Making the Cut: Shred It With Weights

Four weeks up and down. Which means another workout done. This time I went with Shred It With Weights. Years ago when Addison was about 4 months old I actually did this workout for the very first time (and the last time - I haven't done it since). You can read about my first time going through this workout here.

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For anyone who hasn't guessed by the pictures, this is a kettlebell workout from Jillian Michaels. There are two levels which I did for two weeks each, making this entire workout last four weeks. The very first time I did this workout I decided to do three weeks at each level but anymore I get so antsy that three weeks is way too long for me at each level so I make it work for me. I should also note that I still don't have a kettlebell (didn't have one the first time I did this workout but this is also the only workout I do that uses one so I have invested in one) so I just used a handweight throughout this workout.

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So level one was too bad. I was a little worried going into it that I would struggle and wouldn't be able to do anything at all. But turns out I was only really really sore the whole time. No lie, my hamstrings were so sore. But that's a good thing because I was really working my legs which is exactly what my left leg needs. 

I actually found that I didn't struggle nearly as much as I thought I would. I was sure that I wouldn't be able to do a lot of the moves but turns out I could do a heck of a lot more than I thought I could. I did struggle getting through the jumping squats but that's pretty understandable. Actually as it so happens the first time I did this workout, I struggled getting through those jumping (rotating) squats and that was after three weeks of level one (I only did two weeks this time). But I definitely noticed I could do a little more and a little longer each day. I did a lot of pushing and my quads were burning but I did it and for that I'm proud of myself. 

Other than that I definitely felt good about my two weeks at this level. It felt good kicking it up a notch and pushing a little harder at my workouts. 

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Not gonna lie, level two definitely kicks it up a notch or two or three. Which is strange considering my Garmin doesn't necessarily register that I'm burning more calories. I am definitely sweating like crazy and struggling to get through all the moves. And I am definitely feeling it in my knee. I still feel all the squats and still dealing with my knee popping some, but nothing that causes too much pain. Just a little weak legs after.

I definitely have moves I like and definitely have moves I don't like. I'm not so found of the very first move called Rock and Roll where you squat all the way to the ground, roll to your back with the weight over your head then back to standing. I don't do a full swing-through. And I struggle with a full minute of push-ups. But overall I made it through each of the moves with some major pushing on my part but I got through the moves and felt all the stronger for it.

Overall this workout went well, but I didn't really like it so much this second time getting through it. I don't remember not liking it the first time I did this program but I definitely don't care for it now. It's hard for me to exactly pinpoint why I didn't like it but I just didn't. But I'm glad I stuck with it and completed my four weeks I planned of it. Even if I don't like the program I'm doing there is definitely a sense of pride when I get through it. And that's definitely how I'm feeling now. This is my second workout since knee surgery and I'm nowhere close to where I was before the surgery but each workout I get a little bit closer to get that strength back (don't look too close to my legs because you will definitely see a major difference in my quads).

I am definitely ready to move on to the next program though. I think Rob is going to do this one with me. This is also one I have done before (technically I should say we since Rob did it with me before too), and I'm excited about going back to it. I'm also excited about just not doings this one anymore.

Comment below: What is your workout like right now? What's your favorite workout?