Jillian Michaels: Shred-It With Weights

I'll start by saying I own all of Jillian's DVDs but I haven't been easy on her in all of my reviews. She often has a nervous energy on camera that makes her do silly "tough gal" things to her fellow trainers on camera such as the DVD where she called one of them "my bitch" and another where she pushed a guy when introducing him and then the silly giggles... That said, I didn't buy the DVDs just for the trainer. All of her DVDs are well researched and good solid workouts with excellent cueing and they've all rated strongly for burning calories. So I ignored the things that bugged me and still enjoyed the DVDs. So I'll have to give it to her...Jillian seems to have truly found her comfort level in this workout and is inspiring, motiviational, comfortable on camera, and she has dropped the silly tough gal act that sometimes came through. The instruction in this one, truly is 5 stars and so is the workout: Safety and training: Really wonderful. In fact I learned many things I wasn't doing right before in using other kettlebell DVDs. She is quite clear as to why you are doing a certain move and shows you how NOT to do it when there are common mistakes in a move, as well as how to do it, yet she doesn't pause the workout to do so--she shows these while you are doing reps so it's nonstop movement and greater burn in less time. She motivates throughout with excellent cueing and instruction on doing it RIGHT for the highest benefit. Cueing: Regardless of any lack of coordination, you should easily follow along without missing a beat. I can say this because, as I mention in all my reviews, I have horrid coordination so if I can do it all right, anyone can. Level and kettlebell choices: The DVD has two levels. And the beauty in this is that the instruction is clear enough that someone who has never lifted a weight before can jump right in, but you can progress both your moves and your weight as you progress. Jillian, in the DVD, has a kettlebell that allows you to adjust the weight of it as you gain more muscle...that's quite cool. While there are varied thoughts as to what weight of kettlebell you should get, I've found in working with others on kettlebell routines that if you typically hold a 6 lb dumbbell in each hand, you can go with a 12 lb kettlebell or slightly lower. If you hold 5 lb dumbbells in each hand during other workouts, a 10 lb or slightly lower should work. If you are new to working out, you might only want a 5 or 6 lb. While I did research to find these numbers long ago before starting my own routine and buying a kettlebell (Amazon has them; I bought mine here but even WalMart has them) you have to find your own comfort level. It's better to do more reps with less weight than less reps with more weight so, at any rate, it's best not to aim too high if you can't do the workout...starting lighter and building up is better because you will be doing many reps during this routine. Calorie Burn: First I should note I wear a bodybugg to measure my daily caloric burn, which also allows me to read a measurement of calories burned during a specific workout as well as calories burned per minute during that workout. I mention this only so you know what I say is based upon scientific measurement rather than perceived exertion. Because Jillian, as always, gets your heart rate up AND combines it with strength training, this combo is better than any cardio only or strength only routine and you'll get far more fat loss in less time. While cardio will always burn more than a strength workout DURING the workout, strength training continues to boost your metabolism and burn calories long after the workout. So this combination of boosting your heart rate with cardio while also using the kettlebell to reach so many muscles AND using your own body strength to also tone, results in a great burn. It measures very high for what's really a strength routine as it kept my caloric burn going during AND after the workout. About kettlebells: You'll use muscles you don't utilize in other routines doing this DVD. Kettlebells came on the scene and unlike many fitness products that do, this gained fast momentum rather than being a fad because it delivers excellent results but you don't FEEL like you are doing the hard boring lifting...swings and kettlebell moves are FUN and for me, that makes kettlebell workouts go by way faster. I love them. Muscles worked: You aren't just using your arms here; this is a FULL body routine and it concentrates highly on the core. The twists work your abs and you'll be working all muscles from lower body up by the combo moves taught. Music: Not the boring electronica in most workout DVDs, very pop and hip sounding as is common in most Biggest Loser DVDs I buy. I find this motivating. Negatives: This is typically the part of my review where I discuss something that grated on my nerves that Jillian did...I can't help it. This time I gotta say, I have no negatives. I am a raving fan of this DVD. Even doing 10 minutes of it you'll feel it the next day and get calorie burn in as well. Yet, the moves are fun to do so I stick with it. Needed: You actually don't have to use a kettlebell if you want to try it out for a spell before you buy one. One trainer on the team uses two handweights instead so she can show you how to do the routine with these if you want to try out how heavy you think you can handle on a kettlebell before buyine one by trying out handweights first. However, personally, I wouldn't want to just use weights forever...the kettlebell is designed for a comfortable grip and swing and ease of movement; once you try it you'll likely be glad you did and I always use my kettlebell in my other workout DVDs when they have me hold 2 weights in one hand. It's far more comfortable. You'll also need a yoga mat if you aren't working out on carpet. Conclusion: I"m a raving fan. This has all the components I look for in my fitness DVDs. When I do it one day and look forward to doing it again even though it worked me out GOOD and HARD, I know it's a rare DVD. If you like this you may also like: Powerbody: Kettlebell bootcamp with Angie Miller These are short 10 minute workouts and you really need to do at least 2 at a time for good results. I liked Jillian's better but this would be my second favorite kettlebell DVD I have.

I'm 5'7 and currently 128lbs. I am an avid cardio freak (5-6 days of 60 minute cardio sessions - running 6 miles+, spinning, or elliptical). I also have Jillians 30 day shred and banish fat/boost metabolism and think they are very good DVDs. You definitely get a good workout for a DVD and on your own time. They are not quite like running, but a great mix of stength and cardio. I have been wanting to do more strength training to boost my running and My husband raved about kettlebell training, so I bought a 25lb got fit kettlebell from Target and a 10lb tone fitness kettlebell I randomly found at TJ Maxx for $10 (a major steal). I started doing 25lb swings and squats and then 10lb arm swings, shoulder presses, torso twists, and curls. Anytime I do the 25lb swings and squats, my heartrate immediately goes up and I can feel the burn. Just doing for 10 minutes, I had the next day and second day hurt like I did back in my college track days where it's hard to get into a sitting position. My quads/hamstrings have been on fire everytime I use the bells. I've done them on my own for about 4 weeks and have really felt that they have been fantastic (in not much actual lifting time), so wanted to learn more. I also read that you can burn 400 calories in 20 minutes? Seriously! That is amazing! I started to do them this morning as usual, but then ended up checking the TV to see if there was something I could follow? I wanted to learn more moves. I found Jillian's shred it with weights on Demand on ExerciseTV, so I tried it. It just had level one. It was 30 minutes with a quick warm up and cool down. It had all of the basic kettlebell moves done by Jillian. There are two other gals in the video. One does more advanced moves and the other does more basic moves with a small dumbbell. You can do to whatever you feel best with. I went with the more advanced moves. I used the 10lb kettlebell I have and I am definitely feeling the effects more than my usual! My legs/hips/bum were immediately burning after the video and I felt my shoulders and back more and more throughout the day. I know I will be hurting tomorrow. You do a lot of swings, squats, and presses. There is one circuit where you have to hold the kettlebell and do jump squats for what seems like forever. It has to be at least 1 minute each time you do the move (2 times). This move will definitely get your heartrate up and get you sweating in no time. I would say this was the hardest move by far. All of the other moves are also good for calorie burn, but are more strength vs cardio. I got a good sweat overall, but not like running, but I believe the kettlebell training will be worth it and I look forward to doing it again more often. This video kept me entertained and I was able to follow the instructions much better than trying to just do them myself. The time seemed to go by much quicker, So I immediately bought the DVD afterwards on amazon.com for $7.99. I thought that was a fantastic buy and totally worth it! I am looking forward to level 2. I also found a 15lb tone fitness kettlebell for $22 (free super saver shipping). I found that the 10lb kettlebell was just a little too light for me for a lot of the moves, but still gives you a very workout. If you haven't been lifting at all, I would start with a 5lb kettlebell to get used to the moves and build some strength. If you have been lifting ( can do 10, 10lb shoulder presses with dumbells), you would be fine with a 10lb kettlebell. If you can do 10-15, 15lb shoulder presses/tricep presses with ease, I would go with a 15lb kettlebell (I can do 2-4 pull-ups). If you want to get even better workout, I would get a 25lb kettlebell for squats/leg swings, but then switch to the 15lb kettlebell for the arm moves/windmills/turkish getup. I think a 25lb bell would be way too heavy/dangerous for those. And seriously...If this burns 400 calories in 20-25 minutes (and who know how many more after all day), how could you not love it!

First, I'd like to disagree with one review I read--you can get an effective workout using a HEAVY dumbbell. Though it may feel a little cumbersome, especially when you are supposed to switch hands with the kettle/dumbbell, it can be done. I didn't want to put down $20+ for a 15 lb kettlebell when I have two 15 lb dumbbells. I used one 15 lb dumbbell (which I consider heavy, since I usually use 10's) and let me tell you, I have not been this sore after any workout (running for an hour+, spinning, any other exercise DVD, including all of Jillian's other titles) I can remember. I cannot believe I got such a workout in under 30 minutes with one 15 lb dumbbell. I have most of Jillian's other workouts, and while I love them, this puts them all to shame in terms of how much you will sweat and feel it. Granted, there is little cardio except in the warm-up, but this is not what this is for. This video is for the burn and shred. It will get your heart rate up but you won't burn a ton of calories like you would in a cardio session. HOWEVER, I imagine the afterburn effect is in full-swing for hours after. It is a full body workout, everything from my calves to my lats are sore as heck! I did this video for the first time (I think this and Yoga Meltdown are the only two Jillian videos I haven't tried) three hours ago and can barely move--in the good way of course. I usually do two half hour workouts a day, and right now, I can't even fathom even going for a light jog. Bashira and Maddie are back (they are my favorites) and while I can't speak to proper kettlebell form, they demonstrate advanced moves and modifiers really well. I get that avid kettlebellers will be annoyed that their form may not be perfect but doing everything that Bashira did at the advanced version for the first time, nothing felt particularly off or harmful to my body. This is the first workout I've done at the advanced level right off the bat. The moves are simple so you really need to have a heavy enough kettle/dumbbell to make this effective. I really doubt I would be raving about this video if I stuck with my usual 10 lb dumbbell. Now let me wrap up by going back to my first point. I put off buying this DVD because I really didn't want to buy a kettlebell. I used them at the gym and it's one of those take-it-or-leave-it pieces of equipment for me. After watching a promo in which I saw that you could use a dumbbell and after seeing how cheap Amazon was selling it for,I figured why not. Well, I am so happy I bought this and you will be too if you push out of your comfort zone and trust Jillian to give you an effective workout.

This is definitely an effective workout!!! I'm brand new to kettlebells and I'm glad I read some of the reviews here that suggested checking out proper form on YouTube. After my first few workouts, my back was hurting and it didn't feel like "good" muscle soreness. I realized my form on the kettlebell swing was off after watching some kettlebell "experts" (certified kettlebell trainers) on YouTube. Now only my hamstrings and butt are sore after a workout- a much better feeling. I started with Level 1 and now consistently do Level 2 twice a week, though I miss some of the moves in Level 1 (like the Windmill and Turkish Get Up) and will probably alternate it back in now and again. What I like about Level 2 is that it gets my heart rate up to levels it doesn't see very often! Wow! In fact, I have to take a break sometimes (just sit out a rep or two) to catch my breath. Those of you doing Levels 1 and 2 back to back- I'm amazed. I'm probably an intermediate level exerciser, though I feel like I'm practically beginner level when I do level 2. My criticisms: 1. Like many others, I was disappointed with the lack of direction on the kettlebell prior to owning the video. I knew I wanted to get a kettlebell to do the video, but couldn't spend $100 on the adjustable kettlebell. After reading many suggestions on the size of kettlebell to start out with, I opted for one 15 pound kettlebell. I am glad I went a little heavier- and hope soon to progress to a 20 and/or 25 lb kettlebell. To get the true fat burning effects of the kettlebell, I think you need to go heavy. 2. Along with #1 above, I (personally) feel like I need a couple of different size kettlebells. In level 2, I can do MOST of it with the 15 pound kettlebell- especially anything that involves swings. However, there are 2 or 3 exercises where I just can't complete them with good form with a 15 lb kettlebell- I'm just not there yet. Therefore, I keep a 10 lb dumbbell nearby for the plank rows and the lunge jumps (whatever they are called) in Level 2. I think Jillian and her 2 assistants are going lighter on the weight and that's why they can complete the entire workout with one. But from what I've read, you really should go heavier. Having said that, this workout is really, really fun! I'm a big fan of efficiency - I'd rather do a super intense workout for a shorter amount of time- and this workout delivers. I desperately need weight gloves because my hands are ridiculously sweaty by the end of Level 2, so that's my next purchase. I'm now LOVING kettlebells and want to learn more about them. In fact, I've replaced my traditional dumbbell training with 2 days of kettlebells and 1 day of TRX training. My muscles/ body feel more fluid and connected- and I'm definitely seeing great definition. If nothing else, this video introduced me to kettlebells and I'm now hooked. I'm now deciding which videos I want to order next, from the "expert" kettlebell trainers, to get more variety. But this video will definitely remain in my collection and get used. There's no doubt it will work- just take the advice of the others on here if you are new to kettlebells and make sure you research proper form. EDITED TO ADD: I just wanted to add here that you can very easily learn proper form and use this video. The proper form just takes a little practice- it's not rocket science, as some might have you believe. There are tons of reviews bashing Jillian's form- and I had a little trouble my first few times doing this video, too. But all it took was going out to You Tube and watching experts do the moves. I have now added a couple more kettlebell videos to my collection (Lauren Brooks, Amy Bento) and each is different and a great workout in its own way. Even though Jillian is not a master kettlebell instructor- her video is still great! In fact, my heart rate gets up higher/ quicker with this video than the others. So please don't let the reviews on her form deter you from this killer workout-- just do your own research and be careful!!

I really enjoy this work out - I'm 51 and this gives me a good sweat and the next day - I ache on the back of my thighs, on my sides, etc - the good news is - it's equal on both sides so I'm doing it right - this workout goes quickly for me - I'm on level one right now and I've already increased my kettle-bell from 8 to 10 and I have a 15 lb one in the sidelines (great sale on it at local store) I enjoy this workout because it seems to go quickly but it also feels like I'm really getting in a good workout. Jillian is a great instructor and I really appreciate the way she explains - for instance, make sure you are using certain parts of your body properly - I check myself every time she does this - when I first started - my lower back hurt the first time - the second time, I paid more attention to her instructions and knew that I was lifting with my back instead of my arms, hips, thighs - love the flow of this workout Jillian reminds us the core should be swinging the kettle-bell - our arms should not be lifting this weight - the momentum of our hips working our core should be swinging this kettle-bell (lower back, obliques,) Throw with the hips. For instance: On the swings - Jillian says it's not a squat - it's a little hinge in the hips - your hips are throwing the kettle bell forward. It's not a front raise on the shoulders, you're not using your arms to raise the weight - it's way too heavy for that - you're using the momentum to control the movements with your core - hips are throwing the weight. That's how we get heart rate up - it's an explosive movement but we've got resistance and cardio. The difference with the kettle bell is it creates a longer lever Whole body explosive movements to the core base - that's how we shed fat. Update: Feb 2, 2016 Still using this dvd 3 days a week and I love the stretch I feel from this - this work out is manageable and I feel so great when I am finished. It's not that long of a workout out so it is easy to work in to your schedule. I do this while I have dinner in the oven. Very glad I purchased this dvd last year.

I pre-ordered this from Amazon and it came in as expected. It is completely worth it to get a kettlebell for this workout. I initially only bought a 7 lb. one from Target, no sense spending a lot of money on something if I didn't know that I would like it and stick with it. Well, I did like it and I did stick with it... and therefore to make the workout more effective and challenging, I had to get a heavier weight. Long story short, I did go ahead and purchase Jillian's adjustable powerbell because when I started adding up the cost of buying kettlebells when I needed up the weights, it just made more sense. Besides the fact that it is less equipment laying around. Oh, and her powerbell had a nice wide handle which really helps. That's the thing I didn't like about the one I got from Target. I had never done a kettlebell workout prior to this one, but was always interested in them because my personal trainer friends swear by them. I really loved the workout and using the kettlebells, it was just a bit of added fun for me. Now, I know the kettlebell devotee disagree with some of her moves and her form, but for someone who has never used them, I love the DVD. She does have an instructional portion that you MUST checkout before jumping into the workout. Let it be known... I hate the rock 'n rolls in Level 2. But you gotta do what you gotta do right? I also recently purchased a couple of wrist wraps/guard because I have small, almost childlike, wrists and have a tendency to bruise easily. Seriously, I can look at a coffee table and a bruise will form on my shin, it's ridiculous. That's my pasty white Irish blood for you. That said, I was getting a small amount of bruising on my forearm/wrist from the kettlebells so the wraps solved that problem. I know many people say that is due to poor form, but I have had my trainer friends check out my form and they say I am doing it all correctly. I'm just a bruiser. I loved the workout, love the kettlebell and I recommend this DVD and her others. Thanks again Jillian for making a workout that I am confident I will continue doing.

JM has transformed my ideas about working out, and is an intelligent, passionate, all-round fantastic trainer. But this DVD disappoints, esp since Kettlebell (KB) work seems so intriguing. I had never done any KB work before. I did both of the workouts -- Level 1 and Level 2 -- with a 7 and 5 lb weight, respectively. Both are about 30 minutes total. Level 1 didn't seem all that hard. I took it relatively easy on Level 2, as I felt tentative about form; it was a good workout, but not as hard as Level 3 of 30 Day Shred. Obviously, someone who knows what they're doing and uses heavier weights is going to get a much harder workout from both sessions than I. PROS: Usual excellent JM production values. Assistant trainers who show beginning and advanced variations (same as on the JM Yoga DVD) are terrific. At certain points, JM is funny. JM (pseudo-) collapses at the end of Level 2; a morale booster for us lesser mortals. The KB tutorial is a good first step, and a must-watch if you haven't done this work before. CONS: Since purchase I've learned that KB is tricky and form is critical. JM talks a lot about form and its importance in the tutorial, but not sure there's sufficient form cues in each workout. Others suggest her form might not be great, which gives me pause. Seems that anyone with a history of injury, esp to hips and arm/elbow, would have to do KB work with a trainer, at least at first. Overall, I found the cueing not as helpful as in previous discs, particularly given the particular form required to safely swing a weight at the end of your arm. Music is annoying, low-rent rock. JM seems in this DVD to want to channel a calisthenics expert from the former Soviet Republic: she takes her usual tough-love approach and ramps it up about two notches. It's hard work, and maybe a different kind of push is required, but her ordinarily fantastic voice becomes at times hectoring and grating; someone I don't want to listen to or work out with. It's too bad, but I don't think I'll be going back to this DVD soon. OVERALL: For overall strength emphasis, I went straight back to "No More Trouble Zones." Everything about it seemed better, including her almost psychic ability to offer exactly the right form cues and don't-give-up encouragements. Same for a cardio emphasis on "Banish Fat Boost Metabolism." And even after nearly a year of working with it, "30 Day Shred" is still a go-to. Hoping for future DVDs that feature newer versions of the workout on NMTZ/30 Day Shred, perhaps more explicitly blending classic Pilates as well.

Well, I've read some reviews on here claiming that Jillian has poor form and doesn't know how to instruct proper use of a kettlebell. I honestly don't know as this is the first kettlebell workout I've ever attempted. All I can say is that I've used the DVD several times and haven't had anything close to an injury. I think you definetely need to watch the tutorial and pay attention to the background exercisers. Bashira particularly has wonderful form. Any exercise has risk of injury if done incorrectly, if you push it too hard, or if you are out of shape. I could go running outside, stick my foot in a pothole and sprain my ankle. Anyway, I would reccomend getting an actual Kettlebell if you can. I originally tried it with a dumbbell and didn't think it was fully effective. I did not spring for Jillian's Kettlebell which goes for about 100 smackers. Instead I purchased a 10lb Danskin Kettlebell at Wal-Mart for about $17. After I really got going with this, I loved the workouts. They are great if you are pressed for time. Each workout runs to about 25 minutes, but it hits every area of your body. It particularly feels like a great core workout because all of the moves are tied in to the core in some way. I like it too because everything you're told not to do in a dumbbell workout you can do in a kettlebell workout. Don't get me wrong, I like my dumbells/barbells, but it's fun to have a change of pace. You are actually supposed to swing your weight and use momentum which you wouldn't do in standard weight training exercises. This workout is reminiscent of the 30 day shred in it's circuits. If you like Jillian, and you're careful, and you're able to put up some money for a kettlebell, then this workout is for you! It gets your heart rate up, makes you break a sweat, and tones your muscles. So go for it! Good luck!

Great work out! Just wish it came with a kettle ball lol

I have got most of the Jillian DVDs now and find her an excellent trainer. This DVD is different from the others but I must say it has strengthened my core and from this DVD I no longer suffer from back pain (caused from running well over 18 months ago!!) and have never be able to shift it except for now. Combined with six pack, these two DVDs are my favourites for working out. Don't understand how this can get negative comments, its tough, it works and I must say i am sweating like a pig when I am finished. Now just have to pack to get into my bikini for the maldives.... thanks Jillian!! Great DVD, buy it!

ケトルベルを使ったワークアウトが2種収録されています。BGMも爽快です。 ケトルベルを使用した独特のムーヴが身体を未知の領域へ誘います。 これはとても楽しいです。まるで遊んでいるような感覚です。 日本未発売なのがもったいないくらい。 ケトルベルは難しそうと思う方はご安心下さい。ジリアン先生によるケトルベルの使い方チュートリアルも収録されていてお得です。

Ejercicios de calidad, específicos y eficaces! Es para región 1 hay que tener DVD multiregión, ya que en México somos región 4. Recomiendo este video en específico.

ok so I am a glutton for punishment. This is one of the toughest 30 minute workouts I have EVER done - and being the wimp I am, I thought I would take it easy and I used a 2kg kettlebell. Boy was I WRONG. This workout was TOUGH and had me sweating SO badly that after I was done, I had to lie down for 10 minutes and even after taking a VERY long shower, I was sweating for half an hour AFTER I got out the shower! 4 Days of agony not being able to bend down - my inner and outer thighs, back, arms, core - EVERYTHING hurt like crazy. I work out 3 times a week and consider myself to be an intermediate level strength trainer. This was cardio and toning in one, with Jillian's crazy motivational style - really very excellent and highly recommend if you want to get lean fast.