Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred (DVD, 2008)

I've owned this DVD for a couple weeks now and so far I am very satisfied. I have never been an exerciser but have about 6 months to get in shape for my beach wedding! I've been 50+ lbs overweight most of my adult life so figured a former "Biggest Loser" trainer would be good for me (though I don't watch the show). I tried out the first phase of the workout as a preview on the Exercise On Demand that comes with my digital cable program and found it challenging (I was huffing and sweating!) but manageable (I can actually DO all the moves - which is not always the case for me with most exercise programs). Since I ordered and received the DVD, I have followed the first phase about 4 times now (I'm doing it every other day until I feel I can handle 4-5x per week). I actually look forward to the time to do it, though I know it will be tough! I got some 2 lb handweights to use with it and they're perfect. Jillian is a great workout leader, she doesn't have an annoying voice or move weird and she explains how to each move and is sure to point out how not to do it to avoid injury. The two chicks behind her are helpful to watch as well, especially since one is doing a modified (aka easier) version of many of the exercises so begineers don't get too overwhelmed. I feel like I have (FINALLY!) found an exercise program that I can stick with and not dread to the point that I give it up after a couple of days! I also love her system of alternating fairly short bursts of strength training, cardio, and ab workouts so that you don't do one type so long you think you're going die. I find her timing perfect, just as I begin to think I'm not sure I could do much more, it's time to switch. I also appreciate that there are 3 workouts on the DVD with varying intensity, but each one is complete on its own. So I will continue to do level 1 until I find it "easy" (hard to imagine now!) and then will move on to 2, then 3. I look forward to it! I would highly recommend this DVD to anyone who is trying to get started on a regular workout/exercise program at home. I found the DVD for around $10 on Ebay and only had to get the handweights to accompany it, and can get out of breath and sweaty in the privacy of my home without the time and expense of going to a gym and hiring a trainer.

I am at an advanced level when it comes to weight training and exercise in general. Most exercise DVDs are not difficult enough for me and I get bored with them easily. This DVD is another story. I started off with the level 1, even though I figured I would breeze through it, but it was tough. My calves were screaming in pain by the end of it and it almost brought tears to my eyes. It is a excellent mix of weight training, cardio and ab exercises and each workout is only 20 minutes. I think one still needs to do other cardio during the week also, but this DVD is perfect for those weight training days and there is no excuse that you don't have time, since it is only 20 minutes. And Jillian is a great motivator and doesn't say a lot of annoying things throughout the workout. I highly recommend this DVD. It involves very easy cardio that anyone can do and classic moves that build muscle and burn fat. And they show you easy and hard versions of each exercise for different fitness levels. If everyone did this DVD the population of the country would be a smaller, more toned, healthier place.

Although I am not a die-hard fan of The Biggest Loser, I do know that Jillian Michaels is a superb fitness trainer and I am impressed with the quality of this at-home DVD. It is by far the best workout DVD I have tried so far. There are three different Levels (1, 2, and 3) with one 20-minute workout for each. I am in fabulous shape myself and I find that my heart rate really gets up there. Of course, my heart rate doesn't get up quite as much as it does when I get a good high-intensity workout at the gym on a cardio machine, but for an at-home-in-front-of-your-TV ... this DVD is great! The only thing I do NOT like about it is I feel that my abs do not get the best workout. You are, however, getting a great overall core workout and your legs and arms definitely burn with the repetitive motions, but I just don't feel the burn in my abs. So other than supplementing your own ab workout in, this DVD gives you a great over-all body workout. I tried both Level 1 (this morning) and Level 2 (tonight) and I can't wait to try the Level 3 workout! The nice thing about this DVD too, is Jillian completely explains how to properly do each motion (so important!) and also provides an easier version of pretty much all the motions so this is a great DVD even if you aren't in the best of shape to start with (you can just watch the girl that is doing the easier version). Overall, I highly recommend this DVD!

I love this DVD. Level 1 killed me. I was sore for 4 days, but little by little, I got stronger and was able to work up to the harder versions of the exercises. (They have two girls, each doing a different intensity) It took me a month to move on to level 2, and same thing - I thought I was going to die! But, little by little, I was able to do more. Now, I'm on level 3 and loving it. Sometimes I go back to a lower level-hoping for a bit of an "easier" workout. Nope, still kicks my butt!
I dont usually sweat, but I am positively dripping when I do these workouts. The great thing is, no matter how hard an exercise is, the absolute longest you will have to do it is one minute.
There are 3 levels, and 3 circuits in each level. Each circuit has 3 intervals: strength (3 minutes), cardio (2 minutes) and abs (1 minute). Strength will do one exercise for 30 seconds, then another for 1 minute, then repeat. On to cardio where you do one exercise for 30 seconds, and then a different one for another 30 seconds and repeat. Abs has two exercises, each is 30 seconds.
I love that I can get a workout in and only spend 20 minutes of my busy day doing it.
Does it really work? Well, will you really work? With diet (cutting out a lot of sugar and refined carbs, eating lots of vegetables and lean meats, drinking tons of water) and this exercise program, I have lost 20 pounds in 3 months. My muscles are toned and after 4 kids, I'm finally getting a 6 pack!
It works for me!

I bought the 30 Day Shred dvd to shed unwanted pounds after my baby was born. As a fan of The Biggest Loser show, I was ready for Jillian Michaels to help me get my pre-pregnancy body back! I did not expect to lose 20 lbs in 30 days, that seemed too far-fetched, but I was hoping to tone, lose inches and drop a few pounds.

What I LIKE about the program is how you can get a good full-body workout at home in less than 25 minutes. All you need is a set of dumb bells (water bottles or cans of soup work just fine) and a mat if you are working out on a hard surface. I encourage you to have a towel also, you will be dripping sweat!

The interval training is intense and makes your body work! There are 3 levels, you are to start with level 1 for 10 days, then move to level 2 for the next 10 days, and the final 10 days are with level 3. Do not think level 1 will be a walk in the park, because it is not! You will be sore, but stick with it. Each level is more challenging, but work at your own pace. You should start noticing your endurance and strength improving after the first week. This program blasts fat from your body.


What I do NOT like about the program is how you are supposed to use it for 30 days straight. I did take a few days off from the video and walked and/or did yoga instead. This really helped my body recuperate from the intense workouts. Some moves are fast paced and you really MUST concentrate on having good form or you could hurt your knees. If you are an experienced athlete or have worked with a trainer previously, then this program is ideal for you. If you are a beginner, I highly recommend you pay attention to form so you do not tweak a knee or hurt your back. Also, the warm-up and cool-down are both too short, so allow some extra time to stretch those muscles.


All in all, the 30 Day Shred worked well for me and is one of my favorite exercise dvds. I dropped 8 lbs and 17.5 inches from my body! I still use this dvd when I am strapped for time and need a fast workout. It has also encouraged me to purchase additional Jillian Michaels dvds!