My 30-Day Jillian Michaels Challenge!

I just started Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred last March 2, which means that if I keep this up every day, my 30th day will be on March 31. I've only done three workouts so far, but I'd like to believe I'm already seeing a change in my arms—aside from that Salonpas slapped across my aching bicep. Hah!

The program is essentially a circuit training program that incorporates three rounds of a three-minute strength workout, a two-minute cardio workout, and a one-minute ab workout. Including the warm-up and cool-down, it's approximately a thirty-minute workout...perfect for me to squeeze in after I arrive from the office and just before dinnertime. That leaves me the rest of the evening to relax!

I'm fairly an experienced exerciser, but strength training has always been my weakest point. I'm not at all surprised that my muscles were sore following the strength procedures, but I managed the cardio sessions with ease. I love that Jillian teaches complex strength procedures (working out different areas simultaneously instead of isolated exercises), which not only saves time, but also maximizes the workout.

Jillian also says in the videos that I'm not supposed to "phone it in" and follow each procedure to the letter. But I'm afraid I've had to make a few concessions. Since I only have a pair of 5 lb dumbbells, I've had to use just one dumbbell instead of two in a few of the workouts. I did try it initially with both dumbbells, but I couldn't take it, especially not with my injury. I'd also rather be careful about my form and not risk injuring myself.

I'm honestly not expecting dramatic results because I really don't have that much weight to lose anymore, but I'd be happy to get rid of some of this extra flab on my arms, butt, and tummy, in just thirty minutes of exercise a day...a refreshing change from my boring hour-long cardio routines. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday's workout
- Level 1 of Jillian Michaels' 30-Day Shred with 5 lb dumbbells

Tuesday's meals
Breakfast: Peanut butter sandwich on 100% whole-grain bread, coffee with low-fat milk
Mid-morning snack: 1/2 whole-wheat pan de sal with peanut butter and blackberry preserves, unsweetened green tea
Lunch: Chicken meatballs in sweet and sour sauce, brown rice
Afternoon snack: 1/2 whole-wheat pan de sal with peanut butter and blackberry preserves, unsweetened green tea
Dinner: Whole wheat spaghetti with olive oil, sundried tomatoes, garlic, basil, pine nuts, mushrooms, parmesan

Wednesday's meals
Breakfast: Corn muffin, coffee with low-fat milk
Lunch: Whole wheat spaghetti with olive oil, sundried tomatoes, garlic, basil, pine nuts, mushrooms, parmesan
Dinner: Breaded garlic parmesan cream dory, vegetable lumpia, brown rice
Dessert: Chocolate banana "ice cream"

Thursday's meals
Breakfast: Fried egg, whole wheat pan de sal, pain au chocolat, coffee with low-fat milk
Lunch: Breaded garlic parmesan cream dory, brown rice
Snack: Vegetable lumpia
Dinner: Korean pork barbecue, spicy Japanese eggplant, brown rice