I have two Jillian Michaels DVDs to share with you for review this week…

1.  One Week Shred Review

One Week Shred with Jillian Michaels was just released on Tuesday.  This DVD is geared for a crash-course weight loss for an upcoming event (wedding, party, beach vacay, etc).  Jillian wants you to do 2 30-minute workouts everyday for a one-week period and follow the online diet.  There is a morning strength workout and an evening cardio workout.  As a trainer myself, I say, “Why can’t you just put the two workouts together?”  Really, you can – but the workouts are hard!  I did the two workouts yesterday back to back, but I should have done the cardio section first.

This workout is really geared for the upper intermediate level exerciser. I do like that she does have a modifier and an advanced level student to show you options.  Jillian calls the modifier a beginner, but she’s not.  I don’t think beginners should even attempt this workout.  I liked the fact that a guy was doing the workout too.  Maybe more guys would be willing to do the workout with their girlfriend/wife if they saw a guy actually in the video.  Also, listen to Jillian’s cues when she gives them to help keep you safe from injury.

These photos (of strength workout) below are taken of my tv screen, the picture quality in person is perfect!

The DVD is tough, but fun.  I haven’t done all of Jillian’s workouts, and the word on the street is that it’s similar to her other workouts.  There were some similar exercises to the Hard Body DVD (below), but that didn’t bother me.  There are only so many ways to do a squat or a burpee.  With that said, there are new ways she tweaked some exercises to keep it fresh.

I checked out the online meal plan…I guess if you were really desperate to lose those extra few pounds for an event that is a week away, you could try it.  Obviously, I’m not a fan of crash diets.  It’s a super-low calorie meal plan.  No way is it meant for guys (who typically have a higher metabolism).  You are eating less than 200 calories for breakfast and around 350 for lunch and dinner and an additional snack.  Recipes are included.  She lets you eat as many green veggies as you want – whenever you want. You would need to, to have enough energy for your day.  You would need to be strict about not going too long in between meals or your blood sugar would drop.  Again, I’m not a fan of crash diets.

I do like the workouts though! Even if you aren’t planning a crash-course weight loss, they are great 30 minute routines.

I bought my DVD on Amazon for about $13 here.

If you have more time to get in shape and summer is your goal for weight loss, do this instead for the meal plan or look at some of my recipes in my recipe library.

2.  Hard Body Review

This workout was released last year and has two 45-minute circuit training routines (level 1 & level 2).  Each has a combo of weights and cardio for a full body workout.  I’m not going to lie to you…after doing the first one, I was hesitant to do the second.

The first workout had too much going on to get a good workout and you know that’s A LOT if I say that!   Compound exercises (basically working more than one muscle group) are great if they make sense and go together.  If they don’t, it’s awkward, doesn’t flow properly, and it’s a waste of time.  That’s how I feel about the first one.

Again, photos taken below of my tv screen.  Picture quality is perfect in person.

Now, the second level workout was GREAT! It flowed nicely and was much, much, more enjoyable.  She does put a unique spin on many exercises, which is refreshing if you are at least an intermediate level exerciser.  You will get your heart rate up, burn calories, and tone all over with this workout.

There is a modifier and an advanced student to show different intensity levels, but true beginners shouldn’t do this DVD.  The DJ is cool if you like dance music (I do), but they did show him maybe a little too much.

Because this workout had two workouts (and you can just scratch that first one), it’s still worth buying.  To get a great workout in for about $10 is definitely worth it to me.  I bought my copy at Amazon here.

I do like Jillian Michaels. She’s reaching millions of people and changes lives.  I just think she should have a real beginner in her workouts to reach even more people.  Are you a Jillian fan?