Review: Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30

As I blogged about before, I’ve completed about 5 rounds of Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix workouts. I loved the workout program because it was only 30 minutes long and could easily be done at home – which is such a convenience during this past brutal New England winter. But after so many rounds of the same workouts, my body was simply getting too used to the routine. I needed to change it up, and couldn’t wait a few more weeks until the official release of 21 Day Fix Extreme.

So, one day, as I walked around Target and browsed the fitness section, I came across their workout DVD section. Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30 caught my eye – I mean, who doesn’t want to be jacked in just 30 days? And the best part of it was the DVD was only $10, so even if I dreaded it, at least it wasn’t too much of an initial investment.

As a disclaimer, this is only a review of Jillian Michaels’ Ripped in 30 workouts. I stuck to the 21 Day Fix nutrition plan since it has become my lifestyle and works for me.

The workout program is divided up into four weeks, with each week increasing in difficulty and intensity. The warm-ups and cool-downs last about 5 minutes combined, so you’re really only sweating it out for 25 minutes – but boy, are you sweating! Jillian has a crazy (but really effective) 3,2,1 set-up, where you’re completing 3 minutes of strength, followed by 2 minutes of cardio, and lastly, 1 minute of abs. During each week, you must complete 3 rounds of 3, 2, 1, which ultimately adds up to the 25 minutes or so that you’re actually working out.

I found week 1 to be tough, but definitely doable if you’re a beginner. I used 8 lb. weights throughout the entire program, since those are the only dumbbells I have on hand. It was just enough to feel the burn the next day! The workouts included squat lunges, shoulder press, single leg hops and skaters. I think 21 Day Fix prepared me well enough to handle the first week, which was a relief, but definitely the change my body was looking for. The same can be said for week 2.

Ironically, I think I struggled the most with week 3, especially when it came to the strength portions of the workout circuit. There were duck walks, bear crawls, stork stance with reverse fly, table top tricep dips AND downward dog push-ups. Not only were you using your dumbbells, but you were also using your body weight which was tough (but felt great afterwards).

Some moves, and a sweaty selfie, of week 3

I’m a firm believer that if you can make it through week 3, you can definitely do week 4. It’s intense, yes, but you are SO CLOSE to being done and completing the goal you set out on. Lots of push-ups, plank moguls, and burpees (YIKES) to get through, but your body should ideally be stronger by week 4. The workouts don’t get easier, you just get stronger!

Squated shoulder lifts, and a little flex action, from week 4

I was looking to tone my body through this program, and I did just that. I’m at my goal weight already, and managed to stay there, but I lost 2.5 total inches off of my body and definitely toned my stomach area some more.

Overall, I highly recommend this DVD program – it’s a great workout at a terrific value. It’s always good to switch up your workout routine when your body just isn’t feeling the burn, so for $10 and from the luxury of your own home, Jillian Michaels lets us get Ripped in 30!

Review: Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix

Back in November, I decided to purchase Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix, a nutrition and exercise program led by professional athlete (and my new girl crush) Autumn Calabrese.

The program makes nutrition easy by giving you a lengthy “approved” foods list, and educating you on what foods fall into which nutritional categories. For example, on this program, they consider corn a carb, since it’s very starchy. Once you’ve learned your nutritional categories, you measure each food into its respective color coded containers. If it fits in the number of allotted containers per day (which ranges for everyone based on current weight), then you can eat it! No calorie counting, no weighing portions – just simple clean eating, which I was a huge fan of.

The workouts were probably my favorite part of this program, though. They are all 30 minutes in length, and can (and should) be done at home. I no longer had to trek to the gym, which as a New Englander experiencing a rough winter, was a saving grace. Instead, I just worked out from my home office, watching Autumn’s moves on my laptop and following along. I just needed a light and heavy set of weights, along with a mat and some water. The program also comes with a suggested workout calendar, so every day you’re working a different muscle group. The schedule looks something like this:

• Monday – Cardio
• Tuesday – Arms
• Wednesday – Legs
• Thursday – Pilates (active rest)
• Friday – Cardio
• Saturday – Dirty 30, which works the whole body
• Sunday – Yoga (active rest)

I am not going to lie – I was never a big fan of yoga or pilates. I just don’t feel calmer afterwards, so on my “active rest” days I would get in a long walk with the pup and complete errands around town. I also love how you only have to complete cardio – my least favorite – twice a week. I used to be a cardio addict, because I thought that was the only way to lose weight, but I was wrong. Thank you, Autumn!

After about 4 or 5 rounds of the 21 Day Fix, which you complete in 21 day cycles, it has become my lifestyle. I am more cognizant than ever before about choosing healthy, clean and balanced meals. And I am never hungry – I snack every 2 hours. 🙂

My latest progress shots are below. In 3 months, or 4-5 rounds roughly, I’ve lost a total of 9 pounds (and am happily at my goal weight now) and more than 15 inches off of my body.

Left: November 9, 2014 || Right: February 9, 2015

My next goal is to continue toning up – right in time for my wedding in August 2016. I just purchased 21 Day Fix Extreme, the hardcore, more intense sequel to 21 Day Fix, which should help me shred and achieve this new fitness goal. Stay tuned!

Note: I am not affiliated with Beachbody in any way – I am not even a coach. I just really enjoy the program, and love the results it has given both my friends and I.

Transformation Tuesday: Dirty Girl Mud Run edition

This past weekend was filled with fun, especially since my two best friends and I were running our second Dirty Girl Mud Run, a down-and-dirty 5k obstacle course filled with mud, rocks, grime, and all things mother nature.

It was a great day for the race – sunny, but not too hot and humid. We lucked out there. We entered the 10:30 wave, which seemed to be a popular option since some obstacles had us waiting in line to complete – such as the “Get Over Yourself” wall climb. But my friends and I made the most of our wait, catching up on life while dancing to some of the music blaring from the speakers.

According to my friend Lisa’s Fitbit (by the way, you MUST check out her blog here), we burned over 400 calories while having a great time. I must admit though, it took a few scrubs in the shower to fully get the mud off of me. 🙂

We left with some awesome samples from LARABAR, Fruit20 and Paul Mitchell, while continuing with a tradition that led me to live a more active life.

To check out a Dirty Girl Mud Run race near you, check out their site. It’s the perfect race for beginners – you will see “dirty girls” of all ages, sizes and athletic levels, so don’t be intimidated!

My friends and I before and after the race. Check out all that mud!

And in honor of Transformation Tuesday, here’s a throwback – Mud Run edition. The photo on the left was taken exactly one year ago, right after running my first Dirty Girl Mud Run. On the right was this past weekend, post-race. Sometimes I forget how far I have come, so these progress pictures help keep me going.

Left: 2013 Mud Run || Right: 2014 Mud Run

Two Year Anniversary of “the Dress”

For most people, seeing a very unflattering photo of yourself can spark action. Yes, you immediately remove any tag or association from it on social media, but more long term, you may even change your whole lifestyle to avoid those very unflattering “candids.”

For me, this moment occurred while viewing my sister’s wedding photos. She was married on June 9, 2012 – exactly two years ago. All of the action shots – you know, those that you’re not tucking your belly in – were upsetting to me, and I knew something needed to be done.

This past weekend, I tried on the infamous bridesmaid’s dress. I’m so thrilled to report it has loosened up just about everywhere, with an emphasis on the hips and back area.

Here’s to continuing my journey, which all started with this dress. Sometimes, all you need is some motivation like this to keep you going.

PS – Wishing my sister and brother-in-law a very happy two year wedding anniversary! Xoxo

Before (left) and after (right)

Reasons to Work Out: Fitting into Old Clothes Again

I had a small victory this morning, and I didn’t even need to take measurements or weigh myself for this one. I found an old cardigan that I used to love, but sadly, only wore a few times before I gained weight during my senior year of college.

To be honest, I couldn’t even button it up during May 2012 and I was so close to tossing it away by donating to charity. But a voice in my head told me to hold onto this piece, it could fit down the road. Not to mention, it’s great for the corporate world, where my life was heading post-college.

Nearly two years later, not only does it fit just fine, but I can also button it! It served as a great reminder that the scale isn’t the only way to measure our progress. So, before you donate all of your snug clothing, why not save a piece or two as a “goal piece” and literally work your way into them again.

Of course, donate the rest to charity. No need to hoard these things, and one of the best things about weight loss is a brand new wardrobe. 🙂

Before and After: Goodbye 40 Lbs.

Losing weight and building muscle is a long-term goal, not one you can accomplish in a few days. In fact, it becomes a lifestyle, because face it – we are in it for the long run.

And there’s no better motivation than a before and after shot. Here is my latest one below, as I weighed in at officially 40 pounds less than two years ago. I am so proud of my accomplishments, but also know that I must continue putting in the same hard work as I have to continue with these results.

Disclaimer: I am wearing pink pants in the picture on the right. I am not Kim Kardashian to be taking any revealing mirror selfies. 🙂

May 2012 (left) and now, February 2014 (right)

So, for those of you who’ve started hitting the gym since January 1 – one of those popular New Years’ resolutions – keep going, and make sure to take a before picture to compare your progress come December 2014.

Thanks to all for your support through social media comments and via the blog. It’s those kind words that keep me wanting to do more, day in and day out. Happy Hump Day all!

Two month mark: GNC Lean Shake Review

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I know it’s been a while since my last post, but with my job, working out, and the holiday rush, it’s hard to find a minute to reflect on my fitness progress thus far (although I am happy to report I didn’t cheat too bad during Thanksgiving).

As some of you may know from reading my blog, two months ago I started drinking a new protein-based meal replacement shake, GNC Lean Shake. Essentially, it was a more affordable and similar product to others on the market, like Shakeology and Herbalife. As said many times before, affordability is key if I realistically want to stay committed to this new healthy lifestyle.

Two months later, and with clean eating and proper workouts, I’ve noticed a slight difference in my body. I feel leaner and stronger – all from drinking just one shake each day. I usually drink it after my morning workout, as a meal replacement for breakfast. Not only do I look more toned, but you can see my waist has also gotten smaller, which is a great sign of progress.

Me before taking GNC Lean Shake as a meal replacement each morning (left) and me after drinking the supplement, 2 months after (right)

What do you think – do you see the change? Also, what meal replacements or protein shakes do you take that work wonders? I’d love to know – share with us in the Comments section of this post.

And remember, such supplements are not a “one and done” deal. You need to stick to it, while continuing to work out and eat clean. Remember, nothing comes easy but it is certainly worth it.

Note: I’m not endorsed or affiliated with GNC. The post is based on my own personal experience with GNC Lean Shake.

The Progress That Can Happen In Two Years

In one of my posts last month, I showed you a before and after picture of progress over one year and a half. I’ve lost 30 pounds and counting, have become more fit and active, and have also changed my diet to incorporate fruits, vegetables, and protein shake meal replacements.

Like everyone else, I have cheat days. Football Sundays tempt me with gooey, cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip, Nachos, Burger Sliders…I can go on and on. But I’m not going to isolate myself or look at these apps like the bad guys – instead I just make up for it in exercise, and continue to eat healthy the following day. If you don’t have a cheat day here and there (not too often though), then you are forcing yourself to follow an unrealistic diet.

The truth is, life happens. There will be times where you’re at a party and eat a piece of cake, or you’re traveling and the only meal option is a not-so-healthy sandwich from a stop-and-go convenience store. Make sure your diet plan is flexible, or else you’re destined for failure.

Since you all enjoyed the before and after pic based on feedback, I decided to post another. Seeing these shots is a great motivator for me – and I hope it’s the same for you! Get up, get going and get healthy – the progress takes time, but it is so worth it.

Before (left) and after (right)

Wordless Wednesday: Before and After

Whatever your reason for running and working out – whether it be to lose weight, stay in shape, or simply do something you never thought possible – commit. The results will be worth it, and in my case, no words are necessary to explain why.

Before (left) and after (right) after one year and a half of regularly working out. 30 pounds gone!