I've become a fan of work out DVDs since becoming health conscious. It's nice to wake up in the morning or get home in the evening & just pop-in a DVD. Sometimes the hassle of going to the gym discourages me: packing a gym bag, dealing the crowds, not getting a "good" spot in a class, having to get ready in the locker room, additional driving time/less sleeping time, etc. That being said, I'm a lover of the DVD. I only have two fitness DVDs that I use on a regular basis.
Almost a year ago, I
It took a long time, but I eventually finished the shred. I continued to do the shred on and off when I wanted something to use at home for toning up.
The details: Jillian focuses on the 3-2-1 methods. This is 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio, and 1 minute of abs. In the shred, there are three circuits. There are three levels in the DVD. I decided to do each level for 10 days.
Pros & Cons: This shit works. I felt like I could see a difference in my abs & I definitely shed some pounds back when I did it. On the flip side, lots of specific exercises are repeated. Also doing each level for 10 days can get really boring.
I finally moved on to Jillian Michael's Ripped in 30.
I've started Ripped a few times but have yet to follow through completely. With Mexico on the very close horizon, I made the commitment to finally get this shit done! I'm currently on Week 3, so I can only comment on where I am so far.
The details: Same thing. Jillian's 3-2-1. There are four weeks of workouts. I'm not too sure how Jillian's math adds up in this one. She recommends working out 5-6 days/week for four weeks. Obviously, this does not add up to 30 days (Personally, I'm doing 6 days/week for five weeks and plan to repeat week 3 & 4 work-outs for the fifth week). Intensity increases as the weeks progress.
Pros & Cons: I like Ripped much better than the Shred. Ripped does not repeat any exercises. You don't repeat within a circuit, a week level or the entire program. The variety definitely has me on my toes & interested in what each new week will bring. Ripped is also more intense, so I feel like I'm getting more out of it than I did the Shred. Conversely, the intensity & variety makes the exercises a bit more difficult. I find myself closely eyeing the models and wondering if I am doing some of the exercises correctly.
All in all, I'd recommend both DVDs! Beginners should start with the Shred. If you're a bit more in shape (although I certainly wouldn't have said I was toned or "intermediate"), go for Ripped!
The other things on my plate that I am so excited about are...
[I'll be giving weekly updates on this awesome idea that Meghan introduced me to]
[I came across Commitment Day via Allie & am thrilled! Seriously check out the deal on the day & sign up even if it's not in your city. Our New Years plans are in the air, but I totally want to participate since there is one in Raleigh. It's an amazing cause that I definitely want to get behind.]
8 comments:
I have been debating on the 30 day shred but you just convinced me to buy it. Totally signing up for commitment day as well - and I visited the busy bee per your recommendation and fell in love.
cheers!
I've began the 30 shred several times, but I've never been able to finish it because it is so boring! I may have to try Ripped. She also has another (newer?) one that is a couple bucks cheaper on amazon - 6 week 6 pack. I am debating.
So I want to try JM, but she kind of scares me. Your review is making me re-think this though...
oh I'll have to give these a try!
Okay I officially want Ripped in 30 now. I did the Shred the same way you did it I think (I did it 6 days/week and did each level 10 times). So curious about ripped in 30 now that I hear you like it. How long is each workout?
I have been considering buying the Zumba dvd set for some fun cardio variety. I do P90X and X2 regularly along with Turbo Fire now and then. But every once in a while, you just need something different. Jillian has some kick ass moves, but there's just something about her that I don't like.
I'm doing Shred right now, but am pumped for her next DVD. Glad to see/hear that it works!!
Also, Elf for Health? Too cute! Totally checking it out.
Thanks for this review. I actually haven't read a review of the Ripped in 30, and this makes me want it. Jillian annoys the daylights out of me, and it also bothers me that she stops in the middle of the exercises to be annoying, but it works. And that's undeniable. I'm going to see if I can have this put into my stocking this year...I hope so! And I'm jealous that they have that race on New Year's Day in your city. I'm not driving to Orlando for it...
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