Jillian Michaels 30 day Shred

[Bridget810]

Quote:

Originally Posted by dolcegirl01 I tried this on Monday and I was so sore yesterday (and a little bit today). I just did level one. I was amazed how fast the 20 minutes went by. I don't know how people could do it everyday for 30 days though. Also, what is a good weight for your arms? 3lbs? 5lbs?

I use 3 pound weights for some exercises, 5 pound weights for others, and 8 pound weights for the butterflies. For me it just depends on which muscle I'm using and how strong or weak that particular muscle is!

[*Heather*]

I'm with Bridget...I vary depending on how much I need for each exercise.

 

After yesterday's session I'm not sore today...so I think I need to do Level 2 next time. Scared.

[Mel&B]

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolkitteh Wanted to share my initial thoughts on this video, since I posted my doubts about it before. I finally got it and did the level 1 workout 2 times this week. I think I will be switching to level 2 next time I do it - as I posted before, I've been working out for many years, so level 1 wasn't as much of a challenge for me. I do, however, think that the interval training approach is an effective one - I think I'll be doing this video on days when I am short on time and can't work out for longer periods. I think it is a nice addition to my collection for time efficiency I also have Results Fitness - Boost Your Metabolism, The Firm 500 Calorie Workout, and The Firm Maximum Bootcamp, and these are somewhat similar to the Jillian video. If any of you out there are looking for a longer workout but similar in training style to the Jillian video, these are 40-60 minutes long. Results Fitness also does a video called "10 Days to a Better Body" that includes 2-30 minute videos - one for upper, and one for lower body, so you can do one workout or both if you like for a longer workout.

Just make sure you don't judge this video by level 1. Levels 2 & 3 are much, much difficult!

Thanks for the recommendations on the other videos.

[lolkitteh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mel&B Just make sure you don't judge this video by level 1. Levels 2 & 3 are much, much difficult! Thanks for the recommendations on the other videos.

I previewed the other levels and yes, they do look tough! Gonna try level 2 a couple times next week!

[drtracy]

Can I weirdly say that I like level 3 better than 2? It seems to go so much faster and the moves are a bit more fun. Although the "skater" in level 2 always makes me giggle.

[YaelM]

I feel like I get a better work out from level 2 for some reason - yes level 3 goes by faster but some of the moves are pretty hard for me so i feel like i slak a bit

[poohshek]

Level 1 is good for a "rest" day if you feel like doing something instead of taking a day off completely. I haven't tried level 2 or 3 but based on the footage, they seem more intense. Is there a guideline as to when to move up to level 2 or 3?

[Bridget810]

Quote:

Originally Posted by poohshek Level 1 is good for a "rest" day if you feel like doing something instead of taking a day off completely. I haven't tried level 2 or 3 but based on the footage, they seem more intense. Is there a guideline as to when to move up to level 2 or 3?

I moved up to Level 2 when I felt like Level 1 wasn't "pushing" me as much--so, about 3 weeks in (for me). Now I do Level 2 MWF and Level 1 T&TH.

And, another update on the results--I've started dropping pounds, and, for the first time in my life, I actually have a 4 pack in my stomach! I'm so excited! I do an extra set of 40 bicycle crunches at the end of each workout, and wow! I should also mention that I run on the treadmill at least 3 times a week immediately after shredding for about 30 minutes; I hear that running after strength training makes you burn more calories.

[cougs]

ok someone told me it was free on comcast cable's "on demand," so i am actually sitting here on my laptop WATCHING it play on my tv, LOL. i just wanted to check it out to see if it seemed like something i'd be able to handle, as i'm very overweight and out of shape. so far it doesn't look too bad (i'm talking level 1). i'd be giving it a try if it weren't 1:30 a.m. and i wasn't my landlord's upstairs neighbor, LOL. don't think he'd appreciate the jumping jacks!

 

haha it just got to the part with all the lunges ... now i know why tom's aunt couldn't walk on sunday!

[lolkitteh]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bridget810 I should also mention that I run on the treadmill at least 3 times a week immediately after shredding for about 30 minutes; I hear that running after strength training makes you burn more calories.

I'd say that "Shred" isn't technically strength training - I'd classify it as "aerobic toning" - the weights used and the pace/# reps is too high and the weight size too low to really be considered pure strength. I've been lifting weights for years (used to date a bodybuilder and am used to lifting heavy) and due to the pace of this workout, the highest weight value I'd probably use is 10-15 lbs (for level 1, I haven't done the other levels yet to comment, but I'd guess that the pace is even higher for those levels, and thus the weight you would use would be even less). If you want to work and build the big muscle groups, that really isn't enough weight.

On the issue of running after strength training - theories vary, but it's generally accepted that you should do cardio before weights - if weight loss is the goal, doing cardio before weights increases metabolism and energy expenditure somewhat, and thus theoretically, the calorie burn is more efficient.

However, since "Shred" IMO is not really "strength training", it shouldn't matter. Running after Shred to extend workout duration will most certainly help with fat loss, since the body generally only burns glycogen stored in the muscles during the first 20 minutes or so of aerobic exercise. After 20 minutes, the glycogen stores are depleted and the body is forced to burn fat. This is another reason why I was concerned in other posts that "Shred" is only about 20 minutes long - that isnt enough time to burn any serious fat.