Thirty-day exercise challenge: Join me?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of making resolutions. The new year should be a time of hope and promise; not a chance to heap unnecessary pressure on yourself. That said I’m all for a good challenge and it’s nothing but coincidence that I’ve chosen to embark on a brand new exercise regime in January.
Challenge
So if you’ve already ditched your new year’s goals, why not join me on my 30-day fitness mission? After all, you’re making no vows to yourself to keep said goal for a whole year or more. There is, as they say, a light at the end of the tunnel – and it’s a mere four weeks and two days away!
Intrigued? Let me fill you in…
I’m no huge fitness fan, I’ll be honest. Despite enjoying a relatively healthy diet, exercise has never come easy to me. As a teenager I was a regular runner (my dad’s an athletics coach, so I had no excuse) but studies and work soon took precedence and I was arriving home tired, frustrated and in no mood to get hot and sweaty in front of an exercise DVD. Until now, that is.
Wish me luck. I’m going to need it…
I’ve finally come to the realization that it’s inexcusable my 57-year-old dad is fitter than me (his 28-year-old daughter), so it’s on with that exercise DVD before I change my mind. I’m giving the famous Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred a go; a quick glance at the 700+ positive reviews on Amazon was all I needed to take the plunge.
Toning up
Including strength (using weights), cardio and abs-work in three six-minute circuits, I’ve heard it’s a pretty grueling program – if you look closely you can still see my tears on the back of the DVD case.
Consisting of three 20-minute workouts across as many levels (level three is an absolute killer, apparently) it’s not for the faint-hearted, but I’m going to give it my best shot.
Losing weight isn’t my goal, but I’d love to tone up. And it’d be nice to start work with a little more energy in the mornings.
So, who’s with me? Keep up with my progress here on the blog and let me know how you’re keeping fit by commenting below. Do you have plenty of willpower when it comes to exercise or, like me, have you not found a regime you love yet?
Wish me luck; I’m going to need it….
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Lauren Holden has joined Natural Cures as writer and joins the team following 18 months' copywriting for a flowers and horticultural company, and five years as a journalist on a weekly newspaper. She also writes her own beauty and lifestyle blog, and contributes to a number of UK-based entertainment magazines. Lauren has a keen interest in natural health, owing to an on-going condition she treats with natural supplements and monthly acupuncture sessions. With a love of baking and home-made food, Lauren hopes to build on her passion for incorporating healthier ingredients into her cooking.
Go on i’ll give it a bash! Maybe you can keep me motivated
My muscles could use some toning – if this doesn’t work by the sounds – nothing will !!!
GWARN LAUREN!!I thought 30day Shred was marvellous+stage 2 seemed easier after the baptism of fire of stage 1.I wasnt hardcore enough for 3 though XX
[...] recently put myself forward for an intensive 30-day fitness challenge, so I know more than anyone how the dreaded guilt can set in when the end of the working day rolls [...]