Shredhead Lessons Day #2

I probably won’t post every day of the Shredhead 30-day challenge, but I’ll tag in when I have insights or lessons (or, um, gripes) to share: Today was Day #2 of Level 2. I wasn’t sure whether the routine would be different day-to-day and it wasn’t, which was good in that I knew what to expect but made me wonder about burnout on the same routine in another week. Maybe it automatically switches up. Anyhow, otherwise, here are some thoughts:

Some on demand fitness programs offer a countdown clock in the corner so you know how much time is left. Now I know Jillian does three circuits in the 20 minutes, but I still want the time clock.

Probably because I’ve been doing some on demand yoga, I can actually keep up pretty well with Level 2. My arms are definitely a weak point though. Clearly, 20 years of playing violin wasn’t exactly a muscle builder.

I’ll be impressed if I can do plank jumping jacks (advanced, not modified) by the end of this program.

My knees aren’t the greatest so some exercises (e.g., squat thrusts) are really uncomfortable. In these instances I swap up with another similar intensity move; the key is to keep moving.

The first thing I tend to do when I wake up in the morning is drink a big glass of water; it also feel immensely good to have a big glass of water after finishing the fitness segment.

Even what with embarking on this new challenge yesterday, sweets clearly are my Achilles heel. I just don’t think I can go cold turkey. However, even though it’s probably more expensive, Trader Joe’s offers some packaged frozen goodies that are petite yet very satisfying – not to mention far more regulating than if I scooped myself some ice cream. Specifically, I’m referring to their mochi (the chocolate is divine) and these mini ice cream sandwiches, which are essentially an Oreo-type cookie with a little ice cream in between. I found yesterday that one of these treats takes the edge off my sweet craving.

I don’t tend to be a late night snacker, but after having my treat yesterday I found it helpful to go brush my teeth immediately to prevent myself from caving and indulging in another one. Hmm… maybe I should use my annoyance with the task of brushing and flossing as part of my plan…