Jillian Michaels – 30 Day Shred Workout DVD Review

I have only done this workout a few times but already I feel the difference. The workouts are only 20 minutes each so although they are tough you know that you are almost done so you can push through it! It consists of a lot of jumping, so prepare for sore calves! Jillian is incredibly motivating. It goes by very quickly. I know everyone says its short but really it flies by faster than any other workout I do or have done. I get bored easy and it is over before I can talk myself into blowing off the workout or quitting early. I also feel like I get an effective workout for my time.


There are three levels to this workout and the intensity of these goes up according to the level you chose. The set up for the workout is 3 minutes of strength with combo moves, 2 minutes of cardio and then 1 minute of abs. You repeat this 3 times with different exercises and moves for all three sections. It’s hard but effective and you can see results such as endurance after only a few workouts. I like that your are getting the maximum results in a short block of time.


I love the fact that there are three separate levels to this workout system. I can start with level one and move on to two and then three when I’m ready. They don’t try to jam three levels into one workout. Jillian gives you plenty of instruction along the way to make sure you are doing the exercises correctly. I watched the level 1 first it and it looked like it would be pretty easy. However, when I actually tried it, I got my ass handed to me. It was I-N-T-E-N-S-E! I sweated more in that 20 minutes than I ever do at gym. I’m completely sold on this and can’t wait to see the results.

I also love the fact I can get a dynamic workout in just 20 minutes a day. I don’t have a lot of time in my day and it’s going to be so much easier to motivate myself to put the DVD in and move my butt when I know it’s only 20 minutes.

How it Could Have Been Better

While this is a super challenging set of three work-outs…the moves feel a bit tired after three times-jumping jacks, arm circles, plank moves, bent over rows. Again and again. I believe this program would get you in shape but eventually boredom will set in. More creativity would make this a phenomenal DVD.

I also don’t like the fact that you can’t skip to the workout menu and bypass the minute-or-so talk from Jillian. Today is a Saturday and I have the time, but during the week I can see this getting annoying. The music should just be considered background noise and the beat can be used to keep time, but if you are really big into music, you should get a different DVD.

Final Verdict: Buy it!

It costs less than half of a monthly gym membership at even the most affordable gym, you can completely modify it to work for you, it is 20 minutes long and you do it in the comfort of your own home so you really have no excuses not to get it done, and it delivers like Domino’s. You will see and feel a difference faster than you thought possible, and the soreness in your muscles will let you know real quick that you are doing something effective. It is well worth the price and it absolutely makes the most out of every single second you spend doing it.

This is a great workout DVD. It’s very intense and non-stop for twenty minutes. By the end you’ll definitely think that twenty minutes is more than long enough. Highly recommended!

More workout videos to check out:

1. The Biggest Loser Cardio Max Workout DVD Review
2. Workout: One-On-One Training with Jackie DVD Review