Level 1 Day 1

So, I bought Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30 to start today. It's similar to her other dvds with 4 levels of workouts, and her circuit training 3-2-1 system (3 min strength, 2 min cardio, 1 min abs).  I have to say that it's so far pretty similar to 30 Day Shred. Though, level 1 was pretty good. I definitely felt like I worked out, but I'm not sore. I'll have to step it up tomorrow. At least the moves are different - she uses similar ones (so far) to her other videos, but it's different enough I don't feel like I'm doing 30 Day Shred. I am not a fan of her new model (I forget her name, Shelly maybe?). You can see below how enormous her thighs are. I mean, no doubt she's in shape. But standing, she makes Jillian look down right feminine because she's so muscular.

This model does not inspire me.

I do however like Basheera. Who is in some of her other DVDs. She always does the hard version of moves that I hope to be able to do eventually. And even though she's muscular she's slim, not bulky.

Basheera in the Yoga Meltdown DVD

But by far, my ultimate favorite of her fitness models is Maddy. She's so skinny, but looks like she's in great shape too.

Maddy being introduced in Yoga Meltdown

The bad news is that my Heart Rate Monitor isn't working. I think the battery died. Hopefully I can get a new one today and use tomorrow's calories as a guide for what I burned today. My plan to be ready for Halloween ( a few days early, so I don't have workout "pump" in my legs) is 8 days on each level with Sunday always being my rest day. That's 6 days working out in the AM. Then, I'll run using my couch to 5 k program in the evenings 3 or 4 times a week too.  That with a sensible diet and I should be on track! Provided I don't let stress and emotions lead me to a binge.

Thanks for the comments ladies. I am trying not to beat myself up about the vacation weight, I wish I could say the same for what I did to myself before and right after getting back. I can't blame all these excess pounds on 2 weeks in Europe.