Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred

Yep, all the 5 star reviews have it right: this workout (or series of workouts) is as impressive, challenging, and effective as they say. The ironic thing is, I wasn't even planning to embark on a workout challenge when I came across this DVD. I happened to see a "before/after" review from someone on Pinterest. The pics the user included showing her before and after body caught my eye and totally had me sold within minutes. (And like I said, I wasn't even looking for a new workout at the time - it was THAT impressive.)Here's what makes this series awesome:1) As a busy full-time working mom of a 21 month old, I couldn't be more thankful that this workout can be done in only 24 minutes a day. TWENTY-FOUR (24!?) minutes a day to a better body? You bet. The way Jillian designed the workouts is genius. Even in Level 1 (the "easiest" but by no means "easy" level), you're working multiple muscle groups and/or doing cardio at the same time. As Jillian notes throughout the series, that concentrated focus on more than one muscle area at the same time(large and small muscles - like legs with arms) allows you to get it all done and burn more calories in less time. Who has more time to waste doing easier (but longer) workouts that won't even be as effective? Do this one and save yourself the time.2) The series includes 3 progressively challenging workout routines. You only do 1 routine per day, but as long as you've worked your way up to Level 3 and are ready for any of the levels (that will indeed take you some time to do) you are then free to switch around to any of the 3 workouts depending on your mood for the day. You get bored of one routine, or are ready to move to a harder level, you can move on and the other 2 workouts are there for your choosing. Unless you're already very fit, it's unlikely that you'll want to jump right to Level 3, but now that I've done all 3 levels I super-appreciate the ability to pick which one I want to do from day to day.3) Each level is challenging in its own way - you're not going to find any of the levels easy (again unless you're already super-fit, but even Jillian and her "best girls" are struggling on some of these moves, so maybe if you're more fit than them?!)4) The workouts deliver. I think the marketing materials I've read for the series actually says "lose up to 20 pounds in 30 days" - well, that's not a realistic goal for everyone, unless perhaps you are quite overweight to begin with. But if you do have that much to lose, then I can see how this series would help you do it. What really impresses me with this series is NOT the weight loss piece (I've lost about 4 pounds so far and I'm on day 22), but the strength and tone I'm getting from these workouts. I did my measurements on Day 1 and have been measuring every 5 days since then. I've definitely lost inches in places where it counts - waist, hips, thighs. I also noticed my slightly previously-emerging double chin is no more and my face is thinner! :) (I tend to lose weight in my face and bust first.) I also just FEEL more fit in general. I started feeling great after the first few (rough) days.5) Jillian gives the perfect mix of "tough love" and "encouragement." Just when you feel like you're going to die and feel like you're being pushed too hard, she says something that reminds you why you're doing it (just as an example, at one point she reminds you how much nicer it will be to go jeans shopping when you're more in shape), and it seriously helps put your focus back on the positives instead of how GOSH DARN HARD you're working. It's still tough, but those little reminders take the proverbial edge off for sure.6) Totally based on my own experience for this one, but people noticed a change in me after using this DVD for just a few days. I have a job that I am only in the office a few days a month. The last time I went in and saw the people I work with, 3 people told me how great I looked and asked what I had been doing. At that point, I had only been using this DVD for about 7 days. Based on the on-the-spot testimonial I gave to each of them, 2 ended up writing down the name of the DVD and planned to buy it.7) It's UNDER SEVEN BUCKS! I have never before purchased a better workout for less money, or even close to it.Clearly there's a lot that I like about this DVD. Now for the few things I don't (minor.)1) I have neck problems - was treated awhile back for a herniated disc in my neck and still have pain related to that injury. Although Jillian has one of her "girls" showing modifications to the workout for almost every move, she doesn't specifically tell you how to modify if you have common complaints like neck or back issues. Some of the modifications work out fine, but a couple of them still give me trouble and I kind of just end up suffering through and hoping I don't hurt myself (I suppose I could not do those particular moves, but with a 24 minute workout you don't really want to cut out too much - as Jillian says throughout.) So minor point, but important to be aware of if you have any serious injuries that you may be concerned about aggravating.2) Jillian has two women who workout behind her - one shows the modified move, the other one shows the advanced move. What bugs me about the advanced version of some of the moves is that even the woman demonstrating them can't make it through some without breaking or stopping or modifying her pose briefly. I can surely understand that, since the advanced moves are SERIOUSLY HARD, but if the person on the DVD can't even do it who's supposed to serve as motivation for where you'll get eventually, it can be kind of demotivating - "if she can't do it - how can I??!"3) Just remembered how much I hate that you can't fast forward through the introduction. So even if you've seen it 30 times already you have to watch the whole intro which takes about 3 minutes or so. Really annoying when it's not part of the workout and you are just ready to get to the workout!Aside from those 3 (minor in the scheme of things) negatives, I clearly LOVE this series and will continue doing it even after the 30 days are over. I want to keep my new-found strength and tone, and that's not going to happen if I only do this for 30 days then quit.FIVE STARS AND FULLY RECOMMEND THIS DVD, provided you are ready for a tough and effective workout that's going to make you BURN and SWEAT!

If you don't want to read my whole review here's the gist of it...get this video and use it. You will be so glad you did. It sculpts/tones your body by burning fat and building "long and lean" muscles, which I know a lot of fans of heavy lifting scoff at, but it's the body I want. On level 3, I skip the Superman's (they don't feel like they are doing much but I might be doing them wrong) and replace with slow bicycle crunches...and by the end of that circuit my abdomen is on fire and I feel like I want to collapse on the floor--this probably explains why the workout is so effective for me.My 2012 review: I ordered this dvd because I HATE working out and when I read that it's only "20 minutes" I thought, hey, I can do that. It's actually closer to 25 minutes but it goes really fast. I completed the 3 levels of the 30 day shred in 34 days (mainly did it every day). I was worried about my knees at first, but was very careful with my form (listening to Jillian) and had no problems. Since I only have maybe 8 lbs I'd like to lose (vanity weight), I didn't expect much weight loss (and only lost a total of 3 lbs). But the toning is outstanding. I lost more than an inch of my waist and my belly (high waist and low waist), my muffin top is gone and I feel stronger all around. I feel more toned in the arms and legs too but it's the core that is most noticible to me. Level 1 isn't too difficult (although you will be sore the first couple of days), level 2 is a killer and level 3 is awesome. As a person who HATED working out this dvd is perfect and has even inspired me to add more to my daily workout (I moved on to ripped in 30 and banish fat boost metabolism). Now I look forward to working out...because I'm seeing such amazing results and starting to feel as fit as I was in my 20s.My 2022 Review: I started this program again after a long period of walking for exercise but no other working out. There were a few months (a few years ago) where I tried "lifting heavy" but I was never a fan because I felt bulkier (I know people say that's not possible, but I can't deny the evidence of my own experience). So I stopped the heavy weights and began walking. A minimum of 10,000 a day but usually more like 15,000. Walking is great and has kept me at a good weight, but it doesn't tone the way the 30DS workouts do. When I restarted the 30DS this time around I was planning to skip straight to level 2 because I thought I was in decent shape, but was surprised that the pushups, jumping jacks, planks, etc. were difficult for me. So although walking (and eating sensibly) has kept me relatively trim, it is definitely not helped my strength any. So went back to level 1 and progressed essentially the way the program was designed, except I took "off" on Saturdays and Sundays. By day 10 (not counting rest days) my endurance/strength was significantly better than it was when I started, my jeans were fitting looser too. By day 15 (again 15 workout days) I felt a lot stronger and leaner all around and I was able to fit into my "skinny" jeans (the ones I refuse to throw away). The scale hasn't really moved but it's certainly working. I did level 1 for about 8 days, level 2 for only 2 days (because I hate level 2, too many plank position moves which hurt my wrists), and then moved to level 3...which I still think is awesome. Don't be afraid of hurting yourself, just watch your form and modify when you need to. I follow Anita there's no need to be a bada$$ and still I am getting amazing results.2024 Review: I thought I'd step it up a notch and use BFBM, NMTZ, Ripped in 30....I love all these workouts, they are great, but whenever I switch to another workout program (that I think will be more challenging) I lose that waist definition that 30DS gives me.