30 Day Shred Challenge
May 9, 2008 by Noel Boehm
Filed under Women's Health
On the recommendation of my friend, I tried Jillian Michaels’ (of The Biggest Loser) 30 Day Shred workout. It has three levels that go according to difficulty. Not including the warm up part, the whole thing lasts 20 minutes and is structured in 3-2-1. Three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio and one minute abs. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong, wrong, so very wrong. The thing is you can’t stop, you have to move from one segment to the next without stopping. I mean I guess if you are about to pass out or really need to rest you can stop but for optimum results you need to not stop.
After doing the workout just twice, I can say that this is one of the best workouts I have ever tried. It’s simple and straightforward but it gets the job done. She’s not all perky and wearing a hot pink leotard or anything. She’s there to help with a minimum of dialog. My only negative conclusion is that I HATE THIS WOMAN. I mean in a good way, sort of. Like the math teacher in middle school that was really tough but in hindsight really respect and appreciate the fact that she was hard on you. Kinda like that.
So who’s in with me? I’ve decided that I’m going to give this a try for 30 days to really see if it works. There’s even part of the cardio where you are fake jump roping but I actually used my jump rope since I’ve been really into lately. 20 minutes a day for 30 days is not much to ask. I’m going to give myself a break if I miss a day or two but I need other participants. When I asked my husband if he would join me I swear I heard an expletive and a chuckle under his breath. He politely declined. Of course exercise alone won’t fix everything, I will also have to watch my snacking and I am cutting out my wine…sob. All that sugar is not helping my quest either. Do I have takers?
Via Amazon
noel, i am so glad you got it!!
i am THERE with you.
i did this consisntely for two weeks and felt amazing. then i got so busy with work and didnt work out which led to guilt feelings which led to not doing anything for the past 1.5 weeks.
this past weekend, i was so regretting trying to bike around block island being out of shape with my health nut friends. so my resolve is firm: i felt so great and kick butt doing this that i will join in your 30 day quest. ill be up at 6 am tomororw to start my part off!
good luck!
noel, i am so glad you got it!!
i am THERE with you.
i did this consisntely for two weeks and felt amazing. then i got so busy with work and didnt work out which led to guilt feelings which led to not doing anything for the past 1.5 weeks.
this past weekend, i was so regretting trying to bike around block island being out of shape with my health nut friends. so my resolve is firm: i felt so great and kick butt doing this that i will join in your 30 day quest. ill be up at 6 am tomororw to start my part off!
good luck!
I will join you in this challenge. I just recently purchased the dvd myself and I am ready for a great workout. See you in the morning.
Hey, I’m with you! I am on day 6 of The 30 Day Shred. The workout is getting easier and easier by the day and I am losing weight and getting toned! I swear!
Hey guys, I thought I was gonna pass out on day 1, but here I am on day 4 and I can’t believe how strong and great I feel. I definitely need someone to push me when it comes to working out and Jillian is the master!
Have a great workout everyone!!!
I am buying this video tonight and am in it with you…please let me know how you do with it cuz im sure I will be miserable for a few days. I just started working out on my eliptical two weeks ago so this is gonna be tough but just what I need.
I am with you. I did this exercise yesterday and I have to say I felt tired but not hurting which allows me to do it again today. Plus, I already feel better today. We should all keep up with each other for encouragement.
please do keep up with me…i am on a mission to fix “me” instead of everyone else in my life. I really need this and some support…WE CAN DO THIS!
Yeah look at all the challenge takers!! I have been bad this week but I see we’re all mostly hanging in there. Keep me motivated, I need help. The hardest part is staying motivated to get up and do it. I need support on that front.
Day 3 done…I have lost 3 lbs! I am a little sore after todays workout though, I might take tomorrow off to let my body heal up a little bit. You guys can do it though…we can all do it. Keep up the good work!
These workouts are amazing! I received and viewed the DVD 28 days ago and have alternated the workouts for the past 27 days (1, 2, 3, 2, 1, 2, etc.), to keep myself mentally and physically challenged. I work up a good sweat during the workouts and feel invigorated afterwards. I can definitely see and feel changes in my body, which I’m sure will continue with continued workouts. Bravo, Jillian. Bravo!
Well I tried this Friday evening but only to try it and check it out..I lasted 10 minutes and wanted to die…But then I did it last night DETERMINED that I would do the whole 20 minutes and I made it. At one point I thought my thighs would explode but hey beauty is pain right? lol Well I know now that I can do it but the thought of doing it with already sore muscles is a little scary. I just keep telling myself “I wont die” “just keep going, I wont die” lol You can do it ladies…never give up on you! Keep me posted!!!!!
Hi, I am joining in on the challenge and I am on Day 2. I played ulitimate frisbee in the sand the other day (now that was a workout) and I am completely sore from these two things. But I know I will finish the 30 days. Gook Luck everyone. Keep the the great work.
ok day two is done…a little harder this time with already sore muscles but I feel great! Just the fact that I know I can get through it puts a smile on my face. Come on ladies..updates please. Where’s the love? Trust me it motivates me!
Hey ladies! First off, good job everyone with their workouts…this isn’t easy but it feels great. I’m on day 8 and I feel great! I can’t believe how strong I feel. Keep up the great work and smile through your workouts. Have a lovely workout!!!!
I haven’t been home for a couple of days so it has been hard to do the workout since I have it on exercisetv. But I have been going up a lot of hills and stairs the last couple of days. So, I guess day 5 is tomorrow. I guess I will count it that way since there is just no way to guarentee my schedule for the next 30 days in a row. HOpe everybody else is doing good.
I am done with Day 4. My goodness am I sore. I have done all of the BL and the other Jillian worksouts and have never been this sore. Only 26 more days to go. Yippeee.
Friday I did Day 5 and Saturday I hiked 10 miles so today I am on Day 6. I hope everyone is still going or they are out doing some fun exercise this 3 day weekend. I will skip Monday I am going on a 12 mile hike so Tuesday I will be at day 7. Have a great Memorial Day.
This DVD is pretty darn awesome!! I am very proud to say that I am on day 27 of the 30 days. I have done it every single day since I started. Today was my 3rd day on level 3, and WOW!!! AWEFULL!!!! I think I’ve def lost inches, and I feel really good….but….I’ve actually gained a few pounds. I have been watching what I’ve been eating, but not much differently than before I started the shred. I keep telling myself it’s the muscle that I’m gaining, but it is a little depressing, since I know I have a good bit to lose.
But you all keep at it, because it feels really good to accomplish the shred!!
Has anyone finished the 30 day shred and what were your results? I just finished day 8. I am training to hike Half Dome next month and have mixed in a lot of hikes. So my days haven’t been consistant but I start where I left off. I have exactly 20 pounds to lose and want to get it off before the hike. Less weight up hill will make the hike so much easier. Hope to hear how everyone is doing. Good luck to all.
Hi guys,
I started about 8 days ago and feel great! For the first couple of days I was sore, but I started taking the Women Oneaday vitamins and now I’m cool. I have 22 days to go. Hang it there everyone~ I love this DVD. Jillian is a beast!
Hi ladies! I have been doing the 30 day shred workout, and find it really hard, but in a good way, but what I am wondering is what kind of schedule do you follow? Do you mix it up? Does anyone get bored of doing the same exercises every day? I’m afraid I will get bored and quit before the 30 days are up. Do you do the 30 days all in a row or take a day or two a week for recovery?
I started with level 1, just like jillian says. I kept doing level one until I was bored/it was too easy, then moved up. I did it EVERY day for the 30 days. From what I read, because the workout out is so quick, and you are working your whole body at once, recovery days are not needed.
I pretty much did each level for 10 days. Hope this helps!!
hi everyone, I have been doing the 30 day shred for a while now lost count how many days. I have been on level 3 for a few days now and let me tell you i can do push ups on command and full blown sit ups are easy. once level 2 becomes a breeze you can do anything i feel like superman or something. Just keep it up and you will get to the next level just keep bringing it.
Jessica,
How much weight did you lose? What are you guys eating? I eat only 4 meals a day (including a light snack).
Okay, so I’m going to attempt to start the challenge tomorrow and continue for the 30 days straight. Wish me luck! Hopefully I can drag myself out of bed early every morning for 30 days straight. Maybe I’ll be bikini ready by the end of the summer…Ha!
I’m also on a strict diet so i couldn’t tell if it was the workout or my diet, but its definitely tightened up my entire body… Scales are tricky devils too.
I only lost about 2lbs!! BUT….I feel 100% better, and I can tell I’ve lost inches, even though I never measured myself. (wish I had!!) So to all those who are just starting, take some measurements so if you don’t lose the weight, so you still feel motivated. I am now well over my 30 days! After my 30 days straight, I took a weekend off then did it for another 7.
I am eating really well. Fruits, veggies, and whole grains. I eat 3 meals a day, around 400 calories, then 2 or 3 healthy snacks around 100-150 calories. I have been eating this way for over a year, and lost 32 lbs. I DID NOT change my eating habits for 30 day shred.
Hi everyone, I have this dvd and tried the workout a couple of times and it is really challenging. Since reading your blogs, I’m going to start tomorrow wish me luck, because I know it is definitely going to be a challenge because Jillian has no mercy!!!! good luck to you all.
I just started my 30 day shred challenge… Jillian is no joke. Who knew 20 minutes could be so hard? Day one down…29 to go. Keep up the good work everyone!
I have have purchased the 30 day shred also, I have always worked out 4-6 times a week and let me tell you this kicked my butt. I have never been this sore. I couldn’t do it today. I am too sore. I really wanted to complete the 30 days but I guess I can continue and if this workout doesn’t improve my body then nothing will.
I really would like to follow her diet also. anyone know where to get a book or something I can follow?
Well I am going to sleep & will try another level 1 tomorrow at 6am.
Hello, I have just started the 30 day program because I have it on exercise T.v. But could some one explain to me whe you are suppose to switch levels? is it every 10 days? do you do the work outs everyday? Thank you for your help!
I have been switching levels every 10 days but if you feel that you want to stay a little longer or move up quicker, I think that is fine too. I don’t think there is a right or wrong way. I also find it hard to do the workout every day. I will hike,walk or something or just want to rest. Good luck!
I just started Jillians 30 day shred, I have done it for 2 days and my body is so so sore, I thought this would be easy for me as I exercise 5-6 days a week, I spin, take sculpt classes, use free weights….etc…this DVD kicked my ass!! I LOVE IT…….I am hoping to see some difference in 30 days, but regardless I will stick with it!!
I am on day 13 of the 30 day shred. I am getting better at it and have more endurance, but it is still hard. I actually did Level 2 yesterday. I have only missed one day. I do feel I am making progress. One thing I noticed is I am gaining weight. Has anyone else had this experience? I am trying to stay positive but the scale is getting me down. I am trying to eat healthy and watch the calories. Any advice would be appreciated
On day one…..I thought I was going to DIE!!! I had never been so sore in my life, it actually felt like I was carrying weights in my pockets or something..no joke! lol! But the best way for me not to get discouraged is to NOT check your weight AT ALL until your 30 days is up. If we all did that, you may be assured…we’d all quit! lol! Good luck Everybody!!
Mary your weight gain is probably due to building muscle. Muscle weight more than fat. I have done the workout just not consistently. I know that I was slimming down but not losing weight. As long as your clothes fit better and you look and feel better don’t worry about the number on the scale. I think the hardest part of losing weight is the obsession with the scale. Just keep doing what your doing and try not to weigh yourself so much. I read that you shouldn’t weigh yourself for the first 30 days because your weight fluctuates so much.
Hey, i just started! I saw it in the store and heard so much about. Ive been procrastinating though, you know, the whole “oh ill start tomorrow” thing. hah, well, i better get to it.
one more person doin it with you!
I just started (day 1). This video is AWESOME – it kicked my butt. My muscles were wobbly for a good 20 minutes AFTER the workout and I am sore-sore-sore today! Can’t wait to do it again! Hopefully having some “buddies” will help me keep up for the full 30 days!
Zelle– I should be receiving this in the mail today (8th) therefore today or tomorrow will be my Day #1…I’d love to join you guys in the challenge and I love the suggestion to take measurements at the beginning.
Hi Everyone,
I’m on day 9 today but i definately agree that the weight loss part of it is a bit discouraging. It feels great doing the work out but based on the high level of intensity and strain that it put on the body, i was expecting to be shredding alot faster. Maybe i have to wait till day 30 but if someone has completed this, please update us all.
Im on my third day! Hah, I thought I had at least SOME upper body strength! My arms are so sore I cant straighten them! But its doing me good, I have a lot more energy and I’m downsizing all portions.
Tammy:
I was wondering the same thing you were, and when I read the DVD box and the recommendations on the DVD, it said “For maximized weightloss, check out Jillian’s Diet plan book!” So i THINK thats what they mean about the lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days. Ahh, good ‘ol money makers. Good luck!
Hey guys, I strongly reccomend buying her book “winning by Losing” It gets to the mental and chemical part of losing weight. I have tried thousands of times to shead weight and this time she has given me the mental tools I need to FINALLY go fourth. I never knew how much I dodnt know until I read her book. Hats off to Jillian! She is the best! (I am also on day 9 of the 30 day shred) LOVE IT! Started level 2 this morning! WOOHOO! I thought i wan gunna die but god, its GREAT!
But think about buying the book if you are really serious about changing your body and life…Oh and I dropped 5 pounds 
I’m on day 5 of the Shred- I have noticed a bit of weight gain, or lack of weight loss, but I feel really good so I’m going to keep it up & not pay much attention to the scale, since I’m sure I’m building muscle. Definitely pay close attention to your diet- that is such a huge part of weight loss. I signed up to fitday and am going to track my daily food intake to make sure I’m not undoing my hard work by eating too many calories.
I think tonight I will do level 1 and then try level 2 after and see how that goes! I have noticed an improvement in my endurance from day 1 so that is awesome!
I just finished day 3 and I’m waiting for it to get a bit easier. I was about ready to die today!
Last night I did Level 1 and then Level 2. For level 1 I use 5 pound weights, but I have to use 2 pounders for the side squats/shoulder extensions, and I also I have to do most of the pushups on my knees… but I think I’m getting better at them.
I didn’t want to overdo it doing level 2 right after, so I just used my 2 pound weights for all the weighted exercises.
You know, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. It was tough, but before I knew it I was already on circuit 3 of level 2 so I figured I just keep going since I was so close to the end.
Hi guys, Well, I have started this before and didn’t follow through. But we have a weightloss challenge at work so I am going to start doing this. I think I will also go order her book. However, weightloss challenge doesn’t start til next week, so I am going to relax this week…but when Monday hits..I am on it!
Good luck, I am on day 23. I also just got the book.
Have you lost any weight?
Since so many of us have only done 5 workouts or less so far…does anyone want to check back in to this site periodically…lets say weekly…to report any pounds or inches lost? I was thinking it would be neat to see if anyone lost inches at the one month mark? Any takers? I took my measurements before i started the workout so I am hoping to see a little bit of a change in a month…