Even for the experienced exerciser, all of Jillian's workouts are challenging, but the good thing about them for the less experienced is that she has workout assistants that demonstrate different levels of difficulty.
Her workouts are from medium to difficult. If you want "easy" go with someone else.
Here are some of Jillian Michaels workout DVD's and buyer reviews from Amazon:
Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred
Amazon Review:
Jillian is tough--absolutely NO rest in this workout (not even for a sip of water) but that's what makes it go by so quickly, and it makes your body change, according to Jillian. You're done before you know it--but by the end you've gotten a kick butt workout and feel like you've really done something. She bases her workout on the 3-2-1 method: 3 mins strength, 2 mins cardio, 1 min abs. Her strength circuits remind me of Jari Love--compound exercises that work the upper and lower body simultaneously. The cardio is good as well: a lot of jumping, so watch those knees (she has a modifier for beginner and lower impact) And the abs is straight up ab work--a variety of crunches and twists on the floor.
This is a great workout and I find Jillian to be tough but she's pretty likeable. Be warned though: she's no-nonsense. I think it's funny when during the stretch she admits she's not flexible and struggles to reach her legs on the floor. I thought "Ha, Ha, finally something I'm better at than Jillian!" lol
If you really want to get a good workout and to jumpstart your weight loss get this DVD you will not be disappointed. It's great for those who are short on time too and want to try something new; every workout is just under 30 mins!
Jillian Michaels 3 DVD Set. 30 Day Shred/Banish Fat Boost Metabolism/No More Trouble Zones
I started out using the 30 day shred and have since bought the other two DVDs. All of them are great and challenging. I have been working out with DVD/Videos since 1989 and usually need advanced workouts. These do the trick. However, I think a beginner could also adapt to use these, especially Level 1 in the 30 day shred. The other ones all do circuits as well so you can do as much or as little as you can at first and work up. Very impressed with Jillian Michaels and I haven't even seen the show!
Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism
Amazon Review:
I have all of the non-BL (Biggest Loser) Jillian Michaels workout DVDs and was thrilled that my UPS guys beat the snow to deliver this new addition today. It does not disappoint!
Here's the skinny: 7 six minute circuits, no weights, no equipment. Just you and some free space to jump around (you don't even need that much space; trust me, I live in a tiny NYC apartment and am completely able to do all the exercises). Each circuit is made up of a set of exercises performed twice before moving on to the next circuit: full body engagement, plyometrics and some serious core work mid-way through. But the focus is really on getting your heart rate up and Jillian delivers (my husband walked in after I was done and said he'd never seen my face so red before -- so beware! It's a tough enough workout that you might not look stunning immediately after; you can save the stunning for the beach this summer!)
Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones
Amazon Review:
This amazing DVD by Jillian Michaels is a 50 minute workout, including warm-up and cooldown, that includes innovative toning moves to target trouble spots. While not for the true beginner, I think this workout would be good for all levels, because she shows modifications for beginners and advanced exercisers.
The circuit nature of the workout means that you continue to burn more calories even after the workout is over.
The workout is composed of seven 6-minute circuits that leave no muscle unworked. You can choose to do the entire 40 minute circuit or just select the body parts you want to focus on so you can focus on your "problem areas". Each of the circuits consists of 5 different exercises that you do for 30 seconds each, then repeat the entire sequence for a total of 2 sets of each move. Jillian has a lot of unique, effective compound moves (compound means that you work the upper and lower body at the same time). She uses 3 lb. weights and a mat for the workout but you could adjust the amount of weight to suit your needs and use a blanket if you don't have a mat.
