Day 16, Level 2

Oblique twists kill me every time.
That is all.
--Ashley A. at 9:35pm

*****
We're in the middle of a monsoon here folks! In Arkansas! Seriously, I'm not kidding. It's been raining for days with no end in sight. Of course that doesn't have any affect on "The Shred" but it did put a damper on my outdoor cardio this morning. I was actually really upset that Stella and I didn't get to put in our three miles. I feel really accomplished when we do.
So as usual, "The Shred" sucked. But I toughed it out and tried really hard not to be a big weenie. After reading Sarah's post this morning about modifying the chair squat with a V raise or lift or total hell, whatever Jillian wants to call it, I thought "Wow! What a great idea!" Because at that point in the routine I have all but given up. So I set down the weights just on that one move and did the chair squats only. It was still really hard girls! But like always, when it was over I felt great.
And a note to all you ladies complaining about the sweat...I am actually happy to be working up a sweat. It makes me shower everyday which is not normal for me. I admit it...I have three kids and I stay home and the husband works weird hours. Showers are hard to come by. But now I have a routine. I put Stella baby down for nap, do "The Shred" and shower really quick before she wakes up.
--Ashley S. at 9:33pm

*****
Jillian is much kinder on our DVD players than she is on the Biggest Loser, huh?  Holy f-bombs flying out of her mouth last night (along with some spittle).  She's scary!  (Who else is watching this season of The Biggest Loser?)
I am actually liking Level 2!  I can do most of the workout with Natalie, so I feel strong and capable.  Except that chair sit and V-raise.  So this morning, Paula and I modified it by not using any weights and focusing on our chair squats.  It was a great lower body workout on its own.  I didn't feel guilty b/c Level 2 is a LOT of arm exercises anyway.
We're over halfway done, September Shredders!
--Sarahviz at 9:13am

*****
Today was much better for me. I was crazy and went to Pilates with a friend last night. I have always been a Pilates/Yoga girl... and boy am I glad I went. I was able to stretch out my sore muscles and also got to do some great ab work. I think that is part of the problem... lack of stretching. I do feel that the 2 minute cool down at the end is NOT enough. I added some more stretches this morning.
I am loving the plank poses and even the military press with leg lift but really can't do the V raises and squats. Well, no more than a few. At a time. I will keep plugging away. Though with my knee pain I am getting extremely nervous about Level 3!!
--Jenn at 8:15am

*****
Fellow Shredders: I think this was the hardest I've pushed myself to date. Just like Jillian says, I feel like I am going to die. I hope that I am able to lift my arms soon because we really need to stock up on groceries and I don't think I could lift a gallon of milk right now.
P.S. OMG does the sweating ever stop? Gross!
--Sarah at 6:36am