Guest Blogger Madeline - Return of the Jillian

Hi Everyone!

Sorry for such a long hiatus. I was sick for an entire week last week, so I was not able to do my dvds for a week! This puts me one week behind, but I am still feeling motivated.

When I started to get sick (it was one week ago this past Monday – February 25), I took the day off from Jillian. In my mind I thought, “okay, I’m just one day behind, so tomorrow is usually my rest day, so I’ll just squeeze in a workout then so I can catch up.”

Tuesday I felt worse. As each day passed, I found myself trying to figure out how to catch up so I could stay on the same schedule. After a few days, I realized how ridiculous these thoughts were! I needed to take the time to rest and let my body recover from being sick – there is no shame in that. Ultimately, by taking an entire week to recover (I really needed it), I took better care of my body. My point: listen to your body! If you aren’t feeling great, don’t get discouraged. This past Monday I picked up right where I had left off with Jillian, and while I’m one week behind, I’m still feeling great.

Next Friday I will graduate to month 2 of the dvds, and I am SO excited! I am LOVING Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4 – they are solid workouts and I really enjoy them. However, I am excited to progress into Phase 2!

One other observation when I was sick: I am a BIG wine drinker. I love my wine – it’s the only thing I drink that isn’t water (I don’t really like soda and juice). Wine is something I grew up with and it became a habit for me to pour myself a glass when I got home from school/work every day. While I was sick, I was wine-free for 10 days and WOW! I am SUPER health conscious, and somehow I totally missed how many calories I was putting into my body by having wine every day!  I could tell at the end of the 10 days that my stomach was flatter (YAY), I had an easier time getting up in the morning, and I just felt better. If there was one positive to getting sick, it’s that it gave me a wine wake up call! Now, I’m only letting myself have wine 3 days per week. 

I hope things are going well with everyone! I will check in next Friday when I start the new dvds. 

TWO CENTS TANYA - that's me...SO I had the pleasure of joining Madeline with workout number 4, and I am so pleased with the challenge.  I am pretty fit and I get an awesome workout in every time.  

Gravity Gym in NYC!

OUT OF TOWN GYM REVIEW!

Gravity gym is pretty rad.  This past weekend was a great adventure in mid-town NYC for myself and my online workout buddy Angie.  We wanted a hotel with a kickin' gym and a spa if possible and also a location proximal to Central Park.  We found all these features in the Le Parker Meridien. We met up from the wilds of North Carolina and Michigan for a trifecta of wurking it, exploring and shopping, and eating amazing food.

http://www.parkermeridien.com/gravity/

We both love to go "meathead' in the gym and are pretty competitive.  SO we immediately ditched our baggage, real and emotional, in our room, a mere ten minutes after we hopped out of our taxi and b-lined for a 2:30 class called American Psycho, more on that below!

Gravity gym has a plethora of work 'em out tools.  Cardio equipment in multiples!  And I never saw 100% capacity on the cardio machines, although I wasn't always around at rush hour.  A full free weight area, yea!  And extensive resistance machines if that is your scene.  I prefer body weight exercise and free weights, so the machines are never a must have for me, but the ones at Gravity were in good condition.

Cardio equipment is also high quality, no wobbly treadmills, or sad ellipticals.  Also found here for heart pumping goodness were an arm ergometer, and rowing machines; not your typical gym fare.

This gym also has a pool, and a full group fitness class schedule.

The group fitness rooms are on the smaller side, maybe 10-20 max capacity.  Here is were I think there is potential to grow.  Our instructors often did not demonstrate our exercises, and did not really do anything besides hold a timer.  NO form correction, NO verbal encouragement, NOTHING besides start and stop.

I have had a variety of instructors along the ability and experience spectrum but none as spartan with instruction as my experience here.  I only interacted with two trainers but I was not impressed.

We did a Tabata style class that was 20 seconds on all out, 10 seconds off to recover the whole time! I felt that the exercises were randomly chosen and they were trying to drill us into the ground versus maximize our success.  Ang and I , Meathead 1 and 2 gladly took the abuse! BUT I have had better, more balanced workouts.  Also no real warm-up to this class.  The kicker was when one of the trainers came up to me and stretched me waaaayyyy beyond  my end range of motion.  I was too shocked from the workout to verbalize a no-thank you but not impressed by that!  We were laughing all weekend at how not-too-out-of-shape folks ruined themselves within two hours of landing in NYC!

We also did a spin class were the instructor did not bike along!  Yikes!  Once again, our instructor was just calling out tension levels and time frames but once again no verbal encouragement or push.  I have had so-so spin classes and spin classes that border on a spiritual experience because the instructor engages and pushes you to your limits!  I would have liked a little more meatiness this workout.

From a technical aspect, they need to improve there sound system in the group exercise room.  A huge gym like this should have an integrated professional jam set up!  Half the fun of group exercise is great motivating music, which we definitely had, but you also need to hear them.

The bones of this place are great.  This gym is outfitted with high quality equipment and all the usual suspects for getting fit.

I would like to keep sampling the platter of offerings for the classes!  And see what other things are out there as far as options for instructors.   A great instructor pushes and makes you come out of class successful and pumped, and I just did not get that experience here.

Definitely utilize this awesome gym but maybe ask around at the front desk for who is an engaging instructor who really interacts and is fun.  Gravity totally redefines working out away from home with this multi-level workout space, no sad garage sale T-mill and one ten pound dumbbell tucked away in the bowels of the hotel.

We also had amazing massages at Moonshine spa tucked nicely inside the gym, so the Le Parker Meridien is full of all kinds of goodies.  Also Ten Over Ten, located in the hotel, does great mani's and pedi's and blow outs are available at Dry Bar (also in hotel!), a do-up-the locks station!

Lastly, verbal hug to poor Madeline, our video sampler extraordinaire as the cold monster has stopped her in her workout tracks.  We wish her quick healing and look for her updates once she feels human again!

Madeline versus Jillian, 90 day Body Revolution Week 3 continues...

Phase 1 Workout 4

Sunday, February 24, 2013

I have really similar feelings about this dvd and Phase 1 Workout 3, so this post won’t be particularly long. I was not gasping for air throughout the entire thing (just during the cardio intervals – wow!), but it was still a REALLY challenging workout.

One thing I really like is that Jillian is taking some of the moves from Phase 1 Workouts 1 and 2 and building on them, so you can actually see your strength improve.  I also love all the coreshe incorporates into Workout 4. You are in plank for almost every circuit, which is a killer for your core.

These dvds are definitely more difficult than 1 and 2. My muscles were screaming by the end of Workout 4, which is not the worst thing in the world. Oh, and you don’t need your resistance band for this one (workout 4), so that made me happy (why do I hate that thing so much?).

So far, so good. I’m actually looking forward to doing each of these dvds 3 more times!

Guest Blogger Madeline Update on NEW VIDEO from Jilly B's 90 DAY BODY REV!

Madeline sent me this goodness yesterday!

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Phase 1 Workout 3

I graduated to new dvds! I was so excited to try out a new dvd today. 

I am SORE. My arms are killing me, and I did this workout about 3 hours ago. I cannot imagine what they will be feeling like tomorrow. My overall thoughts about this workout: it’s REALLY tough, but you don’t realize how difficult it is until you are about halfway through. 

Positives: She begins to incorporate a little more plyometric (jumping) moves, and she does a lot of upper/lower body at the same time. She also incorporates a lot of yoga into this one – downward dog, plank, and crescent lunge. The cardio intervals were a LOT more difficult, I was panting at the end of each one, but for the most part, I was not gasping for air throughout the workout. It was a serious challenge. I also like that she uses new moves I’ve never done before – it really kept me interested through the whole 37 minutes (a little longer than her promise 30).

Negatives: There are a couple moves that I just did not feel like I was doing properly, particularly the one move where she uses the resistance band (which honestly, I hate). The other negative thing has to do with something she says. At one point, she’s trying to motivate you to push harder, and she says “I don’t want you losing just 1-2 pounds per week – I want to see you losing 5 pounds a week!”

I’m sorry, but I’m 130 pounds. If I’m losing 5 pounds per week, we have a serious problem and I should probably go see a doctor. I think she forgets that some people may use these dvds just to stay in shape or tone up a bit, not lose a ton of weight. I don’t know why, but that comment threw me off for a second.

Overall, this is a arm and quad KILLER. And it only gets harder from here.

I can’t wait!!

WEEK 2 = DONE! Guest Blogger Madeline sums up her first 14 days!

WEEK 2 = DONE!

I have officially completed week 2 of Body Revolution! 10 more weeks to go!!

How I’m feeling: Really good! As I progressed through the strength dvds, I realized I was becoming less sore each time I went through them. Can’t wait to feel the burn when I start Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4 tomorrow and Sunday.

DVD observations: I’m starting to get a LITTLE sick of the Cardio 1 video (which I have to do throughout the next two weeks as well), but it’s only 26 minutes, and it’s a KILLER workout in only 26 minutes. Plus, with the 2 new strength dvds over the next 2 weeks, I think I will be just fine with the Cardio.

Body observations: Nothing too obvious. I’m sticking to my diet as best I can (though my fiancé brought home GIRL SCOUT cookies the other day! I’ve been resisting the temptation), and I’m feeling my core getting stronger.

Overall: Loving it so far. This is the first time in several months I’ve worked out 6 days per week, and I think it’s because the dvds are only 30 minutes, and the schedule is organized REALLY well. See you tomorrow for my thoughts on Phase 1 Workout 3!

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I am gonna two-cents it again!  I have done all three workouts making up phase one and I would like to throw in some pros as well.

Jillian uses simple moves that are challenging but give you room to grow.  Initially, you can do a lot of these moves with lower poundage weights, but there is endless potential to really push by adding heavy weights or trying the advanced version.

I feel like J-monies gives lots of alignment cues and continually goes over do's and don'ts for form!

INSPIRATION!

Madeline is a guest blogger tracking her experience as she takes on Jillian Michaels 90 day program, Body Revolution.  Enjoy her latest entry below.

Also check out her cooking blog, http://thelawsofthekitchen.blogspot.com, for interesting and creative kitchen adventures!

From Madeline:

This morning I did Phase 1 Workout 1 for the LAST TIME! I am 2 workouts away from being DONE with week 2!!

Phase 1 Workout 1 is TOUGH. I had to really push this morning to get through it, and I wanted to share what did get me through it:

In one of the dvds, Jillian says something to the extent of “if you constantly remind yourself of the ‘why?’ then you can get through any amount of the ‘how?’” Basically, she’s saying if you have an end goal and you constantly remind yourself of it, how you get there will be less of a struggle. With a goal in mind, you can push yourself through these tough workouts because you know where you want it to lead you.

My “why?” is twofold: 1. I want to look great on my wedding day – those pictures last a lifetime – and; 2. I want to reach my ultimate size/weight goal that I have been hovering near for almost 2 years. Those “whys?” are all I need to push just a little harder through these workouts.

Just wanted to share! Hope everyone is having a great week.

GUEST Blogger Madeline has completed Week One: 11 More to Go!

Week One: Done! 11 More to Go!

I have officially finished the first week of Body Revolution. So far, so good! I’m not sick of the videos yet, which is good. I think by the end of next week, I’ll be ready for a change, which will be perfect because I move on to Phase 1 Workouts 3 and 4. 

Overall, I’m loving it so far. I think if you had never worked out before, these dvds would be VERY difficult. I’m working up a good sweat, and I feel great when they are done. I love having a schedule to follow – it keeps me on track!

I’ve been tracking my diet as well. I post a lot of really tasty things on my blog (thelawsofthekitchen.blogspot.com), but I have the same breakfast every morning (2 scrambled eggs, 1 apple) and usually the same lunch every afternoon (spinach salad with onion, tomato, cucumber, pine nuts, reduced fat feta cheese and red wine vinegar with a little olive oil). Between that, healthy dinner choices, and this workout series, I think I will be looking great on wedding day!

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I am going to jump in here and mention that Madeline and I back to backed the 2nd strength video and the cardio and we had a great workout. I agree that 2-3 of the cardio moves would be a really great challenge for the beginner exerciser and would add that there is no shame in utilizing the pause button or taking a ten second breather if you cannot catch your breath.

These videos just cruise by too, it reminds me somewhat of how I like to train clients. No breaks, lots of variety.

Thanks again to Madeline for test driving JM's bod-DAY revolution!

GUEST BLOGGER! Madeline versus. Jillian Michaels

Hi All!

My name is Madeline, and I am Beth’s friend/neighbor. I am definitely NOT a personal trainer – just your average law student who loves staying in shape. Beth asked me to try out Jillian Michael’s Body Revolution program and blog about it, which I am happy to do as I am getting married in less than 4 months!

A little about me: 2 years ago, I was 40 pounds heavier. I lost all my weight with a serious diet change and exercise videos. The book that changed my food perspective is called “French Women Don’t get Fat,” which sounds really awful, but it’s all about eating clean, healthy foods with no additives or preservatives. I started a cooking blog (thelawsofthekitchen.blogspot.com) that features ways to make (mostly) healthy and delicious foods at home. 

Exercise videos are a must for me. For some reason, if I have to go somewhere to exercise, it seems a million times harder. Working out at home is a great way to save time, and if you can find videos you like, it’s even better. Through workout videos, I’ve gotten into pretty good shape. I promise to be honest about what I find difficult in these videos, and what I do not.

Enough about me and onto Jillian! Full disclosure: she is NOT my favorite workout video person. She can be really abrasive and sometimes it seems that she forgets that people are watching these videos over and over again. That being said, I’m really excited to try her new program.

Body Revolution is a 90-day program that goes through 3 phases. Basically, you do 2 strength videos twice a week, and 1 cardio video twice a week. Your cardio video changes once a month, and your strength videos change every two weeks! I LOVE this idea – I get bored with workouts really quickly, so I think changing it up every two weeks will be perfect for me (and hopefully you, too!). The best part: each video is only 30 minutes. For some reason, 30 minutes once a day 6 days per week sounds super reasonable to me. I’m crazy busy, but I can squeeze in 30 minutes a day, and so can you!

Today I did Phase 1 Workout 1. To be honest, I was expecting it to be a breeze for me. It’s the beginning of the series – how hard could it be?

Um, really hard. 

I was able to get through the entire 30 minutes without stopping, but my muscles were shaking pretty hard by the end. She uses free weights (I used 6 pound weights throughout), and focuses on your abs, shoulders, and quads. She managed to make me feel like I got a GREAT workout in 30 minutes. My shoulders were screaming by the end, which I love. Isn’t it great to feel the muscles you’re working?! 

Cons: I really do not have anything bad to say about this one! Jillian is way more aware that people have to do this video over and over again, and she’s way less annoying than usual. 

Pros: This video hits some great problem areas, particularly the front of the shoulder. She gives great modifications throughout – ways to make the exercise harder, and ways to make it easier. I also love that she incorporates some yoga poses – she has you hold plank for about 30 seconds and warrior 2 for about 30 seconds. Both are very challenging, but it’s a great way for you to catch your breath mid-circuit without taking a break. 

Overall: loved it! This video really made me look forward to the rest of the program. If she starts this hard, I can tell I’m only going to get stronger over the next few months. Can’t wait!