The Workouts!!!

For the last couple of months my friend Shavonne and I have been getting up about 5am to workout (we text each other when we are up and out of bed). We both have the same workout DVD's of Jillian Michaels', who was one of the trainers on the Biggest Loser. Each day I let Shavonne decide what workout videos we are going to do and what level. Last month, we both purchased two new (new to us, although I purchased 3 :) ) videos of Jillian's to add to our collection. In this blog, I'd like to list the workout videos we do. We split them up...never doing the same the next day. We've increased to different levels as we have gone a long too. We do Jillian's workouts because they fit the amount of time we each have in the morning. A couple of her workout videos are 20 minutes long and do the 3-2-1 method, where she does 3 minutes of strength training, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. Each workout begins with a warm-up and ends with a cool-down, which Jillian stresses the importance of doing these before and after a workout. The other workouts are about 30 minutes long. Jillian does not yell at you in these videos but she does do a lot of encouraging. I think she does a good job of explaining the exercise, why you're doing it, and what results you should see in the end. She's pure motivation! Below you will find the list of videos we do and a brief description. I hope seeing this will motivate you and help you to not be afraid to workout to Jillian's videos.

30 Day Shred is a great workout! I've heard some people say she really bust your butt in this video but she bust your butt in all her videos! This is a 20 minute workout where she does 3-2-1 method of strength, cardio, abs. There are 3 levels in this workout. This is one of my first workout videos of Jillian's.

Shred it with Weights gives you the option of using a kettlebell or a dumbell, I've used both! I got a 10 pound kettlebell for Christmas and actually enjoy using it more than the dumbell. It takes some getting used to but it gives you something different. I recommend a 10 pound kettlebell as the weight in them is proportioned differently than in a dumbell. When I used dumbells I used my 8 pound dumbell, and if necessary would drop down to using 5 pound dumbell. This video workout has 2 levels, each lasting 30 minutes plus your warmup and cool down.

Ripped in 30 is also comprised of the 3-2-1 system. There are 4 levels (weeks as they are shown in the DVD menu), each being 24 minutes long. I've currently tried week 1 and week 2 thus far and enjoy them both and find them challenging. In each of these videos, she has 1 trainee that is doing a modified version (aka a bit easier) and 1 doing a more advanced version (a bit more challenging). When you are ready and have done Jillian's workouts for a while, you have the option of challenging yourself and trying the advanced version.

6 Week 6 Pack consists of two 30 minute workouts plus warmup and cool down. The focus in this video is on your abdominal area but she does incorporate other muscles in your body as they all work together. I've done both levels of this workout and love them both. I feel sore every time from the workout, which lets me know it is working.


Yoga Meltdown I started doing yoga some time last year and I found that I really enjoy it and find it very relaxing despite it being a workout. In the video, Jillian talks about getting out of your comfort zone...I never thought I'd enjoy yoga but I definitely do...I'm glad I got out of my comfort zone. And I find myself doing this yoga workout when I just want a less intense workout and need my mind to relax. This video contains two 30 minute workouts. You will also see a modified version and an advanced version in these workouts. When you feel you're ready...then move onto the advanced version.

These next two workout DVD's of Jillian's we don't do very often and one of them I just purchased and have not done yet.

Killer Buns and Thighs I just got this video late last year and let me tell you it is definitely killer buns and thighs. I've definitely done workouts in this that I've never seen done before and I love the feeling I get after I've done this workout. When I can feel soreness in my legs, butt, and thighs, I know the workout I'm doing is working. When muscles ache like that...it is a good thing. There are three 30 minute workouts on this DVD.

Extreme Shed & Shred This is the new workout I got in December. I have yet to try it! It isn't because I'm scared of it, but because it has two 45 minute workouts. I workout at 5am, so I try to have my workouts range from 20-30 minutes in length or I would have to get up at 430am. This is a workout that I will do on the weekends as I have more time then to devote to the full 45 minutes. It is not only a new workout to me but it is a new workout DVD of Jillian's. There is a blend of kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, yoga, and weight training. I can't wait to give this workout a try!!!

Clearly I like Jillian Michaels workouts as I have 7 of them in my workout DVD collection (I also have a collection of Bob Harper's workout DVD's). Most of the workouts are not time consuming and can be incorporated into any lifestyle. She doesn't yell at you like she did when she was a trainer on the Biggest Loser. She encourages you to go out of your comfort zone and give each workout your all! I encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and give your body and your health all you've got to give it!