Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred Workout DVD Review

I have officially finished my first workout program at home! I am super excited to say that as I have really never been a workout person. I have done the odd yoga or kickboxing workout but nothing on a continual basis and this I started and completed! It took me a couple weeks longer than it should have as I wasn't able to work out 5 days a week with 2 rest days on the weekends. My work schedule is shift work overnights so I have had to make a workout schedule around my nights on.

Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred is a new at home workout DVD that was release the beginning of September 2014. I got it on release day and started right away. I will be honest that the first couple times through level one I was really worked to my max. I struggled to get through it and felt the workout throughout my body. I also found that I had a lot of pain in my left knee and quadriceps while doing the lunges and squats. Usually I would throw in the towel at the first signs of pain but I didn't do it. Instead I went to Google and looked up knee pain while doing squats and found a great video on avoiding this pain. I wasn't doing my squats right and so I ended up with the pain. Once I watched how to do them correctly the pain went away and I continued on with the workouts. Remember form is SUPER important! If you need to pause the DVD and check your form or start the dvd again take the time to do it so you don't end up injuring yourself.

Level 1 was tough as I was just starting out and had some extra weight on my lower half that really slowed me down. I also started with very little upper body strength and Jillian makes you do push ups! I am happy that this workout program is low impact. It is great when you have lower back or knee issues. I did find one of the stretches at the end of level 1 was really hard for me to do as I found my belly was in the way and I had a hard time reaching back for my leg. Jillian has you doing two moves combined for most exercises to work more than one muscle group at a time.

Level 2 steps it up a notch, it is still low impact but you are adding more advanced moves. Jillian introduces super sets which is where you will hold a move lower body and do two different upper body workouts. In all the levels there is a modifier and an advance girl that you can follow along with. Jillian does more talking and pointing out what to do or not do then doing the workout with you. I didn't mind this but I know some people would rather her workout the whole time.

Level 3 will push you even harder but will get you ready for other Jillian workouts that are more advanced. When I started level 3 I was finding it really fast and hard to keep up but once I got doing it more I was keeping good pace with Jillian and the girls.

I really enjoyed working out with Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred. I did find it hard to do 10 days of each level without a variety. I did do a few other workouts in here and then when I wasn't feeling well or was too tired. I did find I have more energy and can make it through the 20 minute workouts much easier than I did when I first started the program.

One thing I did find annoying was that you have to watch the intro each time you start up the dvd. I couldn't figure out how to skip to the menu. I would normally start up the dvd and then go get ready for my workout, getting dressed or shoes, mat etc. I love that you don't need much for these workouts just a mat and some dumbbells. Jillian gives you a softer side of herself but she is still hard on you to keep you motivated.

I know you are likely dying to know my results so here they are.......... I am down 12 lbs and 10.5 inches in total! I started out with about 20lbs to lose and I really wanted to tightened up all the flabby spots especially my stomach, legs and arms. I lost 1/2 inch on each thigh and nothing on my arms but I did gain muscle and toned both places. I took before and after photos but I am not comfortable posting them on my blog just yet. I will try and posts some soon as I can bring my self to sharing them.

If you are looking for a workout that will ease you into it this is a great program to start with. If you are new to working out, just had a baby or surgery or just out of shape it is going to push you to your max but it would kill you either. I found it very helpful and really set me up for my next program which is the new P90 by Tony Horton. Keep an eye out for my post about getting started on P90!  

~*Disclaimer: This post was written by Genuine Jenn. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are honest and my own.*~

Posted in: Challenges,Fitness,Get Fit,Health,Workouts