30 Day Shred: The End

Okay, it might have taken me more than 30 days (ahem, 52) but I battled through two bouts of illness, starting a new job, working around social commitments and days when I just didn't want to do it, but it's done. On Monday I completed the 30 Day Shred.
It hasn't been easy, and I'd be lying if I said I loved every minute. I've kicked, I've screamed, I've lay down and panted. I've cursed Jillian for making me go for another 10 seconds. I've ached, I've hurt and I've almost thrown up a couple of times (TMI?). 
But despite those things, it's been amazing.
I'm not one of those people who "loves" working out. I work out because it makes me feel better about myself. I don't enjoy it while I'm doing it! But it's something I feel is important to fit into my routine. While on my year abroad I went to the gym 5 times a week, and during my time at university I was in the dance society and danced 5 hours a week, alongside walking to and from campus every day. Working out always slotted into my routine while I was at university.
But whenever I came home, working out got more difficult. I didn't have a gym membership, there are no dance classes nearby and I don't like leaving the house when I don't have to. I needed a workout routine I could do without having to go out.
And that's where Jillian came in.
I'd had work out DVDs before but they never really inspired me, however I'd heard good things about Jillian Michaels. I needed something quick and intense, and easy to fit into my routine. The 30 Day Shred was perfect for this. Plus, at £5 from Amazon, it was much cheaper than £40 a month gym membership.
First thing's first, it's not easy. Not even a little bit. When you're used to dancing two hours at a time or pounding the gym machines for an hour at a time, it's easy to assume that a 25 minute work out will be easy peasy. But oh my god it's hard. Even level one is hard. Don't even get me started on level two. Every single night I would finish my work out drenched in sweat, beetroot red and absolutely knackered. But dear god, after a cool shower I slept like a baby.
For me, the biggest thing was finding the ideal time to do the workout. It is only 30 minutes but despite being a morning person, I did not want to get up at 6am to do it every day. And I was worried I wasn't going to fit it in after work. But once I had a set time every night to do the DVD, it was simple. Like I've said, I like routine, so once I had that figured out it was easy. Well, as easy as an exhausting work out can be.
Now I'm definitely a Jillian convert. Her DVDs are the perfect way to get a workout in when you have a busy schedule. I've already bought her Ripped in 30 DVD to do next and I've asked for the Jillian Michaels Collection for Christmas which has 3 new DVDs.
And the results? Well I really regret not taking before and after photos or taking measurements. I gave up on weighing myself early in the process too, but I think I've lost about 5 pounds in total. Not a massive amount, but thanks to the DVD I am now pretty much back to where I wanted to be physically and I'm feeling so much better about myself! Next time I will definitely be taking before and after pictures.
Now it's over I'm alternating levels of the shred on the nights when I get time (and when I'm not ill!) and planning to start Ripped in 30 when I get more time in the New Year.
Overall, I absolutely loved the 30 Day Shred. It is not easy. Not even a little bit. You will be absolutely exhausted and some days you really won't want to go on, but you will and you will feel so so good afterwards.
If you want a challenge, but something that can fit into your daily routine, buy this DVD. You won't regret it.