Hi, I just purchased your DVD 30 Day Shred. I will begin tonight. Right now my exercise regimen consists of 5 mile walk in the morning and Curves at night. I am phasing out Curves but will continue to walk.

My questions are: How often should I do the DVD? Do I continue with my 5 mile walk in addition to the DVD?

Thanks a lot. Cecelia. [via Ask Questions]

The 30 Day Shred DVD is not ours, it is by Jillian Michaels, but in any case, it is a good DVD that can help you get in shape.

How often should you use the 30 Day Shred? It all depends on what you are trying to accomplish and on your current conditioning level. Start with one session a week. If you can easily keep up with the pace, and if you feel good after it, move to two times a week.

Do not rush things; take it slow, access how you feel after each exercise session. You should not feel completely worn out after your work out. It is very important to give your body enough time to recover, if you do not, you are not going to make a progress.

As for walking, while it is arguably the best cardio exercise around, it is still an exercise that requires your body to work. Maybe you can walk on the days you are not doing 30 Day Shred. I do not know. See how you feel after doing the DVD. If you feel energized, if you do not feel tired, continue with your walking routine.

If you feel tired, skip walking until you build up enough strength. Or maybe you can walk for 1 mile instead of 5. There are no hard rules; make adjustments depending on how you feel and your progress.