Week 2:
Weight - 159.8 lbs (-2)
Hips - 41" (-1/2)
Waist - 38" (-1/2)
Bust - 36 1/2" (-1/2)
Thigh - 23 1/4" (-1 1/4)
Tricep - 11 1/2" (-1/2)

Week 3:
Weight - 158.2 lbs (-1.6)
Hips - 40 3/4" (-1/4)
Waist - 37 1/4" (-3/4)
Bust - 36" (-1/2)
Thigh - 23 1/2" (+1/4)
Tricep - 11 1/2" (NC)

Week 4:
No Change in Weight and Minimal Changes to Measurements

Completion:
Weight - 155.8 lbs (-2.4)
Hips - 40 1/2" (-1/2)
Waist - 36 1/4" (-1)
Bust - 35 3/4" (-1/4)
Thigh - 24" (+1/2)
Tricep - 12" (+1/2)



Which means that my TOTAL LOSS over this 30 day challenge were...
Weight: -6 lbs
Hips: -1"
Waist: -2 1/4"
Bust: -1 1/4"
Thigh: -1/2"
Tricep: Same

So wrapping this up, I'm happy to have shed some pounds, but who isn't?! I'm now 10.8 lbs away from where I would like to be and maintain. I lost a lot in my waist which is my definite trouble area. I've gotten closer to my goal of my waist measuring less than my bust. ;) Although in my defense, a sports bra does nothing to help make you feel good about the bust measurement. haha My thighs went down and then went back up and the same with my triceps, although they are firm now rather than all flabby as they were at the start. I'm very pleased.

I'm not sure what my next step is, but I'm going to think on that. I need a new challenge. I'll be giving my body a day or two off to let the joints recuperate a bit and then I'll start new.