Pray for me.

Jillian Michaels is my new BFF. We have a love-hate relationship: she loves to torture me in the name of exercise, and I hate every minute of it…until those endorphins kick in. At the end of this “strength/cardio/ab” circuit workout, combined with sensible eating (guess who’s keeping a food journal via My Fitness Pal?) and alternating lunchtime walks and stair climbing with visits to the gym (and tracking my progress with the Nike+ Running app), I better see real results or she’s getting kicked to the curb.

I checked this DVD out from the local library (because I’ve been burned before – ahem, Abs of Steel), and It. Is. Kicking. My. Butt. Which is probably a good thing. I’m not craving Cokes (as much), and water never tasted so good.

Lessons learned thus far?
1. Make small changes to your diet and build on that, and be sure to incorporate a cheat day. As in ONE cheat day. Don’t beat yourself up when you start craving steak and cupcakes…because when you work out, you’ll definitely feel hungry!
2. Just do it. It’s not fun or cute to sweat this hard, but neither are heart disease, diabetes, or a muffin top. Lace up your sneakers and get after it.
3. The 30 Day Shred is a 20 minute workout. Who can’t find 20 minutes to devote to getting healthy? If shredding is not for you then power walk, roller skate, join a Zumba class…just do something that will make you break a sweat.
4. My upcoming class reunion was motivation enough for me, but build in rewards so that you have something to look forward to.
5. Have epsom salts on hand. You’re going to need them.

I’d post “before” pictures but the interweb really doesn’t need to see my tummy.

Are you on #teamtwopiece, or are you making an effort to increase your fitness level? Leave a comment in the comment box! Let’s encourage each other.

*I’m many things, but doctor, nutritionist, and personal trainer didn’t make the cut. I’m not offering or claiming to offer any professional advice; I’m sharing my own experience. Get checked out by a professional before you start any weight loss or fitness plan, and proceed with care.

Image via Wal-Mart