~ courtesy of DietsinReview, by Carmen

Ugh.  Phew. ZZzzzzz. That Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is one tough, exhausting DVD. But, you know what?  It works.  Just in ten days – the number of days I devoted to level one, figuring that three levels divided by four weeks would be ten days a level – me so smart! – I can feel my endurance has improved tremendously. The first two days that I did the exercises, I was huffing and puffing, stopping here and there for a breather. Last night, I breezed right through it. That’s how I – gulp! – know I’m ready for level two.

Let’s see, what do I like about this DVD? It kept me on my toes.  The three circuits seem to flip by fairly quickly, and as soon as I think I’m about to die, it’s time to change to another set. The formula seems to work – three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio, and one minute abs.  Three circuits and you are done. Use your choice of hand weights – I used 5s and 8s.

Circuit number one begins with squats and overhead dumbbell presses, and the cardio involves jumping jacks – probably my least favorite exercise. Combined with crunches, it’s an effective first level – but nothing too severe.

Circuit two – back rows, lunges with bicep curls, punching and butt kicks – this is the level that killed me. Thirty seconds of non-stop lunges doesn’t SOUND too awful – but try it and you’ll see.  (insert maniacal laughter here…) One great feature is that Jillian gives pointers throughout the circuits with tips and hints – on the butt kicks, actually KICK your own butt.  It’s nice to have that reminder to keep my chin off my chest during ab work and press my throat to the ceiling. When it feels like it’s getting easy, she always tosses in a reminder of what you COULD be doing – abs in, butt back – and boom! It suddenly gets more difficult.

Circuit three featured chest flys, side lunges (again with the lunges!) with front raises, a repeat of the first four cariod choices, and more ab work. I have to say, the abs on Anita – one of the demonstrators – made me a believer. You don’t get those abs for free, and any time I wanted to quit, I looked her way.

Level one was great.  Level two awaits – I hope I’m up for the challenge! Anyone want to join me?

Courtesy of DietsinReview. Carmen is a freelance writer, blogger and mom to six children. When she was younger, she had aspirations of becoming a professional ballet dancer. Poor diet choices and a lack of exercise caused her to slowly, but steadily, gain a great deal of weight while she was busy raising her family. She tried for several years to lose weight, trying diet after diet, but never succeeding. After hearing an unkind remark made by the schoolmate of her daughter, Carmen made a New Year’s Resolution to finally, for once and for all, lose weight and get into better shape. She blogs daily at Mom to the Screaming Masses, where she rants on about the trials and tribulations of life with six crazy kids – who all have incredibly strong personalities.

I successfully made it to the end of the 8 week trial of The Core Rhythms Workout.  It was a fun and exciting 8 weeks indeed. 

I definitely saw the majority of the results in my waist (hence the word Core in the name of the program).  My jeans fit a little more loosely and I actually feel better all around.  I think using the hand weights and ankle weights while I did the workout DVD helped to increase my overall workout.

I found the diet a bit strict but I guess that’s the point.  If they permitted me to eat potato chips and candy throughout the 8 weeks my jeans wouldn’t be fitting as loose.  I strayed a bit from the exact components of the diet, however, overall the diet made me realize that I needed to drastically cut my carbohydrate intake and increase my veggie intake.

I would recommend this program to those of you looking to focus your workout on your core.  It really does work if you keep up the workouts and adjust your eating to the associated diet.

~Erica

Our eight week program with the Core Rhythms has come to and end.  I have to say that this DVD has been a lot of fun as well as a great workout. I will for sure keep working out with these wonderful fun ladies! At the beginning of the eight weeks, I documented my measurements and I am happy to say that I have knocked off an inch from my hips and 4 inches from my waist. Granted, I am running too, and I credit both the program and my running for the loss.

I did have difficulty in keeping with the food portion of it.  I found that I did steer off it a bit….okay a lot.  I’m the type of person that has difficulty sticking to a regimented menu.

All-in-all I have to say that it is one of my favorite workout DVD’s, two thumbs up!!

~Sue

Erica:

Over the past couple of weeks I have continued to combine the Core Rhythms workout with other cardio type workouts like running and the elliptical trainer.  I feel fantastic and I can start to see some definition in my mid section….well, ok, who are we kidding….not quite definition….but, the waistband on my jeans aren’t as tight….that must count for something!

I have been using 2 pound weights while I do the Core Rhythms workout to help get a more advanced upper body workout.  I think it’s making a difference as my arms aren’t quite a-jiggling as I reach for the fruit at the grocery store.

As for eating, I just made it through the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend….need I say more?  However, I am back on track with the Core Rhythms eating plan as of Tuesday and can’t wait to shed a pound or two of the turkey and stuffing that I ate!

Two weeks left on the Core Rhythms program…..can’t wait to see the final results!

Susan:

Well two weeks have gone by since my last update.  I must say that it is going quite well for the workout part of it.  Like Erica, I have added hand weights while doing the the DVD.  I have found that I am seeing some difference with my abs and some of my jeans need a belt now.

Now my eating plan is not going as well as the workout part.  As Erica has mentioned it was our Thanksgiving weekend and I ate way too much and probably drank too much as well.  Today I have gone back on the eating plan of this program I shouldn’t have too much trouble getting back into the routine of eating healthy again.

Two more weeks left to see what the final results are, can’t wait! It will soon be time to go shopping!!

Erica:

Do you want the good news….or the bad news?  Ok, good news first….I am proud to say that I haven’t gained any weight this week….so, I am sure you can guess the bad news….that’s right, I haven’t lost any weight either.  I am at a standstill on my journey to weight loss and therefore, I will have to “kick it up a notch” as they say.

I have been doing the Core Rhythms workout anywhere from 2 to 3 times per week.  Last week I incorporated weights to provide some strength training within my workout.  This week I am going to incorporate cardio into my exercise routine.  The Core Rhythms workout is great for toning of the core muscles but now I am going to ensure I get in a walk or a run at least two times per week to provide me with a well rounded workout routine.

Now, I won’t have the disco music on my walk that’s provided when I do the Core Rhythms DVD, but I am sure I can download some motivating music onto my iPod to help me along.

As for eating I was pretty good this week except for my dinner party on Saturday night.  I had a little too much red wine and a lot too much dessert!  That could be the reason for my lack of weight loss.  Therefore, it’s salads and protein for me all week this week…..and let’s get real….a glass of wine or two.

If you have any other suggestions that will help me down my weight loss journey please feel free to comment…..I am up for any challenge!

Until next time……

Susan:

Last week I did the quick workout DVD.  This week I tried the full workout DVD, this program comes with 4 different programs.

I found this DVD a bit hard to keep up with.  They do start off slow to show you what to do, I found that at that speed I could keep up with them.  Then they start the tempo and that is when I lose them! I also found with this DVD that you do have to be quite coordinated.  I thought I was, until this DVD proved me wrong…lol!  My personal thought on this particular workout is that you have to practice and learn the moves first.  I got much better after the first two sessions.  You sure do feel the workout in your abs and arms!

The diet plan is still a bit of a challenge.  I am having trouble staying away from the – shall we call them – ‘naughty’ foods.  I  am finding that because I am exercising it is a license to eat anything.  I have to work on changing that.  A little is okay, but not the whole box of cookies

Next update I shall report on The Latin Dance made easy DVD. We’re going to update again in two weeks.

See you then!

Susan:

I have to be honest – this week has been a very busy and crazy week for me – so – with that said I haven’t been able to do too much with the workout part of this program.  I did manage to work out a few times.  I have to agree with my workout partner Erica about getting creative and incorporating weights into this program.  This DVD is great for your abs, love handles and also your bat wings. But if you are more advanced then ankle weights would make it a bit more challenging.

As for the eating part of the plan, I have been somewhat good.  But have had a few slip backs and a few donuts which are not in the meal plan!

I haven’t gained or lost any weight.  Maybe I have lost inches, because my skinny jeans are now too loose for me.  Which is bitter-sweet, ’cause I love those jeans but it shows that I have lost inches.  I shall do better this week, as I shall be better organized lol.

It goes to show you that you need to do both, exercise and and to eat right!

Erica:

I am down another 2 pounds this week….yippee!  I have been working hard at the Core Rhythm DVD and I have also gotten creative and incorporated weights and other cardio exercise into the mix.  For those of you just starting your work out regime I would recommend to just stick to the work out DVD…..trust me….your abs and love handles will get enough of a work out on their own.  However, for you intermediate or advanced folks who like a challenge with your workout I suggest that you incorporate 5 – 10 pound weights when you do the Core Rhythms workout DVD.  Using the weights will provide you with a full body workout instead of focusing on your core.  Your arms will get in some strength training and you can even use those ankle weights to tone up your legs as well.  The upper body and lower body portion of the workout isn’t very strenuous on it’s own so adding weights would be a nice compliment to the overall workout.

As for the eating plan I have been pretty good at sticking with it.  I am enjoying my green tea in the mornings instead of coffee and I have been by-passing the take out joints on my way home from work J  All in all I am feeling really good out this program.

Stay tuned for next week….