30 Day Shred Level 3

My heart is so happy. Is yours? What are you doing to make your heart happy?

I just started Level 3 of Jillian’s 30 Day Shred this morning. Some of you have followed me through Level 1 and 2, and here we are at Level 3.  I must say, life does get in the way sometimes and you just have to roll with the punches and get back on the track of fitness. If you are closely following my timeline and the dates of my postings, you will see I should have started Level 3 about three days ago. Well, after much needed time with girlfriends on an overnight shopping trip, I was thrown off by two days. Darn those hotels with no gym! (Wed. was a rough day so three days actually, if you’re counting). Seriously though, it’s OK. Don’t ever make yourself feel guilty for the one day that you missed, just press on and be proud of the days you did complete.

When the alarm went off at 5AM this morning I forced myself up. With my husband at my side, we began Level 3.  It’s a lot harder than it looks, yet we managed to get through it all. I was not yet strong enough for a few moves. The walking pushups I had to do on my knees and the old fashioned sit ups I had to do with my arms extended. I can see the side ab-raises are really going to strengthen my back over time, but not my favorite move. I guess we can’t love them all, can we? To date I have lost 5 pounds and 4% total body fat. (I have a scale with metal feet pads which figures your fat % as well. This is a great tool to have but read instructions carefully as it’s based on hydration.)

After the 30 Day Shred is done, I would really like to try Jillian’s Wii video game. I saw it on a TV program and it looks fun. To be able to change your workout everyday and in such an entertaining way would keep you going for sure.   I don’t have a Wii but it’s on my list of ‘must haves”. I am also going to try and follow her “Making The Cut” book a little closure too and really incorporate more weight training. Thanks again Jillian, for great products!

If you have products that you recommend or would like to know more about, please leave me a comment and I will either read up on it for you or give it a test run. So far the 30 Day Shred has been a fun and life changing experiment.

I want to leave you with a few last thoughts: Remember that only working out is not going to get you the results that you need or desire. It’s a combination of moving and eating right. You can’t eat processed crap and then hit the gym. Not only won’t you have the energy for the workout but your recovery will be worthless. Your muscles will not repair without the correct vitamins, minerals and protein that they need to build stronger and burn off your fat. Remember, if you can buy it in the center of the grocery store, you probably shouldn’t be eating it. Shop around the edge of the store as much as possible. And this goes for your kids too. Since they can’t hand over the cash to the clerk, write a check, or swipe that debit card, it’s ultimately not up to them what is in your cupboards. Start their habits with food at a young age and it will make a world of difference in their future. And remember “You can always use a good chest fly in your life.”

Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred CONTEST WINNER

Congratulations to Blue Violet, who is the awesome winner of the Jillian DVD. I was so moved by her story. Please check it out in comments on the previous posting. After losing several parents in one year, I believe she needs all of our prayers, and Jillian.

I took a break from the DVD this weekend due to some needed girlie time with friends shopping. But Jillian will be on the TV tomorrow morning for sure. My body is changing everyday and it excites me so.

Thanks to all who subscribed this last time around. I hope I can be a great inspiration to you, and you find the inspiration in each other to keep on your happy heart track. I want to thank all who commented. There were several stories I loved. Please remember to always leave your address. :) Blue Violent ripped at my heart strings, she was a subscriber,but most importantly she remembered to leave an email address.

So again, congratulations to Blue Violent and remember this will not be the only giveaway I do of this DVD as I strongly believe in this program. I also love the P90X, so strap in and get ready for a ride.

Get in shape today and lets continue on this journey together.

God Bless, Taylor

Giveaway Day #12- 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels

Hello, it’s day #12 of the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred. I woke up this morning pretty sore. I haven’t really been sore up to this point, so it was a nice change. Yes, I said nice. I know something is changing in my body. I was very excited and pumped up after finishing day 10 and finally moving to the Level #2. In Level #1, I was up to 22 sets of pushups the first time through and 18 the second. (with a bent knee) and I was doing the cardio much easier. Actually the dumbbell fly’s I was needing more weight. The only thing I was having a problem with was the side lung and arm raise. I am doing all the weights with the five pound power blocks. Check out www.powerblock.com.

So I finished day 2 of Level #2 this morning (day 12 total) and am really feeling it. My abs are screaming all day. Tip: remember to hold in and tighten your abs all day. This will give you better muscle tone and stop you from releasing that tummy out to it’s old pooch. I got plenty of sleep last night, 9 hours, and have cut out all alcohol at this point, so I thought I was ready to roll this morning. I was huffing and puffing after 5 minutes of the DVD. Don't fool yourself with the 20 minutes part. This is a tough workout program. Jillian encouraged me to keep going and not give up. For you my readers, who are wondering how efficient this program is, I won’t quit.
Giveaway: I am offering you the opportunity to experience what I am; the feeling of accomplishment and seeing changes happening in your body in only 12 days. A total transformation in 30 days. I am going to send one of my readers their own copy of Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred DVD. Yup, I said it, your own copy FREE.

Here is what you have to do to enter. If you are a subscriber, you get one entry (if you’re not, go to the subscription window on the right and enter your email. Once you are a subscriber you will forever be entered into my giveaways). To get a second entry, send me a comment on why you want to start this program and why you are deserving of a FREE DVD. But please remember you must leave your email address so I can let you know if you have been selected. Best reason why (in my opinion) gets the gift DVD. (When leaving return email please type in as follows: taylorhapyheart(at)gmail(dot)com. This will prevent any spam).

I hope I have been an inspiration to you to get fit today. I really want to bless you all with a free DVD but it’s not in the budget. Unless Jillian wants to send me some more copies. :) I know you’re out there Jillian. Thanks for your support every morning. Please leave your comments and next Saturday I will be picking my winner. Good luck.

Also, check out Jillian's new products. Great gifts for yourself or others this coming holiday. www.jillianmichaels.com

Another Giveaway - Yes two in one day.

Aluminium Free Underarm Deodorant Giveaway:
I wanted to share a product that Diane Kidman sent me from www.dkmommyspot.com A deodorant by Bionsen Deodorants that is aluminium free and has no alcohol. It's natural and a Japanese Spa Mineral product. I have an extra deodorant that I would like to give away. All you have to do is either be a subscriber to my blog for one chance to win and/or go to dk mommyspot and check out Diane Kidman's site. Please come back here and leave me a comment on what you thought of dk mommyspot, and you have a second chance to win. dk mommyspot is highly endorsed by Your Happy Hearts. Keeping your body free from extra chemicals and living an organic lifestyle is directly related to your health and fitness. I will be choosing a winner next Saturday.

Can't wait to see what you think of dk. I know I love it!

Day #7 of The 30 Day Shred by Jillian Michaels

I want to share with you what I have learned so far.

First: Get lots of sleep. Tue night I did not go to bed before 10 PM (I usually stay up till 11 or midnight) Wednesday morning I was slower and did not push through the workout in the morning.  I did it, but didn’t really push myself. Thursday morning I had a mental breakthrough. I wasn’t going to get out of bed. I made all kinds of excuses, for no apparent reason, why to reset the alarm clock and workout later.  I actually reset the clock and tried to fall back asleep. Can you believe the guilt of not getting up was stronger than the excuses in my head? I got up, pressed through my 20 min’s and was so proud of myself. Yes, pride in this instance, is a good thing. J

Second: Keep on schedule. Thursday night was well into midnight or 1 AM before falling asleep. Last minute plans threw my schedule off. (Again, not enough sleep) I attended a FANTASTIC Christian concert at a “not so local” church (over an hour away). It was well worth the drive, but I decided Friday morning when the alarm went off at 5 AM, to do my workout after getting home from work that evening (no guilt/excuses as I knew I honestly didn’t have enough energy to workout due to lack of sleep). Friday evening’s workout was fine, but to keep myself on a morning schedule, I got up Sat. AM to do another workout. There was not enough recovery time between Friday PM and Sat. AM workouts.  So lesson learned: go to bed at a reasonable time, keep your schedule either in the morning or in the evening, which ever works, and don’t flip flop if at all possible.

Third and final point: Eat healthy. I found making the right eating choices are MUCH easier. Making an egg for breakfast instead of just a cup of coffee and staying out of the vending machine at work, just kind of happens. You remember the sacrifice you made to workout. Then the chocolate bar doesn’t seem so appealing or even worth it. Honestly, this last week, with the exception of my good coffees, (I like creamer) I have had virtually no sugar/junk food. Well I guess there’s some sugar in my wine but one to two glasses a week is much better than the daily junk food. (Jillian does not allow or endorse alcohol for maximum results.  Just thought I would throw that in there. But wine with steak is oh so good! ) Go out and grab on of Jillian’s books and she has a ton of info on food.  www.jillianmichaels.com

Personal Changes:
Know that day seven IS easier than day one. Thursday night at the concert, we are a radical bunch, there were several songs that involved jumping with your hands up praising the Lord, and I didn’t get tired. As you will see on the DVD, Jillian introduces lots of jumping jacks. The concert was 3 1/2 hours long. Of course I was tired after three hours, but it could have been worse.  Also, I have a pair of jeans that are loosening quite rapidly. I showed them to my husband yesterday. He was honest and said it’s coming off my bottom as well. That’s nice to hear.  Although my scale has only changed two pounds, I believe I am gaining muscle (which remembers weighs more than fat. So you could end up weighing more if you only had a few pounds of fat to lose.)  Another noticeable change is my push ups. Although I am doing the altered version with my legs up and crossed (to take pressure off my lower back) I started day one with 8 the first set and 6 the second. This morning I did 18 and 12. Tell me that’s not a change. Wow! So keep pressing forward in your workout. I know you can do it. No doubts.

One last thought, please remember a little workout to keep yourself healthy, falls extremely short of the sacrifice Jesus made for you. A little sweat and muscle burn is not going to kill you. It’s going to make you strong and healthy. And yes, when you get to your goal weight you can walk around with your head held high. Because being fit is not easy and doesn’t come for free. But your salvation did. Jesus paid the price for you. Please take care of your physical temple. “Honor God in your spirit and in your body”. Do it today.

Get Jillian’s DVD and start today! I am highly recommending this program.

God Bless

30 Day Shred Workout Update:

Hey girls and guys. Look at Jillian's happy face. She is SO pleased with me. I just know it! :)

Today is officially day two of my 30 Day Shred. I did a run through on Sat. but it was not followed up by a workout on Sunday so it was not consistent days, which is what the program calls for. Or so I take that from the 30 day program set up. Today was my first scheduled morning. I had Monday off and just fit it in whenever. About 9 AM or so. I am sharing my schedule with you, so you know that I am serious and you all can keep me accountable.

The alarm went off at 5:00 AM. Smart me set the coffee pot to start at the same time. Jillian says coffee is OK, but I am sure she would not agree with my creamer, so I have to work on that. I hit the snooze on the alarm, but used this time to stretch and wake my body. The coffee pot beeped ready at 5:08 and the snooze went off at 5:09. Perfect. I crawled out of bed and headed to the kitchen. Got the coffee and went to turn on my DVD. I must say as a "not great" review of this DVD (keeping it real folks, and not Jillian's fault), there is an introduction with Jillian and the DVD will not allow you to fast forward, skip, or go to main menu. I hate when they do that. So I sipped on the coffee and kept stretching. I started the DVD at 5:15 AM and was done by 5:45 AM, this included the intro. Pretty good I must say. I was extremely hot and very tired. Had to push through. It's not an easy 20 min. There is NO rest. But I like the time it takes.

This is the only exercise I am going to do as I really want to test this "shred thing." I wrapped my hair in a shower cap (yes, I use one. My hair is too long to dry in the limited time I have. Hair showers are at night.) I then packed my lunch. Left over steamed veggies and fish from dinner the night before and rushed out the door at 6:15. I must say I love this. I don't have this dark cloud hanging over me this evening saying "You didn't workout today. Your lazy." Yes, this goes through my head every night I get home from work. I have such a busy life, so much running around, it's hard to make the time. But I think I can really do this. I have an hour and 15 min. drive to work and wasn't sleepy. Not all day. I usually crash around 3 PM and that didn't happen. I know I have to keep reporting to you all too, so it keeps me going.

I am going to give this my best effort so you all know if it really works. I am also going to take a big gulp and share my stats with you. I am 5'3" and 125-128 depending on the day with 30% body fat. I am not huge, I know that. But my stomach and waist is a little less desirable these days. It seems the full 30% fat is there. I have no chest to speak of so it's not that. :) And I see those dimples on my legs. YUCK.

Please, Please, check out Jillian's Book "Making the Cut" and her 30 Day Shred DVD. You can go to www.jillianmichaels.com and find all her items for sale. Even a free calculator to find out where you are. I tried it. It's neat. Thanks Jillian. I know your busy, but I know your out there, and hope someday you find my small blog.

Also, Jillian does a radio show on Sunday mornings in California and my wonderful hubby downloads her to my iPod and I can then listen to her in the car. Another great feature.

So I will be checking in with you all in about a week. Have to go watch Biggest Loser! Keep up the good effort you are making too. Remember you were made in the image of God and he wants to be healthy too. :) Blessings!

Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

Ok boys and girls, I am going to do a workout test run. A 30 day workout DVD by Jillian Michaels of the Biggest Loser called the 30 Day Shred, helping you lose the last 20 pounds. The workout consists of three workout routines, each lasting 20 min, completed in a serious of 10 days. Thus totally your 30 day program. With only a 20 min. session, Jillian does not let you slow down or cool down during this workout. Just like you see on her show. I have done the first 10 day series just a few times and it’s high intensity for the entire 20 min. Since I have been so busy with life, as we all are, (side note: check out My Dolllhouse Adventures at (dollhouseadventures.blogspot.com) I have decided to bite the bullet, or the alarm clock as some would say, and get out of bed earlier in the morning (which means 5AM for me. If I can do it, so can you!) and power through a 20 min. workout before getting ready for work. This will free up my evenings for dollhouse remodel, real-house cleaning, and studying the Word of God. Maybe even trying to cook a meal or two for my fab husband. (He does all the cooking, God bless him.) I challenge you to make an effort, a serious one, for the next 30 days. I started today, Monday the 6^th. Please leave a comment as to what you are going to do and then check in with me periodically on your progress. During the 30 days and finally at the end, I will review the workout program with you and let ya’ll know if it works. We all have to find something that we enjoy, so pick a program today that works for you.  Remember, your body belongs to God and is your temple to take care of to honor Him. (2 Corinthians 6:20) “You were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God’s.” If you belong to Him, then don’t you want Him to have the best body possible to walk this earth. It’s God’s will that you are healthy and healed. He wants the best for you. Grab a hold of his Word and some weights and kick it up a notch. Instead of sitting all winter, find hobbies to keep you busy and active. When summer hits, that suit won’t be so hard to put on. In fact, you may be shopping for a new one. Be blessed.