Why Saving is Like Shredding

I have been doing Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred now for 7 sessions.  By doing, I mean that I bought the video, let it sit around for a few weeks, finally tried it one night (with the hubby), and was astonished at how difficult it seemed. While I think I am in reasonable shape, I thought the 30-Day Shred would be a good supplement to regular walking to emphasize strength training and tone things up a bit.  What I find surprising, in a good sort of way, is that even after 7 sessions (I’m actually doing this every other day, with walking or other exercise on alternate days), I notice a difference.  Although challenging, by session 5 or so, I started to be able to do the cardio moves all the way through.  The strength sections are harder, although I am trying 5 pound weights; and for me real push-ups are nearly impossible, but even with a lot of bumbling around I notice that I am getting stronger, and lifting heavy bags out of the car is getting easier.   The biggest difference is in the muscle definition in my arms which now have definable biceps, triceps, and upper shoulder muscles.

What I also find surprising is the effectiveness of Jillian’s approach.  As this is the first exercise video that I’ve purchased (yes, ever), I don’t have a lot of comparisons, but I have found that a number of things that she says to ring true. In particular, Jillian’s candid expressions of how you have to work hard to get real results, and that you really don’t need to be coddled.  Several months ago, I posted about how Saving is Like Dieting, meaning that making sustainable, long-term changes in the right direction, is a far more enduring way to have better financial habits and eating habits.  I think I will have to add an addendum to that, indicating ways that saving is like shredding:

–You need to challenge yourself– just as our muscles need to be challenged in order to get stronger, many times we need to challenge ourselves to meet savings and financial management goals.

–Big steps result in big changes — the equivalent of “just take the stairs” in personal finance, is just cut back on a few things, or eliminate a latte or two.  Just as with working out, it takes significant effort to see significant results

–Sometimes you need tough love — although I find Jillian grating at times (how does she talk through the whole routine?), I also find it interesting that without the video, I wouldn’t push myself to continue when the weights become really heavy and my calves start hurting.

–Early results offer inspiration — As I mentioned, one of the reasons I am encouraged has been the rapid early results, especially in upper body strength.  Similarly, when trying to meet additional savings goals, having early successes helps to keep the motivation up.

By Level 3 of the 30-day Shred, I may change my mind about the similarities, but hopefully by then, I’ll be fitter and leaner.

see other financial musings at this week’s Festival of Frugality