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Pampooty |
Date: 2009-02-04

I have all of the non-BL Jillian Michaels workout dvds and was thrilled that my UPS guys beat the snow to deliver this new addition today. It does not disappoint!

Here's the skinny: 7 six minute circuits, no weights, no equipment. Just you and some free space to jump around (you don't even need that much space; trust me, I live in a tiny NYC apartment and am completely able to do all the exercises). Each circuit is made up of a set of exercises performed twice before moving on to the next circuit: full body engagement, plyometrics and some serious core work mid-way through. But the focus is really on getting your heart rate up and Jillian delivers (my husband walked in after I was done and said he'd never seen my face so red before -- so beware! It's a tough enough workout that you might not look stunning immediately after; you can save the stunning for the beach this summer!)

Now, I should mention I have done JM's 30 Day Shred and love love love love it. There's no better way to get in a thorough workout in 22 minutes. This is not The Shred. There are many familiar exercises, but it's a much longer workout and the intensity is modulated to make it possible to keep going for the full 45+ minutes of the workout. I was intent on getting through the whole workout, so I can't speak to what the experience would be like for a beginner. But, the dvd is broken into chapters that split at each circuit, so theoretically, you can progressively build up as your stamina increases. I imagine I will have days when I'm pressed for time and just want to hit 3-4 of the circuits, and the chapters are designed to allow me to pick the ones I most like (or hate! depending on how tough they are!)

Also, I find Jillian's style to be increasingly more mature with each new dvd. No joke, she's a tough cookie -- that hasn't changed. But her instruction is more precise and her explanations of why certain exercises are paired together is really helpful. I find that knowing why things are good for me (even when they're so hard) is powerful motivation. Oh, I should mention I have very bad asthma and doing these workouts has helped boost my heart strength and capacity to grab more air with each breath. It's silly, I know, but I finish feeling like Mighty Mouse!

I'll update in the comments section with any thoughts or problems I encounter as I incorporate this workout into my regular schedule. But in the meantime, I'm a very happy customer!

dingleberry |
Date: 2009-06-11

I bought this DVD to reward myself for slowly working my way up to Level 2 of the 30-Day Shred, which took several months because I am not always consistent about working out. I felt pretty confident about my fitness level, because at one point, Level 1 had made me feel like I was going to die, and then Level 2 had the same effect, and now I felt like I was ready for anything.

Well, I had to stop after the first 26 minutes of this video. Partly because I pulled a muscle in my hamstring. And partly because I'm not used to working out this hard for 40 minutes. I am used to having a 26-minute workout with the 30-day shred.

This, by the way, is not easier just because it's cardio with no weights. Not easier at all. I was not expecting this. There are yet more exercises that challenge me! Yet MORE exercises that make me feel like I'm going to die! Lots of explosive pylometrics, lots of compound bodyweight exercises, lots of REAL athlete exercises! YEAH! The only thing harder than this would be CrossFit.

Four caveats:
1. If you've spent some time on the 30-day shred (and even if you haven't), take it easy and be careful with the toe touches during the warm-up. You don't want to pull your hamstring in the warmup like I did because you're going to need your legs to do all that kickboxing later.

2. Don't click on her "health tips" video in the bonus section--unless you want to see an cringe-worthy plug from someone you thought was above all that. She says stuff like, "Eat fresh fruits and vegetables!" "Drink plenty of water." And then, out of nowhere: "And use an electric toothbrush from Oral B!" What now? Then her health tips turn into this full-blown infomercial for Oral B electric toothbrushes, starting at $22 each. WTF? Jillian, really, I have developed so much respect for you doing this 30-day shred with you every day for the last year. Don't throw it all away on an electric toothbrush! So, yeah, avoid the bonus section.

3. The redhead in the back is a bit too smiley for me. Neither of those ladies looks like they're trying very hard sometimes. There's one part where Jillian says, "You should really be breathing hard!" And it flashes back to the one on the right, and she looks like she's just going through the motions, like this is just a walk in the park. I liked the backup workout ladies on 30-day shred MUCH better. Those ladies were awesome. They looked like they were really struggling, which is just what you want to see when you're struggling, too. I'm having backup workout lady withdrawals.

4. The 5-pounds-a-week claim on the cover is ridiculous unless you're already obese or come down with the flu the same week you work out.

Despite these quibbles, she can keep her five stars because this is one crazy-hard workout and I feel like I'm in pretty good shape. I can run for 60 minutes. I can do Level 2 of 30-Day Shred. But apparently I want to die after 26 minutes of this video. Love that. Makes me feel like if I can get through this, I will be a real athlete. Also, I love Jillian's style. I love that she will tell the truth about how hard we have to work to get results, and I love that she doesn't try to make everything warm and fuzzy. This will definitely get the fat off when combined with a good diet and, of course, an electric Oral B toothbrush starting at $22.

S. Chase |
Date: 2009-02-07

Okay, I honestly used to HATE working out. Really hate it. But I ordered The 30 day Shred from Jillian thinking that I could do something for twenty minutes for thirty days. Ten pounds later, I found that I looked forward to working out. I needed MORE. So Jillian delivered to me this and the "no more trouble zone" videos. They are like the 30 day Shred but longer and are either cardio or weight based. She keeps the energy high and gives, as always, excellent instructions on how to do the moves properly, so as to not become injured. I recommend this DVD for anyone who is fairly in shape and wants a difficult, addictive workout!

The only negative is the really cheesy music--Jillian, you seem so hip--what is up with that backbeat!?

Claudine Gandolfi |
Date: 2009-05-01

First let me start by saying that I'm trying to lose "the last 15" and I probably could have been on Biggest Loser (lost 172 so far, still have about 15 to go) from when I started. At any rate, almost 4 years into my "new life" I'm trying everything to drop the last bit. My normal routine is 30-45 min of highest level elliptical on personal trainer mode 5+ times a week, plus incline walking, circuit training, cycling outside for fun, and weight training. Just recently took up pilates too. So I'm normally doing 1.5+ hrs a day of moderate to intense exercise, plus fun stuff.

I purchased this DVD thinking it would be a nice "add on" when it's rainy outside or I can't get to the gym. HAHAHAHAHAHAAHA!! The first time I did it (and keep in mind I've been VERY active and strong for 3 years) I could hardly catch my breath and stopped it at the 30 min mark. It is DIFFICULT, but in a good way. This is not hand-holding, this is butt-kicking. After 2 tries, I finally did the whole tape today. It looked like I walked through a pool I was so covered in sweat. But I feel great now. Those walking planks kill me, and the scissor squats/squat jumps... Aaaaggggghhh! Oh the pain. LOL Buy it, you'll learn to love it. It does get easier (not easy, let's say do-able) as you do it more. But I feel as if this will always be a butt-kicker, no matter how many times you do it. Loads of jumping, some pilates core work, some kick-boxing and no rest in between, just a lesser-evil movement so you don't pass out. ;) It's 56 minutes long including the warm up and cool down. You don't need anything but a strong floor and your own body weight.

runnergirl27 |
Date: 2009-02-11

Okay, I have never really been into the Biggest Loser or even the 30 day shred video. I have tried them but I never could figure out what the hype was about but this workout Boost Metabolism definitely was AWESOME! I actually found it on Exercise TV and my kids (age 8 and 5) even loved it. They did almost all of it with me and that NEVER happens. I also tried No More Trouble Zones yesterday and it was also really good. I am sore everywhere today. I burned 350 calories with No More Trouble Zones and 425 calories with Boost Metabolism. I will definitely be purchasing these. I LOVE these workouts and I am highly impressed and I look forward to doing them again and again. I know I will see results and I felt fabulous after doing both of them. Try these you will not regret it!