Ripped in 30- Day 30

We made it!! It's day 30 of Ripped in 30 with Jillian Michaels. After all the sweat and tears we made it through. Congratulations on a job well done! 

It's been a long 30 days but I have never felt so empowered and accomplished in my life. I finally stuck to something and finished it to the end. Although I am extremely proud of myself and everyone who has done this as well, I know that it's just the beginning. Just because these 30 days are over does not mean that you can go back to your old ways. These 30 days have shown you that it is possible to stay active and live a healthy lifestyle everyday for the rest of your life. It's not intimidating to think that anymore, it can be done!

This experience has inspired new lifestyle goals:

- Start running in the spring and train for a small marathon
- Eat cleaner and healthier everyday
- Get at least 20 minutes of exercise a day
- Get outside more!

The physical results that I have seen while doing this workout DVD:

- My arms are MUCH more toned
- My abs are a lot more defined
- My legs have more muscle and definition

The only only problem I still have is my glutes/saddlebags. That is my problem area and I will struggle with it for the rest of my life but everyone has one! I'm hoping after I start running and walking more I will get rid of the problem. 

I'm so excited to finally be physically fit and healthy. I hope you have enjoyed following me on this ride and have also seen some great results from this experience! Just remember to get up tomorrow and start the next 30 days of your life off the same way you started the last 30 days:)

Ripped in 30- Day 29

Today I took a break from the week 4 video in Ripped in 30 and did level 3 in Killer Buns and Thighs. I also did a few arm exercises with 5 pound weights after words, and about 1 minute of abs.

I hope you're feeling as good as I am after this full month of exercise! Theres still snow on the ground right now but I can't stop thinking about summer now. When spring comes along, I'm going to take my new active lifestyle outside and enjoy the fresh air. This is going to be a great year I ca feel it!

Tomorrow is the last day of the Ripped in 30 challenge! Go all out and end it on the highest note possible but most importantly enjoy it.

Ripped in 30- Day 28

I did the week 4 workout this morning! I'm feeling pretty good now. The exercises are finally getting a bit easier to do now. The only thing that I really have a hard time with is cardio. It's really hard to do it bare foot and in a little spot in your living room. I think it would be much easier to accomplish if I had proper footwear on and I was outside. BUT there was a huge snow storm last night and that's just not going to happen. I tried my hardest to get through it and I did so I'm happy.

There are only 2 days left so keep going and don't give up now you've come too far! Just get in the zone!!

Ripped in 30- Day 27

There are only 3 days left! I'm so happy with the results that I have been seeing with this DVD. I definitely recommend it to anyone trying to get in shape for bikini season or even just to feel great about yourself! I'm really proud of my accomplishments. Before this exercise DVD I was unable to do pushups or lift heavier objects. This was a problem last year when I helped my mom move from one house to another. I was assigned the task of "watching the moving truck" while I watched everyone else move furniture. Now I feel like I could actually be an asset to a friend in need rather than an embarrassment. To be honest, I never thought I would want to have toned arms but now that I have them it's amazing to think how I managed going through life being so weak before! I don't have giant ugly man arms, I just have muscle definition. That was always a worry of mine but worry no more I look just fine!

Last night I was so stressed out about things going on in my life but I got up this morning and worked my butt off with level 4. Working out always makes you feel better, even if you don't want to do it and you procrastinate, you will feel amazing after you do. It gives you a sense of accomplishment that you need to boost your confidence.

In 3 days we will have accomplished something huge and you should be extremely proud of yourself!

Ripped in 30- Day 26

Today was a super busy day so I didn't get a chance to do the Ripped in 30 workout. I did however work up a sweat today by doing various exercises I feel bring results fast. I do these exercises when I know I have too much on my plate that day and only have a limited time to work out. Most of these exercises I have taken from Jillian Michaels DVDs. I think it's necessary for everyone to find exercises that are right for you in this very instance. Play around with a few and over time see which ones bring the best results for your body type. I like to do my exercises right before I get in the shower and start my day because I still work up a sweat and get my heart rate up.

Tomorrow morning there are no excuses though! It's almost day 30 of ripped in 30 so in crunch time!!

Ripped in 30- Day 25

This morning I dragged myself out of bed and did the week 4 workout for the second time. I hope my arms won't be burning as bad as they were last time as of tomorrow morning! I think I will try my best to workout at this level again tomorrow.

Today I was faced with temptation when I went to a fast food restaurant with friends. Instead of eating there, I waited until I got home to have a healthy lunch. I wasn't going to throw away all my hard work!  I find it's much easier to say no to unhealthy food if you start the day off right and have a good breakfast. If I eat an apple in the morning I find I eat healthier for the rest of the day because I then have a taste for clean and fresh food. Try it yourself! 

Ripped in 30- Day 24

When I woke up this morning my arms were so sore from all the push ups involved in the week 4 workout! Instead of pushing them to the breaking point I decided to switch it up and do level 3 of Killer Buns and Thighs instead to balance myself out. Now my whole body is killing me! It's a good feeling though.

Hopefully tomorrow I will feel better and be able to try out the week 4 workout again. It's definitely the most difficult week but we can do it! We've come so far so we can't quit now. You can do it!!!:)

Ripped in 30- Day 23

I did it! I got through the week 4 workout. If you are worried about it being difficult, you are right to do so. It would be virtually impossible to start with this workout before gradually working through the other 3 first. These exercises are very complex. I needed to watch her move through them a couple times before I attempted them myself. I did get through most of them, but there are a few that I know I will have to work on:

Pushups with a dumbbell raise
and
Supermans with a dumbbell raise out in front

These two exercises are tough! But I know I can do them and you can too. It's week 4, surprise yourself!

Ripped in 30- Day 22

Well I missed a day again but this time I'm going to pretend it didn't happen and continue on as day 22. In theory, I was supposed to start level 4 today but I really wanted to do level 3 one last time. Tomorrow morning I will start level 4! Oh my gosh I can't believe I'm there already. It's been really tough trying to get this workout in everyday and that's okay. You don't have to do this workout everyday you just need to do it more days in the week than not in order to see good results. That's why I've been pushing for 6 or 7 days a week. It's hard but it's worth it. It also takes a few days to get used to each new level which is why I'm nervous to start level 4. I wanted to make sure I really had a handle on level 3 before I advanced, and after today's workout I think I'm ready!

Bring it on level 4! 

Ripped in 30- Day 21

Well it's the end of day 21 and I'm sitting down after an unexpected workout tonight to watch the end of The Biggest Loser. I woke up today completely drained of energy. It was raining outside, I had a serious migraine, and I just did not feel like working out. I did however, eat plenty of healthy fruits and veggies during the day. When I started watching The Biggest Loser, it gave me that inspirational spark I needed to get off the couch and start moving. I began doing a few little exercises and within 15 minutes it turned into a full blown workout. I stepped away from the television momentarily, to join my mom in doing the week 3 workout. Just seeing her work out made me want to get moving so I did almost the whole workout despite feeling horrible! Now I'm really glad I got it out of the way.

Having a family member do this challenge with me has been very helpful. We push each other for greatness and pick each other up when we fall. It is SO much easier to do this when you have a friend or family member do it with you. I highly 100% recommend it. And if you don't have anyone that can go on the journey with you, that's what I'm here for. I'll be your friend when you need someone to lean on. I'm right here! I'm working out with you:)

Keep it going guys, week 30 is just around the corner!

Ripped in 30- Day 20

It's day 20 and I'm feeling awesome! Minus the fact that today is the beginning of daylight savings and I woke up late. That wasn't good but I still had time to get my workout in! Today I did the week 3 workout and finished with a few extra exercises for my glutes. I want them to be rock hard by the spring and I think I might achieve that even sooner.

I recently discovered a great exercise for your glutes that doesn't require any equipment. The picture bellow is an example of this exercise with the use of a light weight, but I chose to do it without. I can't figure out the proper name for it so I'll just call them glute curls. Go down on all fours and lift your leg up as high as you can while keeping your leg curled and squeeze your butt! Bring the leg down and push up once again. Then rep it out for 20 reps. You will feel it, trust me...and if not add the weight behind your knee like in the picture bellow for extra resistance. You can also choose to keep your arms planted and straight, or keep them bent to work your arms at the same time.

Try it yourself!

Ripped in 30- Day 19

Today I woke up earlier than usual and decided to take advantage of the extra time and do the Ripped in 30 week 3 video of course! I pushed myself harder than last time and by the end of it my legs were screaming. I love when my legs are sore the next day because it shows that I really tried hard. SO I hope they are tomorrow!

I have also been continuing with a few leg exercises on the ball and with the resistance band after the video workout. I want my glutes to have the best possible results so it's important to me to make sure I do a separate small workout just for them! I think it's starting to really show.

I live in Canada and it's the end of winter so there is still quite a lot of snow on the ground, but once it warms up a bit I plan to start running at least once a week. I have always wanted to run a small marathon, but I could never run more than a mile (or even a kilometer). This new fitness kick that I have has inspired me to achieve some of those life long dreams I have. I want to be able to run at least
3-5 kilometers without stopping and I think it can be done. I can't wait to start this spring! 

Ripped in 30- Day 17&18

I missed a day! I can't believe I did that. Oh well, it happens. I wasn't near a computer for most of the day yesterday so unfortunately I forgot to post for day 17. Yesterday I went out to shop around for a bit so that was my workout for the day.

Today however, I'm back on track! I woke up early and did the week 3 workout along with a few extra leg and glute exercises. I followed up with a healthy breakfast of strawberries with yogurt and peanut butter toast. I feel much better now that I have my workout out of the way. It may be difficult to force yourself out of bed and pick up those weights but I promise you will be glad you did. After everyday that you do this, you will get stronger and more motivated. Soon you won't need to force yourself, you will crave it and jump out of bed in the morning!

Keep up the good work:)

Ripped in 30- Day 16

It's day 2 of week 3 of Ripped in 30! How is everyone doing up to this point? It's getting tough. I definitely find it easier to do these workouts first thing in the morning when I'm fresh. If you wait until later in the day you will be more likely to back out at the last minute. I have been setting my alarm for 9:45am every morning and go straight down to my living room to kick butt!

Today I have been trying my best to eat healthy! I had lots of fruits and veggies today and I'm feeling good. My energy level is much higher and I just want to go out and do things all the time! My confidence has also been boosted and my anxieties are dwindling. That's what happens when you get active and eat right! I can't tell you how much it has improved my lifestyle. I hope it does the same for you:)

Ripped in 30- Day 15

Last night I got off the couch and started week 3! I wasn't going to do a workout yesterday but I changed my mind and went for it. It was tough! This weeks video is all about the legs. They were on fire last night. I may do it again tonight but I'm not 100% sure yet. I will do some kind of workout today though and then try the week 3 video again tomorrow morning.

Today is a good day I can feel it! Put on a brave face and go out there and rule the day:)

Ripped in 30- Day 14

I feel horrible today! For that reason I'm taking it easy. I've worked out everyday this week and I'm really happy I was able to push myself to do so.

I did do a few exercises with the exercise band for my arms and a few bridges for my glutes so I'm not completely incapable today. If I feel better tonight, I will definitely do a serious workout because it is after all, the end of week 2 and I would like to finish the week strong.

Don't give up! We're halfway through and I bet you're staring to feel amazing. Remember this feeling and take it with you through the rest of your life.

Ripped in 30- Day 13

Worked out again today! I'm starting to find this weeks video a bit easier which means I'm going to have to bump up to the next video soon. I'll do it for one more day and then start week 3.

Today, after I did week two's video, I did a few exercises on the exercise ball because I didn't feel like I worked my legs hard enough. I did about 40 bridges on each leg while balancing the foot on the exercise ball. (See picture bellow)

This exercise really hits the spot where your booty meets your leg, and that's the exact spot where my problem area is! I tend the do this exercise a lot. It becomes 3 times harder when you do it on the ball because you are constantly balancing.

I might do this one more time today because it is so effective.

Ripped in 30- Day 12

As promised, I tried out one of Jillian Michaels' recipes on her meal plan for Ripped in 30. I tested the honey lemon marinated chicken breast recipe and it was quite good. Very light and big on flavour. I will definitely make it again! It only took 10 minutes to cook so it was a great meal to have after work (I usually get home around 8 or 9pm). I just marinated it before I left and stuck it in the fridge until I got home.

I also did the week 2 video again this morning and feel ready to go for the rest of the day! It's amazing how much energy I have now compared to when I wasn't exercising. It's also forcing me to get up earlier and I feel like I have more time to get things done.

I'm getting more and more excited for my trip at the end of the month and even bathing suit season! I'll be ready:)

Ripped in 30- Day 11

It's day 11 and I worked my butt off this morning with level 2! I think I'm going to try and do this video everyday for the rest of the week because I'm still having trouble with the plank exercises and I want to be able to do them perfectly at the end of the week so it will be easier to advance to week 3. Although I may not be doing the exercises perfectly yet, I am still starting to see some great definition in my arms that I've never had before! Theres no way that this video will give you the giant muscles that the girls in the background have, but that's a good thing! I don't want big muscles, I just want to be lean and toned.

Tonight I am trying one of her dinner recipes on her meal plan called Honey Lemon Marinated Chicken Breasts. This recipe is for 4 but it's just me tonight so I modified it for 1. It is super easy to make and I have high hopes for it! I am going to slice up the chicken and put it in a baby spinach salad with almonds. Can't wait to try it:)

Ripped in 30- Day 10

Today I shovelled wet snow for half an hour that was left over from the wicked storm that passed through here yesterday. My arms are now killing me so I definitely count that as an upper body work out. I just needed to do my lower body, so I took a break from the Ripped in 30 video today and tried a video I found on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Wjz6lGslo4&list=LLvDlITRM7EWVZWa14uMsu2Q

This woman has a great video with a couple moves you can do at home for inner thighs and glutes. She does 50 reps for each exercise which I didn't have time for today so I lowered it to 25. It still burned!

Tomorrow I'm going to try the video again. Lately, every time I take a break from the video (twice a week at the most) , I have been doing other exercises on those days. SO I have been working out to some level everyday and I feel amazing! I hope you do too!

Ripped in 30- Day 9

I did the week 2 video again today and I'm finding it really difficult. There are a bunch of plank exercises in this video and I hate being in plank! I have really weak arms so it sucks. Although, I seem to recall Jillian Michaels saying that if you're uncomfortable then you're doing it right, soooo I guess I'll just suck it up. Maybe one day I'll love to do plank exercises! I doubt that... 

My arms are sore today and I'm actually happy about that. It means it's working! I'll decide whether or not to do the week 2 workout again tomorrow. I may need a break for a day and continue the day after. It's getting intense people! Don't give up!

Ripped in 30- Day 8 (beginning of week 2)

It's the first day of week 2! I tried the week 2 video on Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 this morning and boy is it difficult. There are a few exercises I had difficulty doing even with the modified version. You definitely feel like you are advancing with this 2nd video. The exercises are getting more difficult and more intense. I think it will take all week to get comfortable with these new moves and I'm okay with that because it's a challenge! I'm going to try my very best and that's all that matters.

Welcome to week 2 and congratulations for making it this far! Keep it up:)

Ripped in 30- Day 7 (end of week 1!)

It's the end of the first week! If you've been following along with me, we did it! It's been a long 7 days and I worked out for 5 of them. That is, I used the video for 5 of them. I do various exercises everyday but nothing as challenging as the Jillian Michaels workouts on my lazy days!

For the 2nd week of Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30, I am going to attempt to work out the recommended  5-6 times a week with this video. I don't know what to expect and to be honest I'm a little nervous but we can do it! I think I am going to try one of her recipes this week so I can review it for everyone who is interested.

We are getting closer to our goal and the results are starting to appear. Don't get discouraged if you don't like what you see yet. You can't change your entire body in a mere 7 days, it takes time, effort, and patience. As much as I do expect results from 30 days of intense workouts, I also understand that it will be a life long commitment to stay in shape. Once these 30 days are over, you have the rest of your life to worry about. BUT take it one day at a time. For now, focus on these next 23 days and try your absolute hardest with every 20 minute workout so you won't have any regrets at the end of day 30. If you push yourself to your limit every time, there is no way you can feel disappointed with the outcome because you know you did your best, and if you aren't satisfied with your body yet, you get back out there and do another 30 day challenge and another until you reach your goal.

Tomorrow is the start of week 2 and I hope you're excited as I am!

Ripped in 30- Day 6

So I just completed the week 1 video this morning for the second last time and I have to admit, I struggled today when using the 5 pound weights in the exercises. I wish I had bought 2 or 3 pound weights as well. I'm pretty sure they do not use 5 pounders in the week 1 video! Anyway, I got through it regardless and I feel good about that.

Tomorrow will be the last day of week 1 and I have decided to finish strong every week and push myself to do the video on the last day of each week. You won't feel as good about yourself if you don't try your absolute best on the last day of each workout!

Push, push, push that's all i can say. Have a wonderful day and keep it up!

Ripped in 30- Day 5

It's day 5! I went out this morning during the time I usually work out and told myself I would do the video tonight after work instead. Well, I came home after standing for 5 hours and my legs are telling me not to do it. I did however just finish doing some of the arm exercises that I remember from the video. Just because your legs are killing you, doesn't mean you can't get a small workout in on another part of the body! There are no excuses.

Tomorrow I am getting up early and putting on the video. I am also making a promise to myself right now that I will also use it on monday. Finish week 1 strong everyone. You can do it!

Ripped in 30- Day 4

It's time to get back on track! After my day of rest yesterday, I was craving exercise once more. Today I continued with week 1 on Ripped in 30. Because I am now using 5 pound weights to do the exercises I found it much more difficult to get through the video. I can barely lift my arms straight out in front of me and out to the sides. Hopefully I will be able to more easily by the last day of the week 1 workout. If you are wondering what weight you should be using in these exercises, I would suggest 3 pounds for the exercises I listed above and you can use 5 pounds for most of the other exercises.

We're more than half-way through the first week people! It's going to get harder but we are slowly making progress and you should be excited! It's only a matter of time before you have the body and mentality that you've always wanted. Push yourself as hard as you can so you get results you're proud of. To reach your full potential you need to push!

Have an amazing day and don't forget to eat your fruits and veggies:)

Ripped in 30- Day 3

Soooo my legs are on fire and I had a busy day so I took a break from the DVD today. I did go and buy some 5 pound weights for some of the exercises in the week 1 video so I'll be all set for tomorrow! I'm really excited to use them.

Is anyone else doing the 30 day challenge? How difficult are you finding it?

Ripped in 30- Day2

I think I may have underestimated the week 1 video. My legs are burning! So for that reason I will not be combining videos today. I am going to stick with Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30-week 1. This has happened to me in the past where I thought I would be disappointed with the results of a workout because it seemed too easy. The last time was at a yoga class. After a 45 minute class I seemed fine! I didn't even break a sweat. However, the next day I woke up and my entire body was aching in pain. Don't underestimate the power of yoga, it is harder than it looks.

I forgot to mention the meal plan that goes along with this DVD. It is not actually inside the DVD case nor is it on the actual DVD, it is online. You don't even need to purchase the DVD to view the entire meal plan for free. Just visit her website here: http://www.jillianmichaels.com/fit/ripped-in-30-dvd-meal-plan and download the PDF for free. I have decided not to follow the meal plan because I don't need to lose weight, if anything I need to gain it by putting on muscle. I am following this challenge for that reason. I want to be toned and feel energized by day 30.

I did look through the meal plan though, and I am very impressed. She gives you a breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner option for everyday of the 30 day challenge. At the bottom of the meal plan there are recipes for every meal she mentioned previously. Even if they are as simple as two eggs and toast, she explains what kind of eggs you should be eating and what kind of bread you should look for. I will definitely be keeping this PDF and possibly try a few of these recipes. She knows what she's talking about, so if you're looking to lose weight or even to start eating healthier, I suggest you use her meal plan for the best results possible. If you want to look your best, you have to join diet and exercise, otherwise you will never reach your body's true potential.

Ripped in 30- Day 1

I have decided to take the Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30 challenge! Now, for the past year I have been using Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs and I am very impressed with the results. About a month ago I finally worked my way up to level 3 and now I can get through the whole work out with no problem!

I decided to try the Ripped in 30 DVD because I am going on a weekend getaway in a month that will more than likely involve swimming and obviously I want to look the best I can! Wouldn't you?

Today was the first day of week 1 and because I have already been working out really hard for the past 2 months, I found Jillian Michaels Ripped in 30-Week 1 quite easy. However, if I started using this video a year ago when I wasn't active at all, this entry level would have killed me. I still broke a sweat though!

Because I found it a bit on the easy side, I have decided to step it up and combine this weeks workout from Ripped in 30 with level 3 of Killer Buns and Thighs. This should be interesting to say the least! A year ago, I would never in a million years attempt this but thanks to her videos I have really changed my outlook on being active and I feel amazing and much more energized!

There are also a few other exercise materials (or pieces of equipment) that I have been using to get in shape that include: 15 pound weights, an exercise ball, a home gym for arms, and a resistance band. I use them usually while I watch T.V. and want a light workout instead of using an exercise DVD.

I'm hoping that the levels in Ripped in 30 get increasingly more intense so I don't have to combine workouts, and knowing her, I'm sure she will deliver! I'm looking forward to getting ripped in 30!

1 Week Exercise Challenge: Saturday

Today is the last day of my 1 week challenge. I hope everyone has achieved or gotten closer to achieving their goals! I unfortunately cannot do 20 push ups in a row yet but I am very pleased with my progress. Today I did 11 in a row, took a break and went on to complete another 9 to make 20. I then went on to do 20 "girl" push ups in a row. My arms are on fire now! It's awesome:)

After 1 week of exercising, I feel much more motivated and strong. I am also much more flexible and even ambitious. I love making these challenges for myself because it gives me something to look forward to. If you want any kind of positive results in your life, you need to set goals and live by them.

This week I want to set the same goal of completing 20 push ups. If I do not complete this goal, it's okay, I will try again next week and the week after that. Don't give up! Sometimes it takes longer than you expect to get where you want to be but don't get discouraged. One day you will get there if you want it bad enough and you will feel like you're on top of the world.

1 Week Exercise Challenge: Friday

Today I completed level 3 on Jillian Michael's Killer Buns and Thighs! I feel invincible right now and it's great. I hope if you are doing this challenge that you are beginning to feel the same way. After my workout, I had some healthy snacks which made me feel even better. I don't feel as tired anymore, and I have boosted my energy level by at least double in the last 6 days. Tomorrow is the last day of the challenge and I am planning on really pushing myself completely out of my comfort zone. I want to see what I am capable of achieving.

The whole point of this challenge is not only to make yourself stronger physically, but mentally as well. When you exercise you release endorphins that make you feel amazing and when you feel amazing about yourself, you're more likely to pursue more of your goals. After this challenge I am planning on starting a new one week challenge with a new set of goals because now I know I am 100% capable of doing so!

Good luck tomorrow and think of a new challenge for yourself!

1 Week Exercise Challenge: Thursday

Today I stepped it up and used an exercise machine. I worked on my arms by doing butterflies, chest presses, and pull-downs. For my legs I did leg extensions. After using the exercise machine, I did some exercises that use your own body weight to sculpt your figure. I did scissor lunges with a hop, leg lifts, and single leg bridges.

Yesterday I managed to do 10 push ups in a row, which is a big jump from my previous 5. I am very happy about that! I am about to try to beat that record.

There are only two days left until the end of my challenge and I am going all out. I may even try the expert level on Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs! Don't hold back people, you can do this. Just keep your head in the game. I am starting to feel much healthier and happier. I feel like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. I hope you do too.

1 Week Exercise Challenge: Wednesday

Today I cheated. I feel bad about it but I did. Today, as my exercise I walked in the mall for 2 hours while I shopped. The reason why I feel bad is because this physical activity does not meet the standards   I set for myself at the beginning of the week. It's still an activity but I know I won't be feeling the burn tomorrow like I have the last few days. Although, it's still much better than sitting around on the couch not moving at all!

To make up for it I am going to attempt to do 10 solid pushups before I go to bed and rest up for a better day tomorrow. So far I have been stuck on the sad number of 5 pushups. In order to meet my goal of 20 in a row by Saturday, I need to leave my comfort zone and push past 5. I know I can do it!

1 Week Exercise Challenge: Tuesday

Happy New Year Everyone! For most people today would be one of the toughest days to motivate yourself to workout. You probably stayed up all night and partied hard. Theres nothing wrong with having a little fun! But, today is the beginning of a new year and you want to start it off well, right? So don't even think about lying around all day. Pull yourself together and squeeze in a thirty minute workout.

Today I woke up and didn't feel like I could do a whole workout, but as I started moving I felt much better and managed to get through level 1 of Jillian Michaels Killer Buns and Thighs from start to finish. Now don't be fooled, it may be level 1 but this DVD is intermediate to advanced and even level 1 is tough! When you really don't feel up for a workout, start with something easy and see if how you feel afterwards. You may have more energy than you thought. Push yourself a little! You won't know what you're really capable of until you try something new.

This year I didn't have any alcohol to celebrate New Year's Eve and today I woke up feeling much better an previous years when I did. I find alcohol to be quite unnecessary and I would rather be feeling excited and energized for the first day of 2013 than nauseated and defeated. A glass of wine here and there is just fine but if the aftermath is grim, then what's the point? Take care of your body, you only have one!