My holds list at the library this month has been a little ridiculous:
- Jillian Michaels’ 6 Week Six-Pack
- Jillian Michaels’ Cardio Kickbox
- Jillian Michaels’ Kickbox Fastfix
- Jillian Michaels’ Shred-It with Weights
- Jillian Michaels’ Yoga Meltdown
- Jillian Michaels’ Extreme Shed & Shred
Oh, yeah, and I’ve been listening to her podcast religiously and am DVR-ing Biggest Loser this January now that she’s back on it.
I know I’m a little late to jump on the bandwagon, but man, Jillian is AWESOME! I love her tell-it-like-it-is attitude, her approach to health and fitness, and how TOUGH her workouts are.
I’ve always been a little skeptical when it comes to workout DVDs. Back in high school, I used to try quite a few in my parents’ basement. But, now, it’s usually difficult to find a DVD that I feel like really gives me a good workout. Until now.
Enter Jillian’s DVDs. DANG they are fantastic! Even in the small space of our apartment living room, I can get my heart rate up and my muscles burning. Oh, and there’s not a ton of jumping involved, so my downstairs neighbor have no need to worry about their ceiling caving in.
This gives you an idea of the space I’m working with here. And this picture does NOT include the Christmas tree that is currently taking up the space to the right of the window.
I’m focusing today on Jillian’s Yoga Meltdown DVD, since I’ve now completed both levels of that workout. Here’s what I’ll tell you: if you’re looking for a relaxing, spiritual Yoga experience, this is NOT the DVD for you. But Jillian doesn’t pretend like it is, either. Sure, you complete a few Sun Salutations and pop in and out of a Crescent or Warrior pose every now and again, but it’s no gentle flow. Instead, this workout takes some basic poses from Yoga, and adds dynamic movement to get your heart rate up and burn some calories. There’s not even a Shavasana at the end.
The other thing I love about this DVD is that it’s only 30 minutes. She doesn’t waste any time jumping into the workout, and she pushes you hard until the very end. It’s a very effective use of half and hour.
So, while I wouldn’t use this DVD in place of my Yoga class or instead of a Shiva Rea DVD, I have definitely enjoyed popping it in the player after a run for an additional strength workout.
What’s your favorite Jillian DVD? Which one should I try next?
This sounds like a great workout. Do you need any free weights or other workout tools? If not, I may just have to go get one of her DVDs!
No, you don’t! It’s a GREAT workout.
I may have to try her DVDs! Quick question, do you have any suggestions for DVDs to do if you’re looking for a relaxing yoga experience? Since I’ve never done yoga before, I was looking to do some DVDs first before jumping into a class at the gym.
Yes! If you’re looking for a relaxing, “true” Yoga experience, I would go for Shiva Rea’s collection. I really like her Yoga Shakti and Daily Energy DVDs.
I’m a Jillian addict too!! I love the Yoga one
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