Jillian Michaels is gonna be my new BFF

Okay so since being back in Boston I put on a few pounds. I discovered this when in May I busted out my summer capris, all excited like, and put them on. Technically they fit, but I'm not really that interested in the sausagey look or splitting my seams, soooo, yea. I've been exercising on and off since then, but with not much luck. At first I dropped a pound or two, then I gained 6, umm, what?! I'm telling myself that it's gotta be muscle mass as I've put on about 3 of that after working out pretty consistently. I've been doing lots of push-ups and strength trainging stuff, so I'm not completely delusional. I have noticed more definition in my arms, it's kinda sweet. Yesterday I noticed these cute little line dimples in the backs of my shoulders from where the muscle is growing.

I discovered ExerciseTV on OnDemand (do all cable companies have OnDemand?) and have been utilizing various free programs that range from a few minutes to an hour generally. I highly recommend it to everyone who has access to it, there is truly something for everyone.

While doing these routines I discovered that I'm definitely someone who needs someone to kick my butt. I don't like soft, slow moving routines. Let's pick up the pace, let's kick this out! Jillian Michaels has a section for her work out routines. Now Jillian scares me a little, I'm not gonna lie, but I decided to check out one of her routines. I could hang with a 20 min workout! Give me intense, please b/c in the end it'll be over quick enough.

I fell in love.

So I spent a few weeks debating on whether to purchase her 30-Day Shred DVD. Would it be one of those things once I bought I lost interest in? Am I more likely to do the 2/3rds of it available OnDemand b/c it's free? Dilemma! I really wanted that 3rd level. While I was contemplating the purchase of said DVD I went and checked out http://www.blogger.com/www.jillianmichaels.com. I checked out some stuff on the site (lots to check out). Took the free weight-loss plan and opted in to the Jillian Michaels newsletter as well. Of course they give you a taste of all the cool things that can be available to you for just $4/wk. Fitness and diet plans tailored to you (based on your answers from the quiz) and lots of tools and gadgets to help you keep track, etc.

I kept on trucking with my OnDemand exercising until I got an email that offered the 30-Day Shred DVD, her book and 4 wks free online access for $20 (including s & h). I initially ignored it, but didn't delete it. A few days later I was ready to take the plunge. I'm really glad I did. I was going to go ahead and buy the DVD b/c I knew I'd utilize it (I'm determined to not have to buy new pants! I'd rather spend the money on other things, like exercise dvds!). So for $5 more I thought why not get a book and access to the website.

I made the purchase last night and had a look around. Very impressive. Jillian knows what's up. Today I officially started. I have work out plans for 5 days (2 days of rest, you choose which two from 3 diff options), each day is something different. 5 circuits with different exercises each time (the same exercises pop up but in different orders). Then I have a whole weeks worth of meals planned out for me (breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner). There are tons of recipes that you can add to your favorites section and swap out from your given meals. There are places to keep track of your weight, exercise and food. All sorts of calculators to calculate things like heart rate, ideal weight, calories, etc. And so far I've found it very comprehensive! If you don't eat what's on the meal plan you just add what you ate. There's quite the database of food in there or it gives you the option to add it in yourself.

The exercises are really doable and requires little to no equipment. Definitely get some hand weights if you don't have them. I wanted to be badass and got 5 pounders. I curse myself through most of the exercises, haha. If you want to challenge yourself go for 5s otherwise 3s are very sufficient. The individual plans you get from signing up are 5 circiuts w/ 2-3 exercises and 3 reps usually of 15. I did my first one today, even though it was my day to rest. I was excited to get started and I have a busy day and night on Friday so I thought I'd swap for this week. It took me over an hour, I went slow. The trade off of not having Jillian set the pace is that you can watch or listen to whatever you want. The 30-Day Shred is 3 circuits of strength, cardio and abs, very intense and Jillian does an AWESOME job (in my opinion) of keeping you motivated and wanting to keep going. That and, really, it's ONLY 20 minutes including a few minutes for warm up and cool down! So doable! And make sure you have a towel on hand b/c you most certainly will be sweating!

So I'm gonna blog about my experience with Jillian Michaels and my progress as I try to knock off 20 lbs. I want my pants to be a little loose, give myself some wiggle room! I took all my measurements and my before pictures so I am ready, ready!

Wish me luck!