Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred Reviews

• Excellent :-)

  
  By A24ZFFRQ4MG3XL on 2008-03-13
  This is a really good workout. It's geared a little more to advanced exercisers, but the choreography is fairly basic and you will definately feel this the next day.
  There are three workouts that combine toning and aerobics together which are about a half an hour each. This way, you're burning fat and toning muscles at the same time. It's a little challenging, but fun and effective. The first workout is the easiest of the three and from there it gets more challenging. The most challenging workout is tough like she shows on The Biggest Loser (ie travelling pushups and tough jumps etc). It's a good idea if you're intermediate to begin either at the start or middle and stick to that for a while and then move on. Each workout uses toning, kickboxing and ab work.
  I found this really good to do. It's absolutely a good idea to not go too quickly with it and begin at the lower of the three levels even if you do it only a couple of times - you can always advance as soon as you're ready for your next workout. She may not be the best cuer, but she is certainly encouraging and motivating. This is fun and I highly recommend it. I've only done it twice so far since it's so new, but I can still feel my muscles thanking me. This is great.
  
  

• WOW! Amazing!

  
  By A3IKFQC64SS4WO on 2008-03-28
  I had never purchased a Jillian Michaels DVD before b/c of the hit or miss reviews. So when I heard raves about this one, I decided to give it a shot and I am so glad I did. This is an absolute butt-kicker workout. I am an intermediate/advanced exerciser (I work out 5-6 days a week) so I figured I could see what Level 1 was all about and move onto Level 2 right away. Listen to me folks--these workouts are HARD. Level 2 was VERY difficult--a good difficult though, very challenging. When Jillian tells you to start at level 1, listen to her she knows what she's doing. I've been at this for about 5 days, and I already feel a difference in my body.
  Jillian is tough--absolutely NO rest in this workout (not even for a sip of water) but that's what makes it go by so quickly, and it makes your body change, according to Jillian. You're done before you know it--but by the end you've gotten a kick butt workout and feel like you've really done something. She bases her workout on the 3-2-1 method: 3 mins strength, 2 mins cardio, 1 min abs. Her strength circuits remind me of Jari Love--compound exercises that work the upper and lower body simultaneously. The cardio is good as well: a lot of jumping, so watch those knees (she has a modifier for beginner and lower impact) And the abs is straight up ab work--a variety of crunches and twists on the floor.
  This is a great workout and I find Jillian to be tough but she's pretty likeable. Be warned though: she's no-nonsense. I think it's funny when during the stretch she admits she's not flexible and struggles to reach her legs on the floor. I thought "Ha, Ha, finally something I'm better at than Jillian!" lol
  If you really want to get a good workout and to jumpstart your weight loss get this DVD you will not be disappointed. It's great for those who are short on time too and want to try something new; every workout is just under 30 mins!
  
  

• WOW! YIKES! JILLIAN KICKS YOUR [...]

  
  By AIGB7VJSCRLUP on 2008-04-02
  Ok, if you're like me (overweight and unmotivated) and watch The Biggest Loser and wish you could be one of the contestants and have Jillian train you then you're in luck! Buy this DVD! I just received the dvd today and did the First Level today. It's been 2 and 1/2 hours since I finished and I'm still shaking and finding it hard to go up and down stairs. I can't even imagine what she puts those poor contestants through..LOL!
  
  I have knee pains and feet pains and usually just walk at 3mph on my treadmill. Well, suffice to say I'm not seeing any weight loss. And let me be honest the real reason I have knee and feet problems is because I weigh too much. So I did the full on jumping jacks..no modified jumping jacks in this workout...Jillian tells you straight, she has 400lb people doing full jumping jacks, you can too! And she was right. I sure as heck can't really do the push ups but I'm sure that I will be able to eventually if I keep doing this dvd everyday for 20 minutes.
  
  And she's right, you can't do a workout for 20 minutes and expect it to be easy...you want easy, don't get this dvd. You want to sweat and really workout get this dvd!
  
  I'm 5'4'' and 168 lbs. I will let you know my progress in my comments as time goes on. Good luck to everyone!
  
  

• Hardest / Best DVD workout yet

  
  By A1HJ30XZMWQVBS on 2008-03-26
  I have recently decided that home workouts are the only way I am going to ensure I get a workout in every day, with a toddler and a full time job. Thus, I did a lot of research on good DVDs and some essential "props" and over the past few months have purchased about 12 DVDs from TaeBo to PIlates to the Biggest Loser series, and then I saw this new one from Jillian, and it surpassed everything else I own by far. I have been working out pretty regularly for over 10 years, I've done triathlon's and everything from spinning to running to kickboxing, so I figured I could start at Level 3. After 3 minutes I went down to Level 2, and then another five minutes to Level 1!!! I have been doing Level 1 for a week and think I will be able to progress a level each week, but it is truly a challenging and rewarding workout, and I highly recommend it for people who enjoy maximum results in minimal time (and don't mind sweating and feel like they might have a heart attack!)
  
  

• another dvd from Jillian? woah! prepare for painful weightloss!

  
  By A2PJ4V6MUO949A on 2008-03-17
  wow! another exercise dvd from Jillian! Prepare to have a painful weightloss! I bought her The Biggest Winner - How to Win by Losing: The Complete Body Workout (5-Disc DVD Set: Shape Up - Front, Shape Up - Back, Cardio Kickbox, Maximize - Full Frontal, Maximize - Back in Action) and started last week. I lost 4.5 lbs. by the end of the week! She's really tough, but really encouraging because she feels the pain right along with you (and she's fit!). I definately recommend any of her dvds if you are serious about weightloss. I'm ordering this dvd and hopefully it will stop any plateauing my body attempts to do. So stop sitting here reading these reviews and buy it!!!
  
  
  
• Report from Day 20. Excellent. Could be better. Overcoming tight calves.
  By A2IULSQQ0JTMOB on 2008-05-17
  I love this DVD, I just finished my 20th workout with the DVD, 22 days since I started, skipped two days due to calf tightness issues (discussed below). My endurance and strength have gone way up as a result of this program. And I am down an average of 5 lbs. since I started (currently 185lbs., 6 ft., male).
  
  Jillian's energy is great and the program is challenging and she challenges you to "fight for it" as you are going through the exercises.
  
  It is "20 minutes of intensity" which is true. Before that is a little warm up. And after that is a little stretching. About 27 minutes in all.
  
  The first day I bailed out after five minutes of the 20 minutes of intensity @ Level 1 (the beginning Level); I just didn't have any more in me. But each day I tried to do more and more. And I fought for it. My goal is to be able to do the complete unmodified Level 1 by day 30. I am there except for a few pushups and a few static lunges with bicep curls.
  
  My strategy is to do what I can and if I can't, rest and continue as soon as I can. Maybe 5 seconds later, maybe more. And then get back to it.
  
  Calf issues: My calves got very tight as a result of doing this program. Level 1 consists of two 30 second sets of jumping jacks (during the warm up), then three more 30 second sets of jumping jacks, plus three 30 second sets of imaginary jump roping, plus three sets of running in place butt kicks. That is five and a half minutes of pounding on the calves, which is okay if your calves don't tighten up too much. But mine did. I feared pulling a muscle they got so tight, so I took two days off. I did some research and found out how to give myself a calf massage and also worked on stretching my calves. That did the trick and the tightness is pretty much gone and certainly not an issue any more. Another idea about the calf issue is that without enough water in the body this is more likely to happen.
  
  Recommendations for when you get it:
  
  1. If you are someone who needs to know how much work is ahead of them when you are doing this program, count the number of repetitions for the exercises that you will have to do to match what the models are doing and you will be able to mentally prepare yourself for what is ahead of you if that is an issue. Since I like to know how close I am to being done with a tough exercise, this helps me a lot.
  
  2. Start this program and stay with it. If you seem like if you keep doing something you will injure yourself on a particular day, don't do it. You want to maximize what you accomplish and risking injuring yourself won't help. But keep coming back and do what you can do every day. And set goals for accomplishing more.
  
  3. I sometimes chug a swallow from a water bottle in between some of the sets, but very quickly so as not to lose any of the repetitions. This may be a security blanket for me until I am completely on top of it. She allows no breaks.
  
  Issues with the DVD/Production:
  
  1. There is continual music with a beat but the beat doesn't seem to match the beat of the exercises. Which means that if you are to stay at the same pace as the models you have to pay attention to them visually and cannot rely on just hearing the beat of the music to get the pace.
  
  2. When you put the DVD in, it takes at least a couple of minutes before it allows you to start your exercise. "Disc operation not allowed" is the message I get when I try to get to the menu to start. I don't want to kill two minutes.
  
  This is a fabulous program to increase physical and mental toughness and I rate the benefit at 5 stars for sure. I would pay $100 for this if that was the cheapest I could get it, because it is easily that valuable to me. But still, there is room for improvement.
  
  Fight for it!
  
  
  
• Not my favorite
  By A23O8T3LNL9YY8 on 2008-07-08
  I have three other Biggest Loser Instructor DVD's--The Biggest Loser Season 1, The Biggest Loser Cardio Max, and The Power Sculpt. This is my least favorite of all.
  First, I think a 2 minute warm-up is not sufficient for the workout (6 circuits of 2 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, 1 minute abs) that follows. Personally, I wish the the ab work was a standing ab type circuit only because after the cardio circuit, your heartrate if fairly high and then you pop right on your back for abs...I'm not a fitness expert, but I have about 100 exercise DVD's and most allow your heartrate to decline before doing floorwork. It's too much strain on your heart.
  I also think that the circuits are too short to really burn enough fat to lose weight. If this DVD were customizable (like the Cardio Max and Power Sculpt) then the viewer could do 2 circuits in a row (excluding the warm-up in between) and get a good workout.
  There are good points to the DVD--good instruction, using upper/lower body moves at the same time to raise the heart rate, and no annoying chatter, but when compared to the other Biggest Loser Series Instructors, this is the least useful for me.
  
  
• I agree with Little Ms. Cutey!
  By A29PFL740NYZ3H on 2008-03-14
  Awesome workouts and takes only 30 minutes total! I agree with everything Little Ms. Cutey (cutie?) said!
  
  
• Beats Military Style Boot Camp!
  By A3L3J28FRKHU3K on 2008-04-15
  I joined a local gym where we are in a Military Style Boot Camp for 5 months. I've been there for 4 weeks and haven't see much difference in either my weight or strength. I decided to dial it up some and purchased Jillian's 30 Day Shred DVD and let me just say, this will get your heart rate going! In just 20 minutes, I was sweating more than in the boot camp class which is saying a lot since the trainers are official Military Service men, they have no mercy. Jillian could teach these trainers a thing or two, that's for sure!! I love/hate this DVD. I love it because I know I'm going to see results FAST but I hate it because it's sooooo hard, even level one is a killer especially for the ones just starting out in the fitness world.
  I plan on sticking with this and doing it everyday just to see if I can shed 20 pounds in 30 days like the cover says. My eating is based on the boot camp recommendations which is a lot like Bill Philips Body For Life. Low carbs, low fat & high protein meals.
  Overall, I would give this DVD 10 stars if possible. I feel like it will be more beneficial to me than the boot camp which is costing me $350.00 per month for 5 months!
  Get this DVD and don't just stare at it for a week like I did. Put it in the player and watch it though one time then attempt to do level 1. If you can't finish it or have to take breaks, that's fine but push yourself to your max. Jillian says not to "phone it in" on these workouts and she's right. You have to want to change your body in order to get through the entire 20 minutes. It becomes a mental game after a while into these workouts. But, it's really rewarding to finish it and know that each time I will be getting stronger and stronger.
  Good Luck to those on the same path to wellness as I am on. It's a road less traveled in this diet crazy world but so much quicker and healthier than the alternatives out there.
  Thanks Jillian for the killer workouts. I'm off to purchase your book now to get your advice about the nutrition part. I'm sure it's full of ideas that will help me even more to reach my 40 pound weight loss goal!
  
  
  
  
• Repetitive but Good
  By A2VGTAFGX4IALD on 2008-03-29
  I am a fitness video fanatic and I own Ms. Michaels other DVD's-The Biggest Winner and the cardio Biggest Loser DVD---she is featured.
  
  This DVD had MANY of the same moves from her other programs. In fact it was a bit repetitve-the moves in the three work-outs overlap and the DVD offers almost identical moves as in her other DVD's.
  
  While this is a super challenging set of three work-outs...the moves feel a bit tired after three times-jumping jacks, arm circles, plank moves, bent over rows. Again and again. I believe this program would get you in shape but eventually boredom will set in. More creativity would make this a phenomenal DVD.
  
  
• What doesn't kill you makes you stronger...
  By A1WDO9LWWFXFUP on 2008-03-28
  This workout has brought me closer to religion because I have faith that it works, and I thought the Lord was going to take me while I was try to complete level one. The moves are basic, so clumsy people like myself can perform them, but it is extremely challenging! There are three levels, so you can slowly work your way through each level. There is no cheesy music and the production is one that won't appear dated after a period of time. After just finishing level one, my arms feel like lead weights. I could barely stand raising them above my head when I took a shower after this workout. Usually, things that say lose "x" amount of weight in "x" amount of days leaves me feeling skeptical, but I have never felt this worked out after exercising, so I believe the claim will deliver. Obviously, Jillian knows her stuff as witnessed by the transformations she produces on The Biggest Loser.
  
  
• Fantastic workout with one exception...
  By A26LD9FQHTM8ZH on 2008-04-09
  I haven't found Jillian's workouts my style so I was hesitant to get this one, but did because of the good reviews. I don't regret that, this is a good workout and really got me sweating. The only exception is that I hurt my knee during jumping jacks. She says 400 pound people do jumping jacks and I'm nowhere near that, but I do have weak knees and they didn't appreciate the jumping jacks. I modify them now during this workout but go really fast to keep the same intensity. If I burn 50 less calories, I can live with that as long as I can keep working out and I'm not sidelined because of an injury.
  This is a great quick workout that really gets the whole body involved and Jillian is less abrasive in it than she normally is.
  
  
• Throw the rest of your workout DVDs away!
  By A2JX6UARSUGX3Z on 2008-03-26
  This is hands down the best workout DVD I have ever done, and I own several. I have only done this workout a few times but already I feel the difference. The workouts are only 20 minutes each so although they are super tough you know that you are almost done so you can push through it! It consists of a lot of jumping, so prepare for sore calves! Jillian in incredibly motivating. Also, I am not a super fit person. I only started working out a few months ago and I can just barely do level 1 so it is definitely beginner-friendly. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!
  
  
• Truly a God Send
  By A7IK13U6Q9AU0 on 2008-04-02
  I must give credit where credit is due and Jillian Michaels deserves a lot of credit when it comes to this video! I am a 32 year old mother of two, a full time student and I work part time. I grew up playing soccer and doing ballet. I was always very athletic and kept myself in shape. After 2 c-sections with my kids, my abdomen looks kinda funky and my motivation has been ZERO. One month ago I weighed the most I have in my entire life - VERY depressing. I began doing the 30 day shred and let me tell you, I have lost 12 lbs. in the last month and have gone down 2 sizes in clothes! But the best part about it is that I feel healthier, I have more energy and I am happier. I have tried a gazillion DVD's (like everyone else) and this workout really does what it is supposed to do - work you out! It is definitely a total body routine and not for those who are looking for an easy way to working out and weight loss (and we all know there is no easy way, so you might as well buy this DVD). It is really a good investment and worth every second of burn(a 12 dollar investment, can't get better than that).
  
  
• Fun, fast, & tough!
  By A26FDPOR9R1CGV on 2008-04-15
  I'm an advanced exerciser & love "30 Day Shred." It packs so much into a short time & you really can guage it to your own level. I bought it for my sister who has a 4 year old and 3 month old. Perfect for busy mum's or fitting in a quick, tough workout. I really like Jillian & appreciate her choice in background exercisers. The Amazon reviews encouraged me to purchase ,& I'm so glad I did!
  
  
• I LOVE THIS WORKOUT!
  By A2TUCFNQCGU0G0 on 2008-04-16
  Thank you Jillian! I just did my first 20 minutes workout - level 1 of 3 level options - and I don't know if I can carry myself upstairs to bed! Ha! I'm even having trouble lifting my arms enough to type on the keyboard. This is a dynamic, kick your butt into gear, workout and I KNOW I'm going to get results in no time with this DVD. I just got back on a fitness kick late last fall after YEARS of getting fat and flabby. I have been using a "Firm" Stability ball workout - which is great - but I wanted to try something different and I am so glad I picked Thirty Day Shred.
  
  First, I love the fact that there are three separate levels to this workout system. I can start with level one and move on to two and then three when I'm ready. They don't try to jam three levels into one workout. Jillian gives you plenty of instruction along the way to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly. Yea - a lot of the stuff is old school, but that's part of the reason it's easy to follow, no complicated dance movements here. I'm not training for Broadway, after all.
  
  I also love the fact I can get a dynamic workout in just 20 minutes a day. I don't have a lot of time in my day and it's going to be so much easier to motivate myself to put the DVD in and move my butt when I know it's only 20 minutes. The intensity packed into that 20 minutes had me begging for mercy after 10 minutes! I'm going to be crying in pain tomorrow, but I'll be back at this workout tomorrow night because I know it's working.
  
  
• Very Effective, but Boring workout:Push-ups, jumping jacks, jog-in-place, crunches, etc.
  By A2SAVTYOEBSNPF on 2008-05-12
  I like the instructor. She's not interested in flashy outfits, make up, etc. She's there to make you sweat and she does a good job keeping you from quitting. The workout circuits are the problem for me, though. These are all the same basic exercises you've done since jr. high school P.E.. The music is very drab. I need for my workout to be fun or I start to get lazy. I couldn't wait for this workout to end so that I could jump into a more active workout.
  
  Still, this DVD deserves the 4 stars for being effective in it's purpose... to make you lose weight and tone muscle.
  
  
• Awesome Work out!!!
  By A2IBNTPQAOBU5Q on 2008-03-25
  This workout is great!! I highly recommend it! If you are serious about knocking off the extra pounds then you must buy this workout, it is very hard but Jillian motivates you the whole way through. If you don't do it you are only cheating yourself out of the potential weight loss. I have a big event coming up so I'm going to do it everyday!!! I highly recommend the 30 day shred!!!
  
  
• Beginners place your orders!
  By A138WZLIOKN3F on 2008-05-03
  First, a little about me... I am 31 years old, no kids, 197 pounds, 5'4" and for the past 5 months I probably exercise, on average, about twice a week. I just got done doing my first workout from this DVD on Level 1.
  
  Bad news first: Like another reviewer mentioned, I don't like the fact that you can't skip to the workout menu and bypass the minute-or-so talk from Jillian. Today is a Saturday and I have the time, but during the week I can see this getting annoying. The music should just be considered background noise and the beat can be used to keep time, but if you are really big into music, you should get a different DVD. I don't mind the music because I am too busy focusing on proper form. I really only care about music if I am dancing and there isn't any dancing going on here.
  
  Now, the good news: the workout in level 1 is just challenging enough to make me that I feel I have something to work towards, but not so difficult that I can't imagine ever finishing. I made it through everything except for some push-ups and the "bicycle" ab routine. Jillian talks a lot during the workout to tell you exactly how you should do the exercise which is good for me. I like to be reminded how to keep proper form so I get the most out of what I do. You can turn the sound off if you want too and just use visual cues. I noticed that if you want to know when an exercise will be over, you can tell by when Jillian gets back into position after her walk over to the other cast members to point out how you should do stuff. I have read some other reviews where people said she is bad at cues, but I didn't have a problem at all. I didn't really pay attention to what she was saying all the time because I had the volume low, but everytime I did hear her say something, it was very encouraging and right on time. She really knows when people will start fading and she adds a nice boost. I don't see what people are talking about when they complain about the cardio. It's not bad at all and if you feel tired - then slow down! The moves are not so complicated that you can't modify them. I can totally see myself doing this workout over and over and I can't wait to move up different levels. This workout doesn't have a lot of frills, just straight up interval training. I love the fact that you don't need a lot of contraptions to make this work. All you need is dumbells and when you are on a tight budget like I am, this is perfect. This DVD costs $13 and I can totally see it paying for itself 10 times over. I am only on level 1 which I would imagine I will be at for at least 3 weeks before it is perfected and I will feel comfortable moving to the next level. If that is right, I will get at least 9 weeks of challenging workouts - not bad for $13!! There is really no excuse for not getting off the couch and doing this. I don't really have a "designated" workout area either - just my living room - and the moves in this DVD don't have you all over the place so I don't have to move all my furniture for 25 minutes of workout time.
  
  So, to sum things up, this is a straight forward and effective workout that won't break the bank, rearrange your furniture or have you begging for mercy!
  
  
• Excellent quick workout!
  By A2RSAV8PBOAYF6 on 2008-04-10
  I'm a full-time working mother of a toddler, and I don't have more than 30 minutes a day to work out since I have to work out in the morning before she's awake. I've been searching for a video that could get the job done in 30 minutes or less, and this is that video. I get just as much or more out of this video as I do in other videos that are 45 minutes to an hour. There are 3 different levels: intermediate, intermediate/advanced, and advanced. Each level has three circuits consisting of 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. I like how the different intervals keep you moving and your heart rate up. I'm a Biggest Loser fan and have worked out to other videos of Jillian. She can be very tough and agressive. In this video, she's a lot more calm and right to the point in her instruction. A nice feature on this DVD is when you get more advanced and learn the routine, you can play the workout with music only and no instruction. Other posts have questioned whether you're to do it every day. The recommendation at the beginning of the DVD is to do it every day; however, it's less than 30 minutes, so it shouldn't be that hard to squeeze it in each day.
  
  
• Great way to get in Shape and kick it up a notch in 25 minutes!
  By AFI00QJ0NT26E on 2008-04-10
  I bought this after the reviews in Collage and have not been disappointed, you think yeah a 25 minute workout isn't going to do much then you do the workout.
  
  There are three levels 1, 2, and 3 and the intensity of these goes up according to the level you chose.
  The set up for the workout is 3 minutes of strength with combo moves, 2 minutes of cardio and then 1 minute of abs. You repeat this 3 times with different exercises and moves for all three sections. This one even includes a beginners option for all three levels, way better then her winning by losing series in my opionon. It's hard but effective and you can see results such as endurance after only a few workouts. I like that your are getting the maxium results in this short block of time. I've been very happy with the 8 pounds I've lost since starting this program.
  
  
• 30 Day Shred
  By A3URS0RINQ0CSB on 2008-03-26
  This is a great workout DVD. It's very intense and non-stop for twenty minutes. By the end you'll definitely think that twenty minutes is a long enough workout. I would start at level one even if you are intermediate or advanced. Level two kicked my butt and I work out every day. Each work out is three circuits of 3 minutes strength, two minutes cardio, and one minute abs. You move up to the next level at your own pace. There is no time limit for being at any of the levels. Highly recommend this DVD.
  
  
• Great Workout
  By A1ZMEOCEK90XF9 on 2008-04-03
  I haven't exercised consistently in about 3 years so I'm doing Level 1. I've only done if for 2 days, but it's a great workout. It's intense and you are done before you know it!
  
  My only complaint is that there is no diet/nutrition information other than referring you to her website or other books. Also, it seems somewhat misleading. 30 Day Shred - meaning if I do this for 30 days in a row, I will see results? Or does it allow you to take any days off? And losing up to 20 pounds...if I only do this workout? I guess I would like some clarification. Anyone have any ideas? I mean, we all know to cut our calorie intake and what to eat, but I would like to know specifically what to do in terms of exercise and nutrition what I need to do to lose 20 pounds in 30 days.
  
  
• Amazing workout!
  By A1MMHIV3G6BPYE on 2008-04-22
  I bought this video with the intention of overall toning and weight loss. I will say that the program is working quite well. I am on day 21 and have dropped about 9lbs and my overall energy level and stamina has improved. Just to give you an idea where I started, I was about 154lbs and now 145. I am 5'6" and under the age of 30. Just stick with it! It works! I have tried many different videos and found this is great even for me with no cordination whatsoever! Before this video I ran up the stairs and got winded. Now I can jog 1/2 mile and not feel too tired. Also my husband has told me he has seen a great improvement in my overall energy. I would reccomend this product to anyone who wants to increase their strength, tone and loose inches off their body. I havent changed much in my diet other than lots of water and no alcohol. Also cutting calories helps too but I love my ice cream treat every now and then. So all in all great product!!
  
  
• Short but sweet
  By A1YTFB6EHZ2QFG on 2008-04-22
  I received my copy about 6 days ago and have done workout #1 five times. I really like it. I won't repeat the other reviews (which by experience are quite accurate-and should be read) but here are a few things that I don't think anyone mentioned that I really like.
  
  -It goes by very quickly. I know everyone says its short but really it flies by faster than any other workout I do or have done. I get bored easy and it is over before I can talk myself into blowing off the workout or quitting early. I also feel like I get an effective workout for my time (especially my neglected arms and abs).
  
  - It can be done in a small space. My apartment is SMALL. I have had problems with videos in the past that require a whole room's worth of space to go back and forth (which I do not have).
  
  - (based only on the first workout) the exercises often incorporate the hand weights (o-yea you need hand weights which I don't think is mentioned anywhere here) This means that the intensity can be changed easily up or down by changing the amount of weight.
  
  I really enjoy this video and received exactly what I expected based on the reviews and I am very happy with my purchase.
  
  
  
• I wish there were more workouts in this DVD
  By A1VB9PIZB0IMAK on 2008-05-27
  First off, I would give it 3 ½ stars. I've only done level one but it is a good, very intense work out. I felt great afterwards. Also, I really like the trainer. She motivated me to push my hardest to try and finish each exercise, which sometimes I couldn't do (and I consider myself to be in good shape). My biggest complaint about the DVD is that you are told to start with level 1 and then progress up to level 2, then level 3. But there is only one level 1 workout, one level 2 workout and one level 3 workout. As a result, you are doing the same workout every day until you can move up a level. This can get boring. In addition, you are working the same tired and sore muscles that you worked the day before. My other complaints are a bit petty: the music is terrible and you can't skip through some of the beginning stuff. As stated above, the workouts are great and extremely challenging but I wouldn't use this DVD alone.
  
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  UPDATE:
  
  I would now give this video 5 stars. One of the comments to my review suggested that I don't wait to move up in levels, rather, I could do each level so that I am not doing the same workout again and again. THANK YOU to that person. I am now switching around levels and I love it. Level 2 and 3 are harder but I follow the "easier" version of most of the exercises and make modifications to some of the aerobic exercises that may be too hard (or that I just may not like). This is now my favorite DVD. I love it because it is hard enough to actually replace the gym... and in only 25 min.
  
  
• The Perfect Workout Video
  By A296FY3E05WFSF on 2008-05-10
  I am in semi-good shape. I run 3-4 days a week, but I needed something besides cardio. This is THE perfect video if you ask me. Here are the reasons why
  1) It is short enough that I can always get motivated to do it. I always tell myself, "It's only 20 minutes. I can work out for 20 minutes." (Even though it is slightly longer).
  
  2)I have only done the first workout, but I am really motivated to keep using this video because I want to be able to move on to the 2nd set. I am dying to see what the 2nd round is like!
  
  3)The exercises are very "back to the basics". I like this. No fancy moves, just jumping jacks, squats, high knees, crunches-- oldies but goodies.
  
  4) Each workout is a short warm up and then 3 rotations. I like being able to check things off, so I just tell myself, just make it through this one rotation, and then just 2 more and you're done! It breaks the video up into smaller segments, which makes it fly by.
  
  Although I wouldn't do this workout exclusively (there aren't any videos that I would), it is a great addition to my running, and I feel like I am finally doing something about getting toned!
  
  Oh, just a minor tip I learned: to make the push ups easier, but harder than doing them on your knees, you can use a exercise ball to put underneath your legs. The closer up to your midsection, the easier the pushups. As you get stronger, you can roll the ball closer to your ankles.
  
  UPDATE: I just tried routine 2 for the first time last night. I thought, "how much harder can it really be?" It really kicked my butt! The plank work and those plank jacks....killer! I am taking a day off to recover, but I'm already looking forward to doing it again because it is hard but short.
  
  
• OK Workout
  By A10J2Y9O8VX0JT on 2008-06-12
  I like this work out for when I'm short on time or as an add on workout. One downside is I don't like how Jillian constantly stops to make pointers. It can be distracting. Some of her comments are cheesy, but the workout itself is decent. Not as tough as Cathe Friedrich's DVDs, which are still my favorite workouts---she does the entire workout with you. For 3 short 20 minute workouts though, you can't beat the price on the Shred workout.
  
  
• Amazing workouts!
  By A1WXABQ5PZSDDO on 2008-03-29
  This is by far the best workout video I have ever done- when I purchased it I thought it would be good to fill in some of my other workouts. Well let me tell you- if you can add this to your normal workout you are superhuman!! This is a full workout all on its own!! All I can say is thank you Jillian for making such a great-fun-time friendly workout!
  
  
• When things get tough
  By A2M0HNEE5L0YIC on 2008-04-10
  These workouts are brief but tough. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. You will work hard and sweat, but you will be glad you did.
  
  

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