I first picked up the 30 Day Shred one January, after realizing that my clothes were feeling too tight from a year of overindulging without exercising. Not wanting to return to swimming or treadmill walking, I browsed through some questionable-looking workout videos in the local stores, before heading to Amazon.com to find out what their bestselling workout video was. I then discovered the 30 Day Shred, at the top of Amazon's bestseller list. With circuit training workouts under 30 minutes, and with over 2000 happy reviews on Amazon, I had to give it a try, and I wasn't going to let my lack of experience with circuit training or with weights get in the way!
Level 1 runs 28 minutes including warmup and cooldown, with the main workout running 22 minutes. Two trainers are in the background - Anita to demonstrate the beginner modifications, and Natalie to demonstrate the advanced version of the workout. This workout starts out with a warmup containing dynamic stretching, gentler stretching, and cardio intervals (jumping jacks), to get your blood flowing immediately.
After the warmup, it's time for the main workout. The main workout consists of three 6-minute circuits, each of which features her signature 3-2-1 interval training system, consisting of 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abdominal exercises. The 3-minute strength intervals contain one major strength move, and then a compound move working both legs and arms. Most of the strength moves will require hand weights. No breaks (even for water) are provided, as Jillian states that no rest is allowed, in order to force your body to change as quickly as possible. Instead, Jillian states that if you really need a break, you may pause for no longer than 5 seconds to catch your breath.
This has been quite a challenging workout to follow. The day after I first tried Level 1, it hurt to sit down or walk, as my thighs were killing me after all of those squats and lunges. I could barely sit down on the toilet, let alone make it down a flight of stairs!
But I persevered and managed to finish 10 consecutive days at Level 1 - the muscle soreness in my thighs finally disappeared around Day 4. My shoulders, arms, glutes, thighs, and abs have all gotten quite a workout. At the beginning, I could barely do a single unmodified pushup. After 10 days, I've been able to finish the two 30-second sets of unmodified pushups without a problem. As a petite woman who was a total newbie to working out with weights, I started my 10 days at Level 1 with 1 lb. Weights, and moved on to 2 lb.
Weights around Day 6. Those of you with knee problems should take it easy and follow Anita's beginner modifications during the high-impact intervals, and during the squat or lunge exercises. The 1-minute strength intervals with squats or lunges are a bit rough on the knees - I would have preferred that they be broken down into 30-second intervals instead. If you're not an experienced exerciser, you'll need her pep talk to motivate you to finish this workout. Jillian's tough, motivational style is incredibly inspiring, and really encourages you to push through the difficult exercises and work through the discomfort, in order to see the maximum benefit from this workout. Level 2 runs 28 minutes including warmup and cooldown, with the main workout totalling 22 minutes.
As with Level 1, Anita and Natalie demonstrate the beginner and advanced modifications, respectively. The warmup contains static and dynamic stretching, as well as cardio intervals (jumping jacks and high kicks) to loosen you up and test your flexibility. The main workout consists of the same format as in Level 1, consisting of 3 intervals, each with 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. Plyometrics are introduced. This has been yet another crazy workout. Now that I've moved up to 3 lb. Hand weights, my arms and shoulders hate me with a passion.
They are praying for mercy during most of the strength intervals. When Jillian says '5 more' near the end of the final strength interval of chair squats with a V-fly, doing 5 more seems unimaginable. Do this workout near a mirror to check on your form - you'll be surprised how much more difficult the strength exercises are when you try to maintain impeccable form. After completing 10 days at Level 2, I now have amazing shoulder muscles that I would never have dreamed to be possible - those anterior deltoids are getting ripped! The cardio's definitely been kicked up a notch. Welcome to plyometrics, otherwise known as jump training! Squat thrusts and plank jacks will make you miss the cardio from Level 1.
For the first several days of this workout, I thought those oblique twists were going to kill me. I can't keep up with Natalie's super-explosive version of the skater moves without risking blowing out a knee. After 10 days of Level 2, I've still been unable to follow the double jump-rope cardio segments, and have to stick with the beginner modification instead. Even the trainers look winded during this workout - Jillian having a laugh about that near the end is the only pause you'll get during this workout. The squats, lunges, and various high-impact moves throughout the workout are hard on the knees, as in Level 1, so follow Anita's beginner modifications if you need to, in order to step it out instead of jumping. The abs exercises nearly did me in, and I found myself having to ice my abs even while at the office! The best thing about this workout is the great sense of relief you feel when it's over.
Fortunately, the workout goes by quickly enough if you make the effort to follow along with good form. Level 3 runs 28 minutes including warmup and cooldown, with the main workout totalling 23 minutes. As with Level 1, Anita and Natalie demonstrate the beginner and advanced modifications, respectively. The warmup contains static and dynamic stretching, as well as cardio intervals (double jump rope, high kicks, and butt kicks) to loosen you up. The main workout consists of the same format as in Level 1, with 3 circuits, each consisting of 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. Plyometrics continue to be included.
This is yet another crazy workout that really kicks it up a few notches. With my heart rate blasted through the roof, and sweat dripping down my face, it is impossible to deny Jillian's powers as a trainer. Somehow, no matter how difficult it is, she will talk you through it. This is great, because you'll really need it. Level 3 feels like an endurance test.
Get used to spending more time in plank position, and doing more plyometrics. If you have knee or ankle issues, make sure to play it safe and stick with the modified beginner moves. As for the jumping lunges, be careful to avoid hyperextending your knees upon landing, so check your form in the mirror as you're doing these. (Unfortunately, I found this out the hard way.) As a newbie to weight workouts, I found doing the cardio with 5 lb. Weights to be surprisingly difficult - it will be a super-long time before I can do the shadowboxing with the same pace and form as the trainers. As for the abs moves, the scissor crunches feel impossible and super-human - when she says to do 10 more, it feels like the longest 10 moves of your life.
For the full-on classic situps, it took a super-long time before I could follow along with the advanced version (with fingers behind the ears, bent knees and no help on the feet). The first few times I tried side plank raises, they mostly consisted of falling down. By the time you get to the plank rows and the travelling pushups in Circuit 3, your sweat will be hitting the mat, so make sure you have a mat that wipes clean easily. The Circuit 3 cardio feels merciless. The first times I tried the jump squats and rock star jumps, I felt like my brain was going to shake loose. Knowing that it was the last circuit, and not the first, felt heavenly. The best thing about this workout is hitting the mat for cooldown, taking my heart rate, and realizing that I've blasted my heart rate to my target levels. Cross pens.
I feel an amazing sense of accomplishment after doing this incredibly intense workout. After this, my body feels wonderfully strong and healthy, and I feel like I can do anything.
We’ve hand-picked the 5 best Jillian Michaels workout DVDs to get you into shape faster than you can say ‘jump squat!’ Anyone who reads this site regularly knows I am a huge fan of Jillian Michaels exercise DVDs. I don’t have much time to dedicate to working out so if I am going to donate 20 minutes to an hour of my day to trying to get into shape, I want a workout DVD that works, not something that feels like a nursing home funky-robics class.
I want a workout DVD that works, not something that feels like a nursing home funky-robics class Jillian Michaels’ workouts deliver me a real body challenge and they make me sweat, which feels like it’s effective. I began with 30 Day Shred about a year ago and in only a month for a trip home to Australia I lost an inch off my waist and thighs. For the last year I have been obsessed with collecting Jillian Michaels DVDs and testing them, which is why I feel qualified to bring you what I believe are her five best for people wanting real results. I’ve explained them with the specific purpose of giving you all the information that someone looking for workout DVD wants. I know because I am that person and I am fusseeee! How long have you got?
25 minutes How many workouts? Three workouts, levels, 1, 2 and 3 that progress in difficulty – you’re supposed to do one until it feels easy and then move on. A clue, level 3 will never feel easy. What happens?
30 Day Shred is the classic Jillian Michaels workout and it really does work. Each 25 minute workout combines high intensity moves with resistance and abdominal work using Michaels’ signature 3-2-1 formula. That’s three minutes of resistance moves (think squats, lunges, push ups) with two minutes of cardio (such as high kicks, boxing moves, mountain climbers) and one minute of abdominal work done as three circuits plus a warm up and cool down. It’s all just so tough it will make you swear but it is over quickly and it really works. Type ’30 day Shred’ into Google Image and see the success stories for yourself. Level of difficulty? Starts off at beginners and moves to advanced but throughout the workouts there are instructions for easier or tougher variations.
A set of dumbbells in different weights. I use the 2kg, 3kg and 4kg ones from Buy 2. How long have you got? 45 minutes How many workouts? Two, level one and level two. What happens? Still circuit style, you go all the way through each of the seven circuits and then start again from the beginning.
I found it torturous, even level one. It features Jillian’s signature strength, cardio and abdominal training combinations which mean you get a killer workout to your muscles while also working up a serious sweat because of the combination of high impact cardio and low impact resistance training JM’s become known for. For Jillian, there’s no such thing as a bog-standard lunge or plank. She has to add about three other things to these moves so that you’re working so many body parts it hurts everywhere. Case in point, at one stage we were doing not only burpees but burpees with weights and a jump at the end. At another we weren’t just doing push ups, but walking push-ups with arm lifts and three squat jumps at the top.
The result is a workout in which you get maximum sweat for the time you put in. Therea’s a cute DJ for the first time, eye candy to distract from the pain. Level of difficulty? Intermediate to advanced Equipment? A set of dumbbells in different weights.
How long have you got? 30 minutes How many workouts? Two at different levels. You do workout one for three works and then progress to workout two for three weeks What happens?
If you’re expecting an easy ride of lying on the floor doing sit-ups, forget it. This is high intensity and designed to shred fat from the body to reveal a six pack and the only way you can do that is with tough, sweat-inducing moves. There are lots of them using weights and moving arms and shoulders across the body for whittling waistlines while doing lower body moves such as lunges and squats.
Heidi Rhoades
The moves in level one are not quite as intricate as level two or as fast, which means you have something to progress to. A great and quick all over workout that is a step up from 30 Day Shred in my opinion. Level of difficulty? Intermediate to advanced Equipment? Dumbells in different weights. How long have you got? 20 minutes How many workouts?
Three in all, covering upper body, lower body and abs. Designed to be done on different days or – when you have the time – as one long workout. Each has a warm up and cool down incorporated into it so you don’t have to keep going back to the menu.
What happens? This is my favourite when I am properly short of time – I find the moves challenging but also fun as all the kick boxing and punching gets my aggression out and calms my nerves for the day.
There are a bunch of girls in this one, some doing different variations so it’s easy to do the workouts for any levels – though many of them look pretty challenged themselves in points. Even in 20 minutes, there is enough here to do some damage (as in make a difference). Of all the workouts, it’s probably the one that’s the most fun in the shortest possible time, while also challenging your muscles.
It’s also great for learning boxing and kick-boxing moves. Level of difficulty? Beginners to advanced. How long have you got? 40 minutes How many workouts?
One What happens? Each workout is broken up into six seven-minute circuits which means you go through a few sets of resistance moves twice during each circuit. I love it because it’s all based on your body weight – no equipment required – and you really, really sweat. This comes from a combination of old-school callisthenics such as jumping jacks, high kicks and mountain climbers as well as kick boxing and punching moves plus plenty of plie and jump squats and moves on the floor such as mountain climbers, twisting planks and other torture. The mix leaves me soaking wet by the end of it. It’s the one I always do after a big meal out the night before as I know it will boost my metabolism for the day and get me burning more calories than usual. Level of difficulty?
Intermediate Equipment? None Buy OTHER REVIEWS IN HEALTHISTA’S GET FIT AT HOME DVD SPECIAL.
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Workout Level 2 is an explosive, interval training workout that combines strength, cardio and ab exercises to burn fat, sculpt muscle and firm the entire body to uncover shredded results as you realize your full potential to maximize results. Prepare to sweat and fight through the burn with America's Toughest Trainer & Fitness Celebrity, Jillian Michaels, as she keeps you focused and motivated with her expert instruction and supercharged enthusiasm in this second level segment from the #1 Best-Selling Fitness DVD, '30 Day Shred.' Unleash your weight-loss potential as you boost metabolism and sculpt lean muscle throughout the arms, chest, shoulders, legs, glutes, back, abs, and oblique's with this robust workout that targets all of the major muscle groups of the body simultaneously. You will need a set of hand weights, a towel, a floor mat, and a bottle of water to complete this exercise.
Learn several key exercises that Jillian relies on when training celebrity clients on TV and worldwide. Challenge your core and activate your abdominals, hips, thighs, butt and legs through an array of explosive plyometric moves as you fight your way through an effective 3-2-1 interval system that Jillian swears. Adjust this routine to fit your skill level by using the exercise modifications that are demonstrated in each circuit. Look and feel your best with dynamic moves like squat rows, walk-out push-ups, high knees, static lunge rows, speed skaters, pendulum lunges, double crunches, military press leg extensions, plank variations, stretches, and many more as you build strength, banish cellulite and melt away the pounds to unveil a strong and shapely new you.
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Lukensia Michaels Rhoades
Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Level 1 will burn fat with this interval training fitness system, combining strength, cardio, and abs workouts that blast calories to get you shredded and ripped. This workout is from Jillian Micheal's the DVD 30 Day Shred. Click here to sign up for the BeFit newsletter for workout tips, recipes and more! Click Here to Subscribe to the BeFit channel: For full selection of great workouts like this one, visit the BeFit Channel on YouTube: Check out our official website at: Check us out on Facebook Follow us on Twitter at: Check us out on Google+ Check us out on Pinterest.