Sweating It: Workouts for Gym-phobic Petites

Hello again, everyone!  Sorry I haven't been able to blog lately.  Things have been absolutely crazy on my end for a few months now.  In May, I moved to a new city the day after my law school graduation. Then I started studying for the Bar Exam (which I took this week - yay!) that same weekend.  Needless to say, it has been a looooooooong stressful summer of going to bar review class, creating outlines, making flash cards, taking practice exams, and memorizing much more law than I ever thought possible!  Unfortunately, my new study schedule wreaked havoc on my regular routines.  I didn't sleep much.  I didn't eat well.  I haven't kept up with current events.  Some days I barely even saw the sun.  But one thing helped me keep my sanity this summer: Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD!

I love, love, ♥LOVE♥ this video.  I don't know about you, but I'm not really a "gym" girl.  I like to move and be active, but the thought of running several miles on a treadmill or spinning on a bike going nowhere does not appeal to me.  I'd much rather go for a long walk, go dancing, play Lasertag or do something else that makes me sweat in a natural way.  After all, I'm not trying to lose weight, but rather just trying to look and feel as good as I can.  So I ordered this "30 Day Shred" DVD (after reading some of the nearly 2,000 FANTABULOUS reviews of it on Amazon) in an effort to squeeze a quick workout into each day.  All I have to say is -- TWO THUMBS UP!

Thanks to Jillian, I am toning and shaping up right in the comfort of my own home.  I have never sweat so hard in my life and had such a great time doing it!  Sure, you will feel at times like you want to quit, but that's when the personal trainer in Jillian really comes out.  She's right there, motivating you to keep pushing and keep going.  And when you do, it feels so good!  After doing the Level 1 workout just a few times, I could immediately see more definition in my shoulders and toning in my arms.  (I'll post pics some day so you can see for yourself.)  After 20 minutes of her signature "3 minutes Strength - 2 minutes Cardio - 1 minute Abs" circuits, you will be both exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. 

If you're like me, you can camp out in Level 1 for awhile until you feel ready to move on.  My roomie (who works out daily and is in way better shape than I) found even Level 2 to be a true challenge for her.  I haven't even looked at Level 3 yet!  But I know that if I continue to push myself each week, I'll be there in no time!  So no matter where you are with your fitness goals, I guarantee you that this video would help you keep your petite frame looking "nothing short of amazing."