As promised my review of the Jillian Michaels SHRED workout!
Over the past few days I've had the opportunity to do Jillian Michael's SHRED workout levels 2 & 3 a number of times. The workouts are arranged into a warm-up/cool-down couching 3 circuits, each of which includes 2-3 routines of cardio, strength & abs. Is this workout for you? Only you can decide, and to do that you should be armed with information...so, Here's the SKINNY:
Basic Factors:
1. Cardio workout--Utilizes the popular 'interval cardio' training--good variety including high knees, squat thrusts, oblique twists, speed skater, jumping jacks, cardio plan jacks & double jump rope (all on level 2).
2. Core workout--Excellent, not only are abs included on every circuit, several of the strength and cardio segments also incorporate core.
3. Strength workout--You will need a set of hand weights. I made the mistake of using my 10 lbs. weights and ended up with a sore back the next day. When doing the video 2 days later, I realized the women on the video were only using what appeared to be 3-5lb weights. When I switched to my 5 lb weights my back felt better, but then I didn't feel like I got a good enough bi-cep workout when doing hammer curls. My best advise is to have your weight set handy so you can mix and match weights to your personal strength per exercise.
4. Flexibility/stretching workout--If you are not in great shape you will need more stretching than the video offers
5. Intensity level--level two--7, level three--9 (on a scale of 1-10)
6. Motivation level--7, Jillian herself has lost 50 lbs (although I must say it's hard to find any "before" pics of her on the internet); and several times throughout the tapes they talk about going jean shopping, bathing suit shopping and other things that certainly would motivate me to want a more fit bod.
7. Good instructions/descriptions--7, Jillian uses a bit of jargon, but then again if you can actually do the workout you probably have heard some, if not most of it before.
8. Level of overall difficulty--8, both for level 2 & 3
9. Length of workouts--20 minutes. This can be a HUGE plus b/c you really don't have an excuse to NOT fit it in, then again, I would prefer a 30-60 minute workout. The other problem with a 20 minute workout is that several muscle groups are left out completely or are not adequately fatigued. Most likely this is not going to be the only workout you do, so it's important to supplement and cover all the muscle groups.
10. Cost-value ratio--At $10 it's a steal (that is if you are actually going to turn on the video AND do it). At my estimation, if you are willing to commit to the video for a month, it's more than worth the $10.
Jennifer's Factors:
1. Annoyance Factor--how annoying is the person? 4 Some people are annoyed by Jillian Michaels (she's out there enough that you know her from the Biggest Loser and by now know if she bugs ya). I am not one of these people. My hubby on the other hand says she has a horse face and can't stand to look at her--I think he just says that because she has a great body and he doesn't want me to feel bad!
2. Hoochie-Mama Factor--how distracting is their attire? 5 Appropriately clothed with some boob-age. At one point in the video I stood there mesmerized--why do Natalie's ample breasts appear never to move while I have mine strapped down in a deluxe over-the-shoulder-boulder-holder and yet they're flying from one side of the room to the other? I mean, they hardly do any pecs in this workout....
3. Humor Factor--do they make you laugh either at them or yourself (in a good way)? 5, Jillian gives Natalie a hard time sometimes because she's suppose to be "workout queen" and the model we should all aspire to be, so when Natalie isn't in a 90 degree squat and gets yelled at you want to yell out too, "Ha--you AREN'T perfect!"
4. Guilt Factor--do you feel guilty for stopping/ turning off/ etc.? 9 I must say if Jillian isn't Catholic she know all about it! I felt guilty when I stopped doing my lunges (even though I'm not suppose to be doing lunges as my toe recovers)...I can't imagine turning the tape off mid workout and not wanting to run out to confession.
5. Give-up Factor--is it so hard the average person would want to just give up? 5 Here's the deal--if you are in really bad shape OR you are not at all an athletically inclined person this workout is probably too much for you and you may give up. The thing about choosing the right video is finding one that fits your ability level. Some people will give up and never keep looking--that stinks. There are definitely things everyone can do in the video and to be fair, I didn't view level one at all, so perhaps starting there would be helpful to folks.
6. LTR Potential (long term relationship potential)? 6 Being only a 20 minute workout this is a great addition to your workout repertoire and can certainly fill-in on days you can't do a longer workout or you need a 2nd workout.
Best for What Fitness Range?:
This workout is best for a 6-9 level
1-2 Cannot chew gum & walk at the same time
3-4 Can do basic cardio workouts, follow basic routines after they've watched a couple of times
5-6 Somewhat athletic
7-8 Athletic, perhaps overweight but has a strong knowledge of fitness and can easily follow routines
9-10 Um, honey, why aren't you teaching the class?!
Breaking it down--Jennifer's one sentence review:
Jillian Michaels works your ass off, literally, in 20 minutes.
Disclosures:
I was not paid, did not receive anything in exchange for this review. I also did not purchase the video, I watched it on my cable channel which offered levels 2 & 3 for free with my "on demand" subscription. Therefore I did not view level one of the video.
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