Alright, so you know the bottom line:

Beginning of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred: 137.5 pounds and a BMI of 24.37, as measured by Wii Fit.

End of Level One: I weighed 133.6 pounds with a BMI of 23.67 (via Wii Fit.) The Tanita scale told me on Day 9 that I weighed 136 pounds with 31% fat.

End of Level Two: I weighed 136.9 pounds with a BMI of 24.26 according to Wii Fit. The Tanita scale weighed me at 138 pounds, but with 30% fat.

My Wii Fit Charts (showing the unfortunate upswing... but thankfully it has already started back down for Days 21 and 22:)

Here are some pictures on Day 20 of the Shred, Day 10 of Level Two:

Here is the cheat-shot (because anyone looks skinny if they arch their back... but at least this helps straighten out those stretch mark areas of extra skin):

And the Belly Comparison (start --> Day 10 --> Day 20)

I definitely FEEL better even if I did gain weight. I know I am in better shape. As expected, the things that killed me at the start of Level Two became significantly easier by the end. Those V-raises (palm-up curl) at the end still made my arms burn, but I was doing them with bigger weights. I ended up purchasing heavier weights to use with several of the exercises. I now have 2 pound, 3 pound, and 5 pound weights. I used the 5 pound weights for most of the exercises in Level Two. I used the 3 pound only for the military press / palm-up V raise at the last strength circuit.

My flexibility is definitely getting better, although it is a slow improvement. The more rapid improvement has been in endurance and strength.

I've done Level 3 for two days now. Although it is definitely a challenge, I haven't had to stop for more than a couple beats. At this stage of the game, my favorite and least-favorite strength circuit is the last: I love the first repetition of the circuit, but can barely complete a traveling pushup on the second. Whereas the first repetition I am Muscle Woman, I am Shaking Woman on the second. I look forward to when I'll be able to knock out both sets of the circuit.

And then there are those squat jumps during the cardio circuit - LOVE em! But the "rock star jumps?" Um, YUCK. It is amazing how a seemingly similar move can be invigorating for one and completely torturous on the other. The "rock star jumps" are more like "I think I have gum on the bottoms of my shoes and I really, really can't get my legs up."

Overall, I feel pretty good physically, but I've definitely had some sleep issues. I awaken very early in the morning and cannot fall back asleep. If I wake up for the day, I end up very tired and crabby. But if I go back to bed, I end up really tired when I awaken again (to my alarm.) The best days have been those on the weekend where I can go back to bed and stay asleep until I'm ready. (I've taken lots of naps, too.)

My thighs are shrinking, but my calves are getting bigger. I'm a bit concerned about this, as I recall knowing someone who walked to work all the time and her calves were bigger than her thighs: not pretty.

My mood has been pretty terrible - perhaps I am not eating enough, although I haven't consciously tried to alter my eating habits (other than what I had been doing pre-Shred.) My digestive system overall is rather... um, backed-up and gassy. So... I feel more empowered physically and look better, but I've become a stinky grouch.

I'm sticking with it. Even though the scale didn't show it this time around, I know there has been improvement. April 22nd will be the 10th day of Level Three, my 30th overall - so check back shortly thereafter to see how I've fared.

I've already purchased Weight Loss Yoga to intersperse it with the three levels of the Shred as I continue my trek towards Hot By Blogher. (Nope, I'm not quitting after the "official" 30 days is over.) Last year I did lots of Wii Fit Yoga and loved it, so I'm looking forward to doing more.

Again, a big thanks to the Shredheads; having a community of people working together and encouraging each other is fantastic. Without it - and without posting these embarrassing and literally navel-gazing tales - I wouldn't be held accountable to keep going.
--Shreadhead Update------------------------

- I joined the Shreadheads
- Graduated from Level One
- Graduated from Level Two
- Graduated from Level Three

... now on to continued use of the 30 Day Shred plus Bob's Weight Loss Yoga to continue toning and hopefully losing some weight in the process!