Where The Change Happens

Posted: November 16, 2011 at 7:54 am

It’s kind of funny. I become a certified personal trainer and the first workouts I turn to this week come from someone else.

The book came in for me at the library last week and, after flipping through it, I couldn’t wait to give the circuits a go.

Making The Cut includes a lot of information about eating styles and other general fitness methodologies and how they help improve fitness. It has some useful facts in there, but the workouts mainly captured my attention. They looked INTENSE!

The workouts are broken down into a push-pull format, each with five circuits consisting of 3-4 moves each. In other words, tough stuff!

The pull circuits focus on the chest, triceps, and shoulders; the push focuses on back and biceps. Both workouts include legs and abs work. The original circuits include extra cardio, like sprints and plyometrics, but I cut those out since I had other cardio on plan. I didn’t even need the extra cardio. My heart rate soared!

Here’s a brief overview of the two circuits I did:

Making The Cut Circuit One (Push Focus)

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Making The Cut Circuit Two (Pull Focus)

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I highly suggest looking into this book if you want details of the different moves, the layout of the workout, and additional workouts. I can’t wait to try them all!

And I want you all to know, I only rave about these workouts because they are so challenging. I had to take numerous breaks to catch my breath and make sure my arms didn’t fall off. I found my arms shaking by the third circuit in both. Heck, Monday’s even felt intense enough to make me slightly nauseous. Not that that’s necessary to have a challenging workout.

I wanted to cut it short and call three circuits good. Then, I remembered a super inspiring quote.

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Fitting that the quote comes from level three of Jillian’s 30 Day Shred workouts. I must have a girl crush. Flirt male

But, seriously. How TRUE is that quote? If we want to improve in our fitness, we have to push outside the comfort zone. We have to test our limits and go a little beyond what we think we can handle. We have to get uncomfortable.

I wanted to stop, but I kept going. I left the gym shaking after both workouts, but feeling more accomplished for it. I know I improved my fitness just a smidge with those workouts. Sometimes I love a leisurely workout purely for fun. But the workouts that get uncomfortable…well, they bring a new level of fitness. Little by little. Every time.

Uncomfortable. It’s where the change happens.

  • How often do you get uncomfortable with workouts?
  • What celebrity do you crush on?

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79 Comments to “Where The Change Happens”
  1. MizFit says:

    I love what you said about being a trainer and turning to another.
    I no longer train but I turn to JACKIE WARNER a lot.

  2. Ugh, thanks for the reminder that it’s okay to be sore and to feel challenged during a workout!

  3. Khushboo says:

    I totally agree about the uncomfortable bit. When I am on the verge of death during my speed runs, I keep repeating the mantra in my head “to get faster, you have to train faster”! At the same time, I limit those uncomfortable workouts because I do want some of my workouts to be pleasurable whilst I’m actually doing them.

    • Tina says:

      I definitely have workouts that are more low key. Although I also have fun with the push-it type ones a lot too. 😉

  4. I think that quote is definitely true of fitness, which is why I hate doing speedwork and lifting weights with legs 🙂 But actually, I think that’s an awesome quote for life in general!

  5. I totally love Jillian. However, I’m yet to read any of her books. They’re one that I often put on hold at the library, but end up having to return because I chose to read something else instead…

  6. I started a TRX workout called the Cosgrove Body Transformation Plan – it’s definately uncomfortable! I was actually feeling pretty good until the last circuit – 2 rounds of 30 seconds of jump squats & mountain climbers. OUCH! No pain, no gain, right?! 🙂

  7. rhonda says:

    I can just imagine how you felt……….

  8. Emilia says:

    I completely agree with that quote, not just for workouts, but also for life in general. I’ve really been trying to step up my workouts recently and have been working on running faster. Whilst it’s definitely uncomfortable, it’s also extraordinarily rewarding! I’m definitely going to have to check out that book soon 🙂

  9. Jillian was on Rachael Ray yesterday morning and she was talking about how being uncomfortable leads to change in the workout and fitness department…so true!
    This is a great workout, I think I may use it for this morning.. I am looking for some upper body stuff

  10. Kelly says:

    I’m a certified personal trainer and I never make up my own workouts…that’s what Keith is for. 😉

  11. i did the same thing after i got my NASM – there’s something having another trainer “write” workouts for you that makes it more intense and harder to stop – all a good thing!

  12. i know that jillian quote! it’s haunted me a couple of times 😉

  13. I LOVE Jillian and I keep that quote in my head all the time! Get comfortable with being uncomfortable! Nothing is going to change if it feels easy!

  14. I can be very guilty about not being uncomfortable during workouts … but I assure you that was not the case yesterday!

  15. Although her little phrases can get annoying, one of my fave Jillian Michael’s phrases from Yoga Meltdown is “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” I’ll need to remember that areound mile 10 or 11 this weekend 🙂

  16. I love Jillian Michaels too! Lately I’ve been loving her podcasts and listen to them while I workout in the mornings or while I’m standing doing dishes in the kitchen at night.

  17. Tina says:

    It’s funny you mention that quote today because it’s so fitting for me. I usually do a workout that I can handle but I don’t see any results. On Monday I tried something new and boy was it tough! I’m still sore from Monday in just about every muscle you can be sore in. It really made me realize just how much you have to push yourself sometimes because that is truly when you do see how much you can do and also when you start to see change.

    How long do you wait before working out again if you are sore?

    • Tina says:

      I usually do something that works different muscles or I give it a day of rest. If it’s unbearably sore, then I take two days of rest and make sure to focus on stretching or light activity like a walk.

  18. What I’ve found? Any work out from Jillian is bound to be uncomfortable. From her biggest loser tapes to her 30 day shred..I am always wiped out in no time!! Great workouts..but it definitely takes some getting used to the discomfort!

  19. I’d like to think that most of the time I feel the burn and get uncomfortable while I’m working out. My thinking is why not get yourself to that point? That is the most effective. Granted, sometimes I feel that way because I’m still recovering from another workout haha…but hey, I’m trying and pushing myself!

  20. As someone who really just wanted to lay around today (but needs a good workout!), I thank you. Dropping the kids off at Nana’s and heading to the gym.

  21. Lee says:

    If you need someone to practice training on, i’m your girl! i mean, i don’t have anything else to do during the day!

  22. I’m good about pushing myself out of my comfort zone, but then again, maybe that’s why I injure myself so often! Struggling to find balance there…

    As for the workouts, they look interesting. Do you do each circuit 3 times before moving to the next? I’m not sure if I’d have time for that in the morning before work, but it might be nice on a Saturday.

    • Tina says:

      You do each circuit 1-2 times through. I definitely couldn’t handle doing each 3 times through. She even says 2x max.

  23. Jess says:

    That’s been the biggest eye-opener for me – getting uncomfortable when I run. Rather than stick to my comfy slower pace, pushing myself to run harder and faster and to get and stay uncomfortable has taught me that I am capable of far more than I thought I was, running-wise. LOVE that quote – getting comfortable with being uncomfortable can be applied to SO many aspects of life, huh?

  24. I totally “crush” on Jillian Michaels too! I have pretty much all of her workout DVDs and always read articles on/from her. She is so inspiring and knowledgeable. I love it.

    Also as a personal trainer, sometimes we get so regimented in the type of workouts we do, it’s nice to give another person’s style of workouts a shot. My friend (who is also a CPT) and I used to train each other all the time because we liked each other’s variety and difference of training styles. It’s also just nice not to have to “think” or come up with your own workout sometimes. 😉

  25. Everyone needs a coach…even coaches! My husband tells me that all the time. 🙂

  26. Those workouts sound so intense. Thanks for the book recommendation. I’ll be putting that one on hold for sure!
    Great quote too, and sooo true!

  27. I have a super secret crush on Jillian Michaels too :X I know I know, she promotes a diet pill line and sometimes receives harsh criticisms, but lets face it– the girl knows her workout stuff. Plus watching her on The Biggest Loser was always an inspiration 🙂

    I read Master Your Metabolism, but this looks like another one I should check out too!

  28. What a great quote! I think it applies to so much more than just workouts. Its so hard to step out of our comfort zone with anything, but thats where the change happens. I’ve never tried any of her workouts but KNOW she would put me way out of my comfort zone 😉

  29. Michelle says:

    Yes – change DOES happen when it’s uncomfortable. It sucks when you’re in the moment, but it’s awesome when you reap the benefits!

    I really need to push myself to up on more circuit/strength training exercises and sets. Sounds like Jillian is a great place to start (I too have a girl crush on her. She’s very real, practical, and tough!).

  30. I always hit the wall early in my run…like the first half mile…and I always think, ‘Ugh, I just want to stop.” but after you get over that first hump, it’s good from there on out! Even during my half marathon I had that first half mile thought of, ‘I don’t even know if I can do this!!” It’s the worst but you just have to keep pushing!

  31. Mac says:

    I do the same thing… I think it is just fun to not have to think about your own workout and try other peoples’ challenges.

  32. Heather says:

    i NEEDED that quotation and inspiration today. THANK YOU, lovely lady!

  33. Liz says:

    I used that book a few years ago…and kind of forgot about it until now. I should dust it off and bring those workouts back!

  34. I have a little bit of a girl crush on Jillian, too! I miss her so much on the biggest loser. But my biggest girl crush is Camilla Belle. She is so gorgeous and classy! My most uncomfortable workouts are the ones when someone is there pushing me. Like CrossFit, or when I’m running with a fast friend. I don’t push myself nearly as hard when working out alone.

  35. I love that quote! SO true and makes me realize how much change helps me improve. I like feeling a challenge when I work out!

  36. I have that book, and the workouts ARE great! I have a couple of Jillian’s and Jackie Warner’s dvds- but I’ll tell you whose are the best: Bob Harper. They make Jillian and Jackie’s look like warm-ups. His “Inside out method” dvds are the best- and I rave about the yoga one especially all the time.
    But the cardio and strength workouts are NO JOKE.

    Oh- and my celebrity crush? PAUL RUDD. My heart flutters just typing his name! I even made a tribute post to him a few weeks back. 🙂 http://oatmealafterspinning.com/2011/10/20/thoughts-on-a-thursday/

  37. I love that quote – I remind myself of it all the time. I think it applies to more than just workouts.
    I really want to read Jillian’s books. I keep meaning to, but I haven’t gotten to it yet.

  38. I love Jillian Michaels and have most of her DVDs. Her workouts kick my booty and I always feel great afterwards. You’ll totally love Ripped in 30 if you like the circuits in her book.

  39. Heather says:

    I always tell my classes at the gym “If it hurts you’re doing it right! Don’t quit now!” 🙂

  40. Erica says:

    SO funny to see this post today. I watched her on RR yesterday and she was mentioning how important it is to switch it up. This lady went and took a different class I haven’t taken in ages today as a result- she rocks!

  41. I try to get uncomfortable at least 3/5 of my workouts. I do two “easy” workouts a week for recovery purposes. Now that I am about to get into half marathon training, I anticipate a lot more uncomfortable workouts!

  42. Danielle says:

    Count me in on the Jillian girl crush-I love her! We just had a “date” this morning for Ripped in 30…The “arms falling off” comment is oh so true. After reading your blog post, I think I’m going to have to go out and get Making the Cut now…Keep up the good work Tina and congrats on the NASM certification!

  43. I swear Jillian is not kidding when she creates a workout! I have a love/hate for being pushed because I realize how much I’m lacking and know my body’s loving it! 🙂

    Way to go, Tina! You rock!

  44. Did you do each circuit 2x without any of the cardio intervals? How long did it take you to do the whole workout? I did these 2 years ago and loved them, but they would take me 45 minutes to finish, and I just don’t have that kind of time anymore (I was unemployed at the time). Just wondering because I LOVED these workouts and want to start doing them again but don’t want the time commitment.

    • Tina says:

      It took me about 35 minutes without any of the sprints. I did a couple of the circuits that were shorter 2x through and then some of the ab focused ones just once through. Hope that makes sense.

  45. jobo says:

    Uncomfortable IS where the change happens…thus why I need to embrace intervals even though they scare the crap out of me and I just don’t like them..right?!

  46. Andreina says:

    I have a girl crush on Tosca Reno. Maybe it is because she looks so real or it is just because she looks amazing at 52 and would love to look just like her when I reach that age.

  47. ahhhh I love that quote!! It’s so true in every aspect of life. And that circuit looks super uncomfortable and bomb! I try to get uncomfortable with my workouts every time I work out. I really enjoy the challenge, as well as the sore feeling afterward. But, I guess I’m kind of masochistic in that sense, lol. Great post, Tina!

  48. I completely agree!! Such a great quote. I try to push myself as much as possible and I always tell myself it’s okay to be uncomfortable. Those workouts look great!

  49. katie says:

    I think pushing yourself is ok, it makes me feel so STRONG!

    I like to switch up my workouts, and I want to start doing more yoga!

    xoxo <3

  50. Hi Tina! It’s nice to be back – reading blogs – Great Post! I love pushing myself into the uncomfortable area w/my workouts! As soon as things start getting uncomfortable – I make sure to change it up! The book sounds great…may have to put it on my Christmas list!

    xoxo from Trinidad

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