Search - Jillian Michaels for Beginners - Frontside on DVD

Functional Training

Rebecca Johnson | Washington State | 04/16/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are amazed by how much weight contestants lost while on the reality show: "The Biggest Loser," this workout gives you an idea of how much effort it takes to see real results in a short amount of time. This workout is perhaps one of the most difficult I've tried due to the circuit-style training. To be honest, this will be enjoyed by anyone who is at least intermediate and it will give beginners lots to look forward to.

Jillian Michaels puts Shane through the paces first with the first circuit that consists of a series of exercises that is repeated three times. So, you get three sets of exercises of 10 repetitions each as you work through jumping jacks (I used a small aerobic stepper or you can walk in place), push-ups and squats using a chair.

Kim joins Jillian for the second circuit as she enjoys a cardio interval of walking then does "bench dips," which I think are a little easier when you hold on to a kitchen counter instead of a chair at the start and then finishes with squats. If you are doing 5-8 reps at the start that is fine and then you can work to 10.

I was seriously not keeping up with the third circuit, which seemed at a faster pace with jump rope, chest exercises and squats. By the time I was on the floor and then back up standing, I was only able to do about 5-8 reps. I didn't think that holding the weights while jumping up and down was a good idea because this puts strain on your wrists. The jumping jacks seem better if you are walking and raising your arms at the start. If the exercises are too "bouncy" or "high impact" then you have the option of walking, which I gratefully did instead.

On the fourth circuit Shane returns for jumping jacks, shoulder exercises and chair squats. I was amazed to make it to circuit five where you march in place and actually get a bit of a break and then do some fun oblique work while working out your legs at the same time.

By circuit six, you will literally feel the fat melting off you as you again do jumping and then do some seriously good lateral raises and a plank that tests your endurance. I didn't make it to thirty seconds the first two times, but with Jillian motivational teaching style, I braced for the last one and held it for thirty seconds even by then I was shaking and about to fall over.

This workout is seriously geared towards fat burning and will be enjoyed most by intermediate exercisers who want a good cardiovascular challenge while working out arms, legs and abs. My endurance was seriously tested and everything seemed more challenging because of the circuit-style workout. If you are ready for some serious exercising, Jillian will show you the way "my love," as she says. She has a real sassy teaching style which keeps you smiling.

~The Rebecca Review

P.S. You may also want to look for Kneipp Sparkling Herbal Bath Tablets - 3 oz. when buying this DVD. The Juniper one is great for soothing tired muscles.
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Feels too much like a workout

S Phillips | Worcester, MA United States | 04/08/2009

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This workout is HARD. It is good for someone who is very serious about toning up and building muscle, but for someone like me who wants to do some more basic toning it's not up to par. Visually, all you see is a white background, with Jillian coaching one of the Biggest Loser stars. She really works on form, but there's no music and it just feels painful and long. I think if you're really motivated this will be good for you, but if you need to have a little fun and not feel like you're counting every minute and every repetition, this is not for you."