Let's Really Talk About Level 2

I didn't give much detail yesterday about level 2 except to say it kicked my butt. Since I hope that people thinking about doing or who are doing the 30 Day Shred will read this I figure I owe it to you to be detailed.

Level 2 is like an amped up level 1. The same basic ideas apply and you are working the same muscles, but everything is intensified to the extreme.

I didn't really feel challenged by level 1. I could do the moves without having to quit or cheat. With level 2, though, the moves are a big challenge. Knowing what I know now I am thinking I should have probably started with level 2.

As you know there are 3 parts to each level of the 30 Day Shred. Let me tell you a bit about each.

Strength - You do this for 3 minutes. There are 2 moves that you alternate to get the 3 minutes. In level 1 the first moves were traditional moves. We did push ups, squats with a should press, lunges with bicep curls - nothing I've never done before. In level 2 the moves are much harder and more complex. There are a lot of exercises where you have to hold a plank position. This is a challenge of its own, but you have other moves incorporated in to make it even more trying. Overall, strength in level 2 is a great challenge for the muscles in the whole body.

Cardio - You do this for 2 minutes. The cardio is a lot like level 1, except, again, she pumps it up. There are more low impact options in level 2 which I like and it is not as hard on the knees which is also welcomed since I have some knee issues. However, with the cardio in level 2 you are pushed physically. Strength is added into some of the exercises, like one where you must hold a plank position the whole time. It is much more difficult than level 1's jumping jacks, so if you can't get through those with ease then you are not going to make it through level 2.

Abs - You do this for 1 minute. Again, pumped up. Most of the abs were not too difficult. She raises the resistance of the exercises but they are all basically the same as level 1, just beefed up a little. The last ab exercise is the worst - holding a plank again. Overall, though, abs are not the thing you should worry about with level 2.

As you can see, level 2 takes a huge jump in difficulty from level 1. If you have any doubts about your ability to get through level 1 then do not move on to level 2 because you will not make it. Level 2 is a great challenge and much welcomed since I was so bored with level 1. It should keep me on my toes for the next 2 weeks that is for sure.