Ripped in 30, day 25

So I haven't technically hit 30 days, but I'm officially done with this workout routine.  I have laughed, cried, and almost vomited AND IT WAS WORTH EVER SECOND!!  This has honestly been the best workout I have ever done.  Although I didn't lose any weight (as a matter of fact, I gained muscle weight) I'm really happy with the results.  I could have had even better results  if I would have been as strict as Jillian Michaels recommended.  For this program, she recommends working out 5-6 days a week.  I only did 4 days a week and this final week I only did 3 because of back pain.  She also gives you a great diet plan, which I didn't follow.  My diet is pretty good, but I know I would have been even more toned if I had followed through with Jillian's recommendations.  Overall, here's the most important parts to take home about this workout:

• always stretch before you press play if you want  less muscle soreness - there were only a brief few minutes of dynamic stretching at the beginning of each workout which I just didn't feel was enough
• if you're not at least somewhat in shape, this workout is probably not for you.  Jillian is known for being tough and she did not fail to bring the pain with this DVD.  I would categorize almost all of her moves and exercises as advanced.  Although this workout does show a "beginner" modification, most of the exercises will likely prove difficult if you're out of shape
• if you're looking to shed those last few pesky pounds, this DVD is for you!
• if you're looking for a quick shred, this DVD is for you!

Here it is,  before and after!  Thanks for reading!

Ripped in 30, day 24

Well, I should be sitting here drenched in sweat telling you how much I hate  love Jillian Michaels, but instead, I'm sitting here with an ice pack on my back.  I hurt my back several years ago working at a hospital and every once in awhile the ache just flares up.  With my makeup honeymoon only being 3 days away, I decided not to risk further injuring my back and likely ruining a trip to the beach!  Normally, I would suck it up and push through, but backs are no joke.  Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow because I would like to be able to finish week 4's workout.  Regardless of what happens, I feel like there's a noticeable difference in my muscles so I'm happy about that.  Stay tuned for my end of Ripped in 30 review!

Nice car...

Ok, I'm not a Bieber fan, but an all chrome Karma??  DAAAAMMMMNNNNN, dude has great taste in vehicles!!

Ripped in 30, day 23

Just wrapped up week 4, day 2 of Ripped in 30 and I feel GREAT!  Today was super stressful at work so it felt amazing to sweat out the anger.  I had zero soreness and the workout absolutely flew by.  I'm serious, it felt like the whole routine was over in 10 minutes.  Just because it flew by, doesn't mean it was easy though...I'm still drenched in sweat and all my muscles are exhausted!  I can't wait to finish this week up and hopefully see some results!  I'll be posting the after picture in just a few days :)

Ripped in 30, day 22

This was the first time that I've been able to make it to week 4 of Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30...  Remember all last week when I was saying week 3 was the hardest workout that I've ever done??  Well, week 3 was easy compared to week 4!  I had many emotions running through me during this routine, from being tired, to wanting to cry, to feeling like I was going to puke.  Each move is so advanced and required a lot of coordination, so I didn't make it through each set without stopping and trying to figure out where my feet were supposed to be.  Hopefully tomorrow will prove better.  Jillian Michaels did throw in some power yoga which my body very much appreciated.  Power yoga really works up a sweat, but isn't as high impact as all of her other exercises.  Now, I need to gather my strength so I can get ready to go to work...sigh...

Marital Bliss...

I still can't watch this video without crying.  I love you Stephanie!!

Ripped in 30, day 18

Alright, who told Jillian that I skipped my workout yesterday?! My glutes are angry at me and I don't think I've ever sweat this much in my life!  It took all of my energy to get through today's routine.  I'm not sure if it was because I was a slug yesterday, or if it's because my body is just tired. Ripped in 30 is no joke!  I'm excited that I only have one more day for week 3...but I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to week 4.  So far, Jillian Michaels has made each week progressively harder...I guess we'll see.