Lose weight the fun way.

Posted on October 6, 2014

Two weeks ago I started Jillian Michaels’ Body Revolution DVDs. The first two weeks were amazing. The exercises were hard but manageable and by the end I definitely felt like a) I was going to die and b) I’d had a really good workout. I was a little scared because throughout the workouts, Jillian kept saying “enjoy this, this is easy, it’s only weeks 1 and 2.” As I’m working through these exercises, basically dying, all I could think is really? What the heck are the next weeks going to be like?

Today was my first day doing the circuits in week 3. OMG! The progression was unreal! We went from manageable, pretty basic moves in weeks 1 and 2 to all of these crazy, complicated yoga type poses and things like planks where you go up and down from your hands to your elbows. I can barely hold a regular plank for 1 minute! I tried my best and was still dying but I felt like I spent a lot of time inactive, either trying to watch to see how to do these complicated moves or pausing to catch my breath to stop myself from passing out. It was kind of disheartening.

So now, I don’t know how to proceed. I don’t want to give up on Body Revolution but I can’t do these exercises. Do I just keep wading through the workouts? I’m sure I’ll get better at the moves but geeze, I have a long way to go before I can do some of that stuff. Or do I turn to another easier and slower progressing weight loss circuit (like the one in her book Winning for Losing) that I can do at the gym and then in a month or two come back to Body Revolution? I really don’t know what to do! I like when my workouts feel empowering not when they point out how far I still have to go. For me this isn’t a race. I’m okay with only losing 2 pounds a week if I’m making healthy food and exercise a habit in my life.

Suggestions?

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Stephanie M.

10/07/2014 3:39PM

Thanks everyone!! I am amazed with how much support there is on here. I woke up today with my muscles killllling me haha - clearly even if I wasn't doing it all right, it was still a killer workout. I still think I'm going to go back to weeks 1 and 2 and do them over and perhaps even try to do some of the harder adaptations she suggests in those weeks, then I'll be more ready for week 3 next time it gets here. Thanks for reminding me that just because it says "week 3" doesn't mean I have to do it in week 3!!

Kelly K.

10/07/2014 9:00AM

I would repeat weeks 1 and 2 and then move on to week 3. Like someone else said, she may be trying to intentionally challenge you in ways that you've never been before. If it's trying to figure out how to do the moves, maybe watch the video ahead of time to get the moves down. Also, you can probably modify some of the moves, or leave out a part (like in the planks going from elbows to hands - just hold the plank), and you will get just as good a workout. With all that said, if the video is de-motivating you, find something else that will motivate you, and come back to it later.

Jenny A.

10/06/2014 10:07PM

Whatever you do, keep on doing. That's the important thing, I would say.

Susie D.

10/06/2014 7:41PM

Just do what you can. Do not beat yourself up that you can't do everything JM does. OR go back to the Weeks 1 & 2 DVDs and re-do them. If you're disheartened, personally, I'd go back and do weeks 1 & 2, and try week 3 again in 3 more weeks.

JM kicks my butt - do not feel badly about where you are! I don't do her w/o's regularly - just if I need an added w/o or can't do my regular w/o's. Be proud of where you are - it's further along that you were last week or last month. Focus on your progress and be proud! Eventually, you will rock the Week 3 w/o, but it doesn't have to be week 3 of doing it. It doesn't even have to be month 3. As long as you're doing SOMETHING. Chin up and keep posting if you need encouragement. You're doing awesome!

Jennie

10/06/2014 7:40PM

Does she have modified moves in her video? I'd try that maybe. But, if you don't "love" doing it, it might be harder to stick to. I would try finding one that you really enjoy, but that's just me. But, I'm sure if you stick to it, you will do awesome. Just go with your gut. I tried Turbo Fire by Beachbody, and I felt exactly the same. I kept stopping so many times, it didn't make me feel good after my workout.

Margaret G. likes this comment.

Karrie

10/06/2014 7:39PM

I had the same experience! I've actually had the series for a couple of years and have started the program several times but only recently worked out consistently enough to make it to weeks 3 and 4. THEY KICKED MY BUTT! I did end up restarting the program again and am in the 2nd week of the program. I can really tell the difference between the 4 weeks ago and today. I am confident that weeks 3, 4 and beyond are still going to kick my butt however i'm stronger now and feel more ready. Honestly, I'd say it's 50/50 whether to move forward or do workouts 1 & 2 but, from my experience, going back but adding weights really helped me.

Jennie

10/06/2014 7:38PM

How about repeating Week 2 and getting a bit stronger? Also there is nothing wrong with pausing the DVD and getting yourself situated ... with the moves so hard, youll still get a good workout in. She trained (in regular life and on BL) tons of people that were out of shape, etc. I'm sure the "leap" was intentional. Its to push you outside your comfort zone.... You can do this! You just need to get out of your headspace and believe in you!

Jenny A. likes this comment.