Thursday, February 26, 2009

Jillian Michael's - 30 Day Shred

Last week I won an exercise DVD off of a blog called It's A Lifelong Journey. I'd heard about this particular workout video from other bloggers and was super excited to give it a try. It is called Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred.

So Saturday morning I popped it into my DVD player and gave it a try. "Try" being the operative word here. Honestly, it kicked my butt. It was only 20 minutes and for someone who (delusionally) thinks of them self as reasonably in shape, I realized the harsh truth.

To break it down:

There are three 20 minute workouts on the video. Level 1, 2 and 3. I did Level 1. Following a short warm-up, the workout is split up into interval training. 2 Minutes of Strength, 2 Minutes of Cardio, followed by 1 Minute of Abs. This process is repeated 3 times with different exercises. Then you have a brief stretching period to cool down.

For those of you who want details, you do pushups, jumping jacks, jump rope (without the rope), lunges, squats, crunches, and many other forms of torture. No resting for the weary, either. She says, "No Rest! If you want your body to change, you have to ...!" So I have done it twice and both times I thought I was going to pass out. I was supposed to do it this morning too but that is another blog post....

Right now on Amazon this video is pretty cheap. For a workout that really works you out in 20 minutes (everyone has time for that) it's a great deal. (I've linked to Amazon at the top of this post)

6 comments:

AH said...

I have heard so many great things too. I am badly out of shape, but I am a glutton for punishment and ordered it anyway. Ugh!

Jessica @ Pudget: Losing Weight On A Budget said...

I've been doing the video for about 2 weeks and I am already noticing a difference in the shape of my body. I am so excited to be getting my waist back.
It is really tough but I just remind myself that it is only 20 minutes and once I am past the 10 minute point I seem to be ok.
I started level 2 three days ago and it is a killer. I thought level 1 was hard but it is nothing compared to level 2. I seriously am drenched in sweat by the time I am done.

Anonymous said...

I have heard this is good. I have three of the other Biggest Loser DVD's. The workout dvd's 1 and 2 also the Cardio Max dvd...I love the Biggest Loser and the trainers that work with them. I have to say that all the videos really do a LOT of lunges and squats.

Marisa @Loser for Life said...

Oh yeah, Jil and I have been BFF's this month! I started a February Shred Challenge, calling anyone who likes to torture themselves, to do the Shred everyday for this month. Honestly, it's been the LONGEST month of my life! LOL!! Anyway, I am posting my measurements on the last day (tomorrow -yay!)and invited anyone else who took the challenge to do the same. So check out the "finale" for my progress this month! Good luck with it; it is a great workout! Oh, and a heads up(in case you're scared to even go there!), Level 3 is not as torturous as Level 2 (which made me cry half-way through it! LOL!). Have fun ;)

Julie said...

Just FYI, I bought this dvd at Walmart for $9. I love it. She's tough, but I really think it is effective. It keeps your heart rate up pretty high through the whole workout, which maximizes caloric burn. Burn, baby, burn! Try doing level 1-skip the cool down of level 1, move into level 2 and skip the warm up for a longer workout! Maybe after a few days :P

Elizabeth said...

I just got the video! I just need to find time to do the workout! :) Sounds great.