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 - Jillian gets me to do cardioThis is definitely one of my go-to fitness videos. It is difficult to find straight-up high-intensity cardio videos that are JUST cardio! I resistance train seriously at the gym and so I am always trying to find strictly cardio (no "toning," thanks) videos I can use at home on rest days. This is one of the few videos I have found that really fits the bill. It's higher intensity than most cardio videos I've encountered, the choreography is not ridiculous (I can only do so many step-touches and box steps, so I like that it's kickbox-based) and it's nice and short. Plus, I love Jillian. It's very hard to get me to do my cardio and so it is a credit to this video that I will often do it twice, back to back. My only real complaint is that the music sucks. But you can't have everything. Rating: - The Biggest Winner -How to win by losing-by Jillian MichaelsI love this series! Jillian is a no nonsense drill instructer. She keeps you on your toes and pushes you to do more than you realize you can do. If your serious about toning up and losing weight, this is the series for you. This is not for people with any type of disabilities (arthritis, etc...This is also not for people who are seriously over weight. This is for people who are already at or near their goal weight and want to be extra firm. Rating: - Great Workout in Short Amount of TimeI have used these for the past couple of weeks. I have done *TONS* of workout videos over the years (Jane Fonda, The Firm, Kathy Smith, Yoga, Biggest Loser, etc.) and I am a certified Body Pump Instructor. I find this set to be great. Each video is about 25-30 minutes long. Jillian combines smaller muscle groups with larger ones - which produces better results in shorter periods of time. When I finish a video I normally have achieved a 3.1 Training Effect with my Suunto heart rate monitor. I have found these videos to be great. It is challenging and gives results. She seems to target muscle groups that are forgotten in a lot of other videos. Due to this I have already begun to see a changes in several parts of my body. I do warn you though this can be fairly brutal in parts and does require quick movements from floor to standing. I have found at times, (since I workout in a very small space) that if I need a few more moments to move my floor matt out of the way - its best to just pause the video for a few seconds - and then reset my space, and then go on. Beginners I think would benefit from this set; however, they need to realize that it will be challenging. Start slowly, do as many reps as you can of the movements and just hang in there. If you can only do 5 out of the 30 reps, that's fine, just stick with it and keep doing it everyday. Eventually you will be able to do the whole thing. Exercise is not easy, but if you give it a chance you will end up a lot happier and healthier!!! As with any exercise product, you will see results, but only if you STICK WITH IT and EAT HEALTHIER!!! No video will change the way you look, unless you get them out of the package and actually use them - and this video if you do that will help you get the body you deserve. Rating:  - Great Workout, but Not for Beginners!I began Jillian Michael's program in preparation for my wedding, and I believe she has to be one of the best all-around trainers. Her nutrition guidelines and fitness programs are excellent! This five-disc set provides very good workouts in a short amount of time, and you will start seeing a difference very soon. I also recommend her books, which are geared to different fitness levels and goals. One word of caution-- Jillian's workouts can be very intense. I started too quickly into doing her high-impact program daily and injured my knee and back. It really was a product of my fitness level, not her exercises, but I do encourage everyone to be careful. She is so motivating that she makes you want to do it full-on and push through pain, but be sure to consider what shape you're in so you don't end up doing more harm than good. I had to stop exercising for a while to recover, when I wish I just would have built up to the high impact moves slowly. Best of luck-- you will certainly love Jillian's short, high energy fitness routines! Rating: - Whew! this kicks butt!I was looking for something with strength training and this is it. It also gives a good cardio as you strengthen. It is tough, though, so be ready to really sweat.
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