REVIEW!!!!30 Day Shred

I have never seen The Biggest Loser, I don't have cable, so I didn't know who Jillian Michaels was when a friend mentioned the 30 Day Shred. 

I picked up the DVD and watched through. I was immediately impressed by the technique she employs. The 30 Day Shred includes 3-20 minute workouts, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each work out is made up of 3 circuits with 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. Required equipment consists of hand weights and a mat. 

I usually hate workout DVD that require equipment but I think these are pretty standard household items at this point. If you don't have hand weights use soup cans.

The 30 Day Shred is a serious workout. It's only 20 minutes but I finish it as sweaty as I finish my weekly GAP class which is an hour. If you want to really jump start your fitness program and start seeing rapid results I highly recommend this DVD.

I've worked through the beginner level for a week and this week I want to repeat it with 5lb. weights, last week I used 3 lbs. 

Here's a sample of what the workout is like:

Warm-up with stretches and light cardio. 

Circuit 1 

Strength includes alternating push-ups (yuck) and squat -n- press w/weights.

Cardio includes alternating jumping jacks and invisible jump rope

Abs includes alternating crunches and reverse crunches

This is the hardest circuit in Level one, for me at least, but once you push through the first one the rest flow nicely and you can really feel satisfied with working through it. It's also only 20 minutes so if you remind yourself of that you can do it.

Two more  circuits follow and then Cool Down.

Jillian's personality comes across as tough but fun. She doesn't sugar coat the situation and is honest with the viewer about what needs to happen if they want to see results. She is never condescending and encourages you to work hard.

There is a participant in the video who does modifications for beginners but honestly there aren't many modifications for these exercises. The workout consists of pretty old school moves but the way they are combined makes them super effective.

I highly recommend this DVD. Since I started it 1 week ago I have definitely seen improvement in my cardio ability and more definition in my muscle tone.

4 out of 5 Luv Muffins

xoxo

martha