Ripped in 30, day 1

That's it, I'm doing it...again.  I realized today that in 4 weeks, Stephanie and I will be on a beach and I'm not pleased with how my body looks right now.  Before I broke my thumb, I was in really good shape.  Now, I haven't been in the gym for over 2 months and I feel like a slug.  I know, I know, some of you will be like, "Oh, 2 months without going to the gym?  Asshole."  But honestly, the gym is just as beneficial for me mentally as it is physically.  When I don't work out, I'm grumpy and tired.  I need to sweat for a de-streeser.

So I'm going to start Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30.  I made it through 3 of the 4 weeks for this workout last year, but had to quit due to an illness.  I was really happy with the results the first time, so I'm going to give it another go...only this time, I'll blog along the way.  Every time I want to try a new workout, I always want to read a REAL review written by someone who has actually done the workout.  So if there's anyone out there who has wanted to try this program, follow me and I'll give you my take on it everyday!

After doing the workout today, I realize that I had forgotten how hard this was!  There should be a disclaimer that you have to be at least a little in shape to start this program.   Jillian does provide a "beginner" version, but to me, its still going to be difficult for anyone that hasn't worked out before.  But then again, if a DVD promises you'll be "Ripped in 30", it can't be easy.  If you are a true beginner, I would recommend listening to your body for at least the first couple workouts and take water and stretching breaks.  She does have a few minutes of "dynamic stretching" and warm up in the beginning, but I personally, would have liked to have a longer stretching period.  This routine is only 20 minutes so I can always stretch longer on my own before pressing play.

Here are a couple pictures of me, day 1

I could use some toning up.  And now I'm going to go soak my muscles in a hot bath...