A shred workout typically refers to a high-intensity workout routine that focuses on burning fat, building lean muscle and increasing overall strength and endurance.
These workouts are designed to be challenging and are often used to help individuals achieve a lean and toned physique.
Example of a shred workout routine
Warm-up
Begin with 5-10 minutes of light cardio exercises like jogging, jumping jacks or cycling to get your heart rate up and warm up your muscles.
Circuit training
For a shred workout, perform a series of exercises in a circuit format, moving from one exercise to the next with minimal rest in between. Aim to complete 3-4 rounds of the following exercises:
- Burpees: 10-12 reps
- Jumping Squats: 10-12 reps
- Mountain Climbers: 10-12 reps per leg
- Push-ups: 10-12 reps
- High Knees: 30 seconds
- Plank: Hold for 30 seconds
Interval training
Perform a series of high-intensity interval exercises to increase your heart rate and burn calories. Here's an example:
- Sprinting: Run at maximum effort for 30 seconds
- Rest: Jog or walk slowly for 30 seconds
- Repeat the sprinting and resting cycle for a total of 5-10 rounds.
Strength training
Incorporate compound exercises in your shred workout that target multiple muscle groups and promote muscle growth. Perform 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps fpr the following exercises:
- Squats
- Deadlifts
- Lunges
- Bench Press
- Shoulder Press
- Pull-ups or Lat Pulldowns
- Plank or Russian Twists
Core work
Finish off your workout with some core exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles:
- Bicycle Crunches: 15-20 reps per side
- Plank Hip Dips: 10-12 reps per side
- Russian Twists: 15-20 reps per side
- Leg Raises: 10-12 reps
Cool-down
Spend 5-10 minutes performing light stretching exercises to help the body recover and reduce muscle soreness.
Example of 30 day shred workout
The 30-Day shred workout is a popular workout program created by fitness expert Jillian Michaels.
It's designed to help individuals kickstart their fitness journey, lose weight and improve overall strength and endurance. The programme consists of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that are approximately 20 minutes long.
Here's a breakdown of the 30-Day shred workout programme:
Structure
The 30-Day shred programme is divided into three levels, each lasting for ten days.
You start with Level 1 and progress to Level 2 after ten days and then to Level 3 for the final ten days. Each level includes a combination of strength, cardio and core exercises.
Level 1
Level 1 of a 30-day shred workout is focused on building a foundation of strength and cardiovascular fitness. The exercises in the level include:
- Jumping jacks
- Push-ups
- Lunges
- Squats
- High knees
- Mountain climbers
- Jumping rope
- Plank variations
Level 2
Level 2 increases the intensity and challenges your fitness level further. The exercises in this level include:
- Jump squats
- Walking lunges with bicep curls
- Side lunges with lateral raises
- Plank jacks
- Bicycle crunches
- Jumping rope with high knees
- Dumbbell rows
- Tricep dips
Level 3
Level 3 of a 30-day shred workout is the most challenging level of the programme, designed to push your limits.
The exercises in this level include:
- Plyometric lunges
- Burpees
- Jumping jacks with overhead press
- Plank with knee tucks
- Russian twists with weights such as a dumbbell or a medicine ball
- Mountain climbers with a twist
- Renegade rows
- Side plank variations
Each workout consists of three circuits, with three minutes of strength training, two minutes of cardio and one minute of core exercises. The circuits are performed back-to-back with minimal rest between exercises. The programme recommends doing the workout six days a week, with one rest day.
Remember to start at a level that matches your fitness level and gradually progress as you get stronger. It's crucial to listen to your body and modify the exercises as needed.
Consult with a fitness professional or doctor before starting any new workout programme, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
The 2-week shred challenge
A two-week shred challenge is a short-term, high-intensity workout and diet plan aimed at accelerating fat loss and improving overall fitness within a limited time frame.
Keep in mind that while a two-week challenge can provide a jumpstart to your fitness goals, long-term sustainable changes require consistent effort and a balanced lifestyle.
While you can follow a similar pattern as mentioned above for the two-week shred challenge, the following is an example of a diet plan you can follow:
Diet Plan
Calorie deficit
Create a calorie deficit by consuming fewer calories than what you burn in 24-hours. You will need to calculate your daily calories based on your height, weight, age and activity level. Aim for a deficit of 500-700 calories per day to facilitate fat loss.
Balanced macronutrients
Consume a well-balanced diet that includes lean protein sources (chicken, fish, tofu), complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, vegetables) and healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil).
Portion control
You can manage calorie intake by controlling your meal portions. Use smaller plates, measure your food portions, and be mindful of portion sizes.
Hydration
Aim to stay hydrated thoughout the day by having fresh water frequently. Avoid sugary beverages, as it will add to your daily calories.
Meal preparation
Plan and prepare your meals in advance to ensure you have healthy options readily available. That can help you make better food choices and avoid impulsive or unhealthy eating.
Remember that it's important to start gradually, listen to your body, and seek guidance from a qualified fitness professional if you're new to intense workouts or have any underlying health conditions. They can help design a shred workout plan that's suitable for your fitness level and goals.