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My Favorite Workout DVDs: Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred

by 3 Comments

During different phases of life I’ve done all kinds of workouts. I’ve had gym memberships, a treadmill, an elliptical, and even a personal trainer. The workout that I’ve come back to over and over is using DVDs at home.

Over the years I’ve collected a small set that has moved from with me from apartment to apartment, house to house, and even across the country. My husband has been a student for 8 of the almost 10 years we’ve been married, so working out at home has often been all we could afford.

I also like that with my set of DVDs I can choose what kind of workout I am in the mood for each morning. Having options makes it easier for me to get out of bed on those super tired morning.

So, with that said, I thought I’d share my favorite at-home workout DVD’s with you. I decided to share Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred first because it has also gotten the seal of approval from quite a few past participants, and it is probably the cheapest DVD in my collection (you can usually find it on Amazon for less than $10).

30 Day Shred – Jillian Michaels
PROS:
* It’s hard! It has 3 levels you can work your way through, but even the first level isn’t easy. I prefer my workout DVDs like this because it means it will continue to challenge me as I improve.

* Jillian is tough. Some mornings I need a cheerleader type trainer, but other mornings I’m not in the mood for “peppiness.” Her no-nonsense attitude is great for pushing me to try harder and improve.

* It combines cardio and strength training. As Jillian says, “This helps you burn more fat and more calories, and gets you toned that much faster.”

* It only takes 30 minutes start to finish. This is one of my go-to workouts when I snooze my alarm one too many times. I like that I can get a killer workout in a short amount of time. I usually just add a quick afternoon walk to reach my 45min+ goal for the day.
CONS:
* It takes a good 5 minutes to get to the workout. I know this is silly, but it bugs me that it won’t let you skip the previews and introduction. I don’t need to hear Jillian tell me about the workout every single time. I just start the DVD and let it run while I get my shoes on and fill my water bottle.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
* Avoid this workout if you have had a knee injury. I have a knee that gives me issues sometimes and I’ve been okay, but I would avoid this workout all together if you’ve ever had a serious knee injury. She does a lot of squats and lunges.

*Don’t follow her recommendation to do the workout every day. I know I’m not an expert and she’s a trainer, but it makes sense to me that you need to give your muscles a rest. I’ll alternate this workout with other DVDs or focus on cardio on alternate days.

Comments

  3. Lisa - The WagonMaster says

    I hate the intro as well! I’ve found if I stop the DVD before it comes to an end (I do my own cool down since hers is so short), then when I push play the next time my DVD player starts where I leave off. Then I can just use the previous buttons to get where I want to go. Sounds silly, but it’s a small victory for me… 🙂

    Reply

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