Ugh. Phew. ZZzzzzz. That Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred is one tough, exhausting DVD. But, you know what? It works. Just in ten days – the number of days I devoted to level one, figuring that three levels divided by four weeks would be ten days a level – me so smart! – I can feel my endurance has improved tremendously. The first two days that I did the exercises, I was huffing and puffing, stopping here and there for a breather. Last night, I breezed right through it. That’s how I – gulp! – know I’m ready for level two.
Let’s see, what do I like about this DVD? It kept me on my toes. The three circuits seem to flip by fairly quickly, and as soon as I think I’m about to die, it’s time to change to another set. The formula seems to work – three minutes of strength, two minutes of cardio, and one minute abs. Three circuits and you are done. Use your choice of hand weights – I used 5s and 8s.
Circuit number one begins with squats and overhead dumbbell presses, and the cardio involves jumping jacks – probably my least favorite exercise. Combined with crunches, it’s an effective first level – but nothing too severe.
Circuit two – back rows, lunges with bicep curls, punching and butt kicks – this is the level that killed me. Thirty seconds of non-stop lunges doesn’t SOUND too awful – but try it and you’ll see. (insert maniacal laughter here…) One great feature is that Jillian gives pointers throughout the circuits with tips and hints – on the butt kicks, actually KICK your own butt. It’s nice to have that reminder to keep my chin off my chest during ab work and press my throat to the ceiling. When it feels like it’s getting easy, she always tosses in a reminder of what you COULD be doing – abs in, butt back – and boom! It suddenly gets more difficult.
Circuit three featured chest flys, side lunges (again with the lunges!) with front raises, a repeat of the first four cariod choices, and more ab work. I have to say, the abs on Anita – one of the demonstrators – made me a believer. You don’t get those abs for free, and any time I wanted to quit, I looked her way.
Level one was great. Level two awaits – I hope I’m up for the challenge! Anyone want to join me?
May 19th, 2009
User Feedback
(Page 1 of 1, 6 total comments)Connie Fletcher
I am turning 63 in 2 weeks and am not much of an exerciser....til now. The 30 day Shred is a butt kicker..pardon the pun..and I am loving it!!! I don't know if I am losing weight, but I feel better..am on day 5 of Level 1, and finally did the whole workout!! I am sooooo jazzed!!!! It wasn't easy, but by golly, I did it!!! I'm glad to have found this site. You ladies give me lots of encouragement...I hope you're all still doing well....
posted Apr 25th, 2012 1:05 amRuth
I have found it like Gillian says "hard" and it is work to come off I have done it for 3 days and already even the first day I felt things toning up.
posted Jun 11th, 2010 3:06 pmCathy S
Jen: there is no recommendation by Jillian on the Shred DVD about days of rest that I am aware of. I take 1-2 days off myself. When I first started, I took time whenever my muscles were strained.
posted Sep 13th, 2009 2:55 pmJen
I am wondering I use the video off comcast so it doesnt tell you exactly how to do the program.. are you so suppose to take any rest days? I am on day three of level 1 and I love it.. but it is hard to sit my thighs burn:)
posted Aug 12th, 2009 2:36 pmCathy S
Ok, so how is everybody doing?
posted Aug 4th, 2009 10:30 pmI do Level 1 Monday, Level 2 Tuesday, and Level 3 Wednesday and then back to Level 2 Thursday, and Level 3 Friday.
I have wondered what is more difficult for others, Level 2, the chair squats with a v-raise or Level 3.
I've been doing them consistently, but am still not shredded! I am, however, solid underneath this 10 pounds of fat which I have not seen be shredded quite yet. I'm not giving up.
LaVa
I started this program because I am going on a cruise in 2 weeks. I did start with only 27 days so each level was only 7 days for me. I am almost finished with Level 2 and I cannot believe the improvement in my body! My stomach is flatter, my arms, chest and shoulders are more defined and i have almost completely banished cellulite from the front of my thighs, which I have developed over the last few years. I've been doing the workouts 6-7 days a week and eating fist size portions. I stay away from fast food, sugars, sodas and stick to clean lean protein, veggies, fruits and grains. I have to say I recommend this program to anyone and will definitely continue this after I return from vacation :)
posted Jul 10th, 2009 12:53 am