30 Day Shred

It's no secret that I've been taking my fitness a lot more seriously in 2011.  I originally started working out in 2010 with some coworkers because I didn't want to gain weight.  One of the benefits of keeping fit is that my weight has essentially stayed the same since January.  I haven't weighed this little since I cut my calories substantially a few years ago.  There are many more benefits from working out than just maintaining a goal weight, such as the endorphin rush after a good workout and being able to lift things I couldn't dream of lifting last year.  I carried a 56 pound box all by myself on Monday, and can actually help my boyfriend lift super heavy things, like a bbq or couch.

Unfortunately, where I live, I haven't been able to find a gym nearby that doesn't require me to sign a contact for two years.  Two years is a long time to commit, and who knows if we'll be living in the same apartment next year.  The apartment building I live in has a gym with plenty of weights, but when it comes to cardio all it offers is a stairmaster (which is awesome), an elliptical that squeaks and the worst exercise bike in existence.  I go for runs outside, but I miss the structure of the boot camp classes I used to attend at my old gym.

I was reading a fitness blog the other day (I can't remember which one unfortunately), and the writer mentioned that she tried Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred and was noticing results.  I was curious about it since it has over a hundred 5 star reviews on amazon, and since it was only $10 at Chapters I picked it up.

The DVD offers three different levels of difficulty.  All three levels are split into 5 sections: a 2 minute warm up, 3 6 minute circuits, and a 2 minute cool down.  Each circuit consists of 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs.  There are NO breaks in this workout.

I started off by trying level 1.  Level 1 is a decent challenge.  I was feeling good throughout the entire workout, and at the end I was covered in sweat.  It's a great starting level, especially if some of the strength training moves are new to you.  I highly recommend wearing sneakers for this workout.  I started barefoot and had to pause the dvd quickly to throw on some shoes. 

Since I was feeling pretty good afterwards, I decided to try level 2.  Level 2 is much more challenging compared to level 1.  There is one move that I couldn't do.  Holding hand weights, you have your palms facing outwards.  Then you squat down and do a V-lift with the weights.  I don't know why I couldn't do it, but my arms just aren't strong enough.  In any case, there is a significant difference between the levels.  Needless to say, I didn't try level 3 yet, but I plan to tomorrow.

When I first bought this dvd I was skeptical about the 20 minute workouts.  However, after 20 minutes you will feel like you worked out for an hour.  I think if you did one of these levels every day, you would notice a significant difference in your body.  I don't know if I can do it every day right now (since my parents are visiting for the weekend), but I can definitely fit in 20 minutes before or after work.

I will post updates if I notice a huge difference in my body throughout the month.  If you're looking for a cheap workout dvd that won't take up an hour or more of your time, this one is worth the pick up.

Pleased to meet you!

My name is Martina.  I am a 20-something chemist who enjoys fashion, celebrity gossip, yoga, running, and a good book.  I decided to start this blog for two reasons.  The first reason is because in all honesty I am not the most confident person, and having a blog is the best place where I can openly share my opinions.  The second reason is because I spend an incredible amount of time on my laptop reading other blogs and websites, so it was about time I started my own blog.

There are a few things you should know about me:

1.  My favorite magazines are Vogue, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan.  Tim Gunn, Clinton Kelly, and Trinny and Susannah are my style icons.  My favorite celebrity gossip websites are Celebitchy, Lainey Gossip, and Perez Hilton.  I can’t stand the tabloid magazines and refuse to spend money on them, but I will happily read gossip on the web.

2.  I completed my Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry (with first class honors) in 2010.  My specialty is bioanalytical chemistry, with a strong background in separations.  I decided to get a chemistry degree because I really enjoy learning how things work, and it is a great way to get involved in the cosmetics industry, which is my dream.

Wearing my convocation gown.  The shoes I am wearing are Jimmy Choo Quiet Peep Toe Sandals, and were a present from my dad for graduating with honors.

3.  I am addicted to Lululemon.  I bought my first remix hoodie and pair of yoga pants in 2007, and ever since I have been hooked.  The addiction intensified in 2008 when I joined a yoga class that was hosted in my apartment building.  Currently, I own at least 30 items of clothing, along with 5 headbands, a black manduka yoga mat and a namaste yoga tote.  I can honestly say I have worn every item many times, so at least I’m not spending money on something that just sits in my closet.  I was very excited to visit the Lululemon Lab a few weeks ago in Vancouver, and now that I will be living there in a few months I’m sure my Lululemon collection will continue to grow.

Standing in front of the Lululemon Lab in Vancouver, BC.  I am wearing my Lululemon movement jacket.

4.  I am actively working on my fitness, and my goal is to be able to run a 10K race next year.  I got serious about my fitness a year ago, and I make a strong effort to attend a yoga class and go for a run outside every week (running on a treadmill doesn’t even compare).  Ideally I would like to work out 5 times/week, but I will admit that goal does not always happen.

I hope you enjoy my blog!