30 Day Shred – Beginning Level 2

Day 104

Yesterday, Monday, I was feeling really good after ‘resting’ for 3 days! Now it was time to try out Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred at Level 2 and I was ready. Level 1 had been a killer the first time I did it and it got progressively better amazingly fast – it’s stunning how the body can adapt to such stress so fast. This phenomenon was repeated with Level 2 – yesterday I was sucking in air like crazy early on but today it took about 16 minutes for that to happen. That being said, I was breathing hard but my heart rate was lower than I thought it would be which seemed a little odd.

[1/14/09 update] Here’s a look at Level 2:

Compare my stats from the first time doing Level 2 and then the second:

5/19/08

29:17 [workout time]
15:38 [in aerobic zone 60% -80% Target Heart Rate]
138 bpm [average heart rate]
176 bpm [highest heart rate]
217 [cals burned] – I would have sworn I worked out harder this day

& 5/20/08

27:41 [workout time]
13:03 [in aerobic zone 60% -80% Target Heart Rate]
147 bpm [average heart rate]
176 bpm [highest heart rate]
230 [cals burned] – it was easier today but I worked out harder than yesterday

After my ‘burn out’ last Friday and the impact this new level had on my stamina I just decided to do Jillian’s DVD and not add on any cardio. As the week goes by I am sure I will feel up to adding on. My initial plan had been to do my cardio in the evening but work just didn’t let me!

Anyway, if you have not checked out Jillian’s workout video clip on her web site you should, but it doesn’t do justice to the workout really – you have to do it to believe it! Level 2 bumps up the intensity several notches. This is because of the plyometrics – like the lateral skating, double jump ropes and jump squats. And it is a tiring upper body workout because there are a lot of plank based movements; by the end of circuit 3 your shoulders crying out for a break.

One thing I was pleased with was the ‘walking out’ push ups – I did full body push ups, and because there are only about 11 of them [in 2 sections,] I could do them all. That made me feel great as in Level 1 I sucked at those and just stayed in the modiifed position. I think the speed of the movement had a lot to do with it. Fast tempo = I suck!

So I am now looking forward to the rest of the week on Level 2. I am really digging Jillian’s workout and if I can ever do full squats with anterior delt lift as beautifully and as long as Natalie on the DVD I will be a very happy woman. Natalie has amazing stamina! Check her out on the video clip – she is to the left of Jillian.