Total Solution 30 day inch loss challenge

Hello. I'm starting a diary to plot my progress through Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred (30DS) and hopefully reduce inches and increase fitness. I'm also hoping a diary will help me stay committed to seeing it through (I've never completed 30 days before), gain some support and maybe inspire others.

I'm no stranger to exercise but I am unfit and I have a weak back. I rejoined the gym last October after many years of no structured exercise and a blood test showed I would be diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes if I didn't take some positive action. I had a fitness assessment at the start and 12 weeks later, and followed a healthier diet. I was so disappointed that my fitness had only increased marginally but I had put on 8lb! So I needed to do something different.

I have owned 30DS for years and I find it challenging but not impossible. Not like some of the others advertised on TV constantly. They intimidate me and I worry about the impact on my knees! But I have never completed the full 30 days so no idea what results can be achieved.

I also started Exante Total Solution and am 20 days in and have lost a stone. I waited until I had the energy to exercise more intensely. I need to lose a further 4 stone but my shorter term goal is to fit into some 3/4 denim trousers for my family holiday to Florida at Easter. I have heard that exercise can slow weight loss but I'm more interested in inch loss and toning so I can fit comfortably in the plane seat, do the strap up, pull the tray down, and be able to ride some rollercoasters.

The trousers claim to be size 18 but they measure more like a size 16 and I'm currently in a size 20/22 jean so am looking to drop 2 dress sizes. My measurements before Day 1 are

chest 42.5"
waist 42" (eek should be less than 35" for health)
hips 52"

I have been doing a toning class for 4 weeks which will hopefully prepare me for 30DS and am 3 weeks into a beginners Pilates class to help strengthen my back.

So here goes...

Day 1 30DS

Started with level 1 with some modifications on the press ups. I like that this programme addresses strength, cardio and my biggest problem area - abs - in a doable 20 mins. There are 3 levels with modifications so you can choose the right intensity level. The strength section was fine, combined with squats and lunges, using 1.5Kg weights and was similar to the toning class I had been doing. Cardio was jumping jacks, skipping and hamstring curls. I needed a few 5 second breathers! Abs were crunches and reverse curls.

Reviews are mixed about Jillian but I find her motivational. I'm going to see her speak live on Tuesday so if that doesn't motivate me nothing will! I don't get too annoyed when she reminds you there are no breathers but after 30 days of hearing the same patter it might get wearing.

In the past I have not been able to walk for several days after but I was slightly conditioned and made sure I cooled down well and stretched. So Day 1 is complete.

I really like 30DS; it is so easy to modify to suit your level. I did it with 3kg weights and that was a killer.

Thanks for the reminder, I will dust mine off when I get closer to goal.

Thanks for posting Sleek I can't imagine 3kg weights!! Something to work up to.

Well done on your results...3 stone loss is brilliant.

Day 2 30DS - level 1

Was a little achey from yesterday and found some of the strength exercises challenging to complete. Was able to take fewer rests in the cardio. Can really feel my muscles now a few hours after the workout. Wonder how they will be tomorrow?

Day 3 30DS - level 1

So I really ached today. I wanted a rest day but decided it was best to carry on but with modifications. Only used 0.5kg weights and stepped through some cardio. I still worked up a sweat so I was pleased I persevered. Finished off the exercise with Pilates class which felt wonderful and hopefully I won't ache so much tomorrow.

And yes tomorrow I get to see Jillian in the flesh. Sooo excited!

Not so good on the food front. Was hungry all day and caved in with some chicken.

Day 4 30DS - level 1

Pilates did the trick and felt good today. Did all the cardio and strength relatively easily. Still have to modify the press ups and use my knees. Upped the weights for the chest flys to 2.5kg. Wonder if I will ever be strong enough to use them throughout.

Went to see Jillian Michael's Maximise Your Life tour tonight. She is amazing and very motivational. I feel I understand why I'm overweight, why I never complete anything and why I self-sabotage. Hopefully I have learned some tools for dealing with maintenance when it comes and how to improve some other areas of my life.

All in all I feel in a good place tonight.

Sounds fab, keep it up

Day 5 30DS - level 1

Had a blip yesterday. Managed to kick myself out of ketosis and gained 5lb overnight. Not sure how that happened as not knowingly eaten any carbs.

Felt very tired and weak so I had a night off the shred. Bit gutted but my body feels better for the rest. Had a really early night (to stop eating everything in sight) and back to it today.

Managed level 1 today with increased vigour and kind of looking forward to level 2. Not sure I will ever be able to do a proper grown up press up so will continue to do easier version, even when transitioning up through the levels.

Here comes the voice of reason... You're overdoing the exercise and knocking lumps out of your poor body. People on a VLCD are not supposed to undertake vigorous exercise. Please google this subject and you'll understand why. You risk injury, for one thing x

Thanks for your post Serialslimmer. I did Google before starting and checked out these forums and the jury seemed to be out on exercising. My GP knows I'm on a VLCD and he is keen for me to do 5 lots of 30 minute exercise a week to the point where I am slightly out of breath. I was going to the gym on an exercise prescription but not getting any results which brought me to this programme which is a good allrounder of cardio, toning and abs and only 20 mins a day. I know its not for everyone, and the general consensus is that it does seem to slow weight loss down, but I wanted to see what I could achieve in a month.

I exercised (spinning and gym) when I did a VLCD before and I think it helped me shape up and to have no saggy skin. I also want to get a bit fitter to keep up with my 7 year old.

I am listening to my body and will have a rest day when needed. Following others experiences on here I am also adding in an extra pack on the days I workout.

Fair enough. Just take care because lack of glycogen leaves you open to injury x

Day 6 & 7 30DS - level 1

So completed my first week of 30DS. Will take measurements tomorrow but my clothes are definitely looser. No difference on the scales as have been in and out of ketosis this week.

I feel fitter and can do the cardio with no breaks. They actually feel like a welcome relief from the strength exercises. The only modification is in the press up but I'm not sure I will ever be able to do a full press up. I'm starting to look at level 2 and looking forward!! to starting it in a few days. From past experience this will be a huge step up. I would like to increase my weights to 2.5kg first.