10 Comments so far (Add 1 more)

1. Review by iatethelotusby for Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones
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   I like this workout, especially because it is almost an hour (it’s about 50 minutes not including the final stretch), and some of the moves are tough — however, what drives me nuts is that Jillian does NOT count her reps. If you count them you’ll notice that on one leg she does 12, then the next she will do 15. Then she will do 17 for another move. There is no consistency.

   I also don’t think this workout is that killer… I’m not sure what weights everyone else is using, but I use 5lbs for this. On the DVD they only use 3lbs. Maybe I need to increase to 8lbs, but she emphasizes “light weights, high reps.” 3lbs does nothing for me. I have been using the Firm workouts for ages though, so I am used to lifting more weight.
   
   Also, I feel like this is mainly a core workout – it feels like you spend about half the time in plank pose. It would have been nice if there were more lower body work.

   For those of you who live in apts and are concerned about jumping moves, the only real jumping is in the warm up for jumping jacks. So I think it’s fine to do this workout if you live in an apt with neighbors.

   1. iatethelotusby on July 11th, 2010 at 3:42 pm

2. Review by M. Remich for Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones
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   I tried this video on my cable’s “on Demand” and I will definitely be purchasing it! There is NO WAY that you cannot shape up quickly and completely if you follow this workout! Jillian ROCKS! Her combinations keep you moving and working and sweating, but she has a way of making you able to keep up, through both her motivating talk, as well as the way she combines the moves. She has made me a big fan of circuits – you can endure much more! Her explanations of exactly what muscles you’re targeting REALLY make you motivated to push extra hard, as well as focus on them to really bring on the intensity! I have been doing the 30 day Shred, which I will continue to alternate with this on days that I cannot do an hour, but this is one video I know I will make time for – it is sure to work! *** Okay I’m just updating here after 15 days to say that I am actually seeing changes DAILY in my body, and a 6 pack is being revealed. I can hardly believe my eyes (and trust me, I was a flabby mess, especially my stomach after 2 kids – GROSS!)! I am simply amazed!

   2. M. Remich on July 11th, 2010 at 3:12 pm

3. Review by mcel for Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones
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   I own all of Jillian’s DVDs, so when this one and it’s companion DVD came out, I ordered them immediately.

   This one is like “Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism” but the circuits are weights based. At about an hour long, she has you run through 5 exercises 2 times a circuit and most are with weights in hand. Towards the middle, she does matwork for the abs (some with weights!) and in the last circuit she does old school matwork for legs and glutes.

   This kicked my butt in a good way. I was sweaty and tired at the end. I completed it, but having to modify some exercises, so now I have something to work towards.

   Having owned so many of Jillian’s DVDs, I was worried she would use the same exercises over and over but she keeps it really fresh! She has a lot of exercises I have never seen or done before and all I can say is WOW! She does this exercise called “The Surrender” Oh. My. Goodness. It is super hard and I had to stop. It’s also a little hard on the knees. Again, one of the ones I have to work towards.

   I can definitely see this DVD transforming your body and making you more and more toned. A great workout and so worth it!

   3. mcel on July 11th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

4. Review by Diamonte Hamlett for Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones
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   I am a huge fan of the Jillian Michael’s approach to fitness. I used her Shred 30 program and lost 29 pounds in two months by doing the workouts and following the diet recommended on her website. Let me start by saying I am not one of these people who just “LOVES” to workout. I do it because I need change. I tried this workout yesterday as it is available on Exercise TV/On Demand and I have to tell you, it was the most transformational exercise experience I have ever had. Jillian’s coaching and motivational speak are reverberating in my head even now. For this workout you will need 3 to 5 pound weights and about an hour (trust me this hour is worth it). She starts with 5 minute warm up that is cardio and dynamic stretching infused. SHe cools down with a yoga style static stretch that is just wonderful. There are roughly (six) 7 minute segments in which you do about 5 powerful arm and leg focused or ab focused work. The intensity of the arm, ab and leg work basically guaranteed me that I am going to see the results I want to see over the next two months. I usually dont feel a burn in my glutes and hips which are a real trouble spot for me, did not have that problem this time. Working out is not really my thing, as much as wanting results and knowing I have to do it in order to get it, but the strength and euphoria I felt after doing this workout is indescribable. I recommend this to anyone who wants to believe in themselves and begin transforming themselves into the person they wish they were. This comes with the highest recommendation I can offer. I will post updates as I continue the program. GET THE DVD, its the least you could do for yourself.

   4. Diamonte Hamlett on July 11th, 2010 at 2:44 pm

5. Review by K. Harrell for Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones
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   This amazing DVD by Jillian Michaels is a 50 minute workout, including warm-up and cooldown, that includes innovative toning moves to target trouble spots. While not for the true beginner, I think this workout would be good for all levels, because she shows modifications for beginners and advanced exercisers (although sometimes not until halfway through the set). Also, you move at a slightly faster pace throughout, so you get a cardio benefit from this workout as well, although its’ main focus is toning your body into great shape. The circuit nature of the workout means that you continue to burn more calories even after the workout is over.

   The workout is composed of seven 6-minute circuits that leave no muscle unworked. You can choose to do the entire 40 minute circuit or just select the body parts you want to focus on so you can focus on your “problem areas”. Each of the circuits consists of 5 different exercises that you do for 30 seconds each, then repeat the entire sequence for a total of 2 sets of each move. Jillian has a lot of unique, effective compound moves (compound means that you work the upper and lower body at the same time). She uses 3 lb. weights and a mat for the workout but you could adjust the amount of weight to suit your needs and use a blanket if you don’t have a mat. I’ve included a breakdown of all the moves below:

   Warmup: Basic marching in place, jumping rope (no rope needed), arm circles, skaters (simulate speed skating) and jumping jacks. Then you repeat the entire sequence for a complete five minutes.

   Circuit #1- Shoulder & Legs
   
   - Squat with Shoulder Press
   
   - Backwards Lunge with Side Shoulder Raise (repeat on other leg)
   
   - Chair Squat with Front Shoulder Raise
   
   - Front Shoulder PressOuts

   Circuit #2- Chest & Abs
   
   - Chest Press with a Crunch
   
   - Chest Fly with Double Leg Raise
   
   - Bicycle Crunches
   
   - Squirms (lying down with knees bent. lift head and shoulder blades off ground and alternate bending to the side and tapping your heels).
   
   - PushUp

   Circuit #3- Biceps & Butt
   
   - Deadlift with Hammer Curl
   
   - Static Squat with Concentration Curl
   
   - Front Lunge with Wide Grip Curl (repeat on other leg)
   
   - Side Lunge with Biceps Curl

   Circuit #4- Thighs & Triceps
   
   - Chair Pose with Triceps Kickback
   
   - Sumo Squat with Overhead Triceps Press
   
   - Surrender (step back and down to kneeling position then stand up again)
   
   - Forward Lunge with Triceps Pushback (repeat on other leg)

   Circuit #5- Core
   
   - Double Crunches
   
   - Twisting Plank
   
   - Plank with ToeTaps (repeat with other leg)
   
   - Windshield Wipers (lying down lift both legs and move from side-to-side)

   Circuit #6- Upper Body & Core
   
   - Plank with Back Rows
   
   - Superman
   
   - Scissor Kicks
   
   - Pelvic Thrusts (repeat on other leg)

   Circuit #7- Lower Body & Core
   
   - Side Plank
   
   - Side Lying Leg Raise
   
   - Inner Thigh Raise
   
   - Donkey Kicks
   
   - Fire Hydrant with Kick

   Then relax with a nice cooldown.

   Overall, out of the over 200 workout DVDs I own this is one of the best and I highly recommend it for great results. Jillian is motivating without being too peppy and cues well. If you stick with this workout you’ll be ready for short summer shorts and bikinis in no time at all. Enjoy!
   

   5. K. Harrell on July 11th, 2010 at 2:43 pm

6. Review by J. Webster for 101 Workouts for Women: Everything You Need to Get a Lean, Strong and Fit Physique
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   I agree somewhat with the previous reviews except YOU DON’T NEED TO JOIN A GYM! Did you know that if you have exercise bands the kind with handles you can duplicate almost if not all the exercises done on gym equipment. I am fortunate to have a Precor 3-2-1 and have found a new love for working out on it at home. But I also have exercise bands and like to use them as well so the book is a win, win for me. When a band feels to easy, just buy the next heavier one or make the band tighter. The other great thing about this book, is they give a sample work out week, such as, Mon: chest and triceps, Tues: Legs, Wed: off, Thurs: Back and Biceps and Friday: Shoulders and Abs. The book is not just body parts they also have 8 to 12 week plans. As you can tell I really like this book, if you have felt disappointed in other weight training books, as I have, buy this book and you will be happy you did.

   6. J. Webster on July 11th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

7. Review by M. Fenton for 101 Workouts for Women: Everything You Need to Get a Lean, Strong and Fit Physique
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   I’ve been using this book for the last 11 weeks and I am so happy with it . I’ve always been into fitness and have been a runner for many years, but despite my hard work I have never acheived the overall toned look I wanted simply because I lacked the know how. Well, I just had my 3rd baby 3 1/2 months ago and let me tell you, I am so pleased with the results. Granted I still have a ways to go, but I feel strong and look pretty good. If you combine this book with cardio as it suggests, I just don’t see how you can go wrong. What a great book!

   7. M. Fenton on July 11th, 2010 at 1:24 pm

8. Review by Theresa Reed for 101 Workouts for Women: Everything You Need to Get a Lean, Strong and Fit Physique
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   Published by the trusted fitness magazine for women, Muscle and Fitness Hers, “101 Workouts For Women” is the most comphrehensive book on fitness routines on the market today! Packed with full color photos and clear instructions, this book will give you many different options for each part of the body. This is a sure fire way to add spice and variety to your fitness regime! As any one who works out knows, muscles get adapted to a routine and can reach a plateau quickly – we need to constantly shake things up so that we continue to stimulate the muscles to grow and tone. With this book in hand, you won’t get bored and neither will your body!

   8. Theresa Reed on July 11th, 2010 at 12:49 pm

9. Review by I am Samantha……. for 101 Workouts for Women: Everything You Need to Get a Lean, Strong and Fit Physique
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   I just picked this book up at B&N yesterday and for some of the very reasons previously listed by the other two posters. I love all of the great ideas it has to offer and the diversity of the women in the book. I also love the fact that all the pictures depicting the poses are in COLOR. It even provides exercise routines which includes the number of sets and repetitions along with tips on what or what not to do. For those of you who don’t have a gym membership don’t fret it offers plenty of exercises you can do at home utilizing dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls, resistance bands, your furniture, a step apparatus, a workout bench, and an exercise ball.
   
   So there’s something for everyone at any level. I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited about exercising since there are 101 fully color illustrated exercises to choose from.
   
   I wish that I had ordered it from Amazon because I could have saved money but I’m still happy I got the book.
   

   9. I am Samantha....... on July 11th, 2010 at 11:57 am

10. Review by merlot for 101 Workouts for Women: Everything You Need to Get a Lean, Strong and Fit Physique
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    i teach fitness classes at a major national chain. this book is excellent. great ideas, wonderful pictures and tips. no diets (which i don’t always like to have mixed with my fitness/exercise books). it’s pure exercise moves using barbells, dumbbells, bands, stability balls and machines with good variety on each. if you workout at home only without a gym this probably won’t work for you but if you’re a gym person this is a great book. i should mention that i really like the diversity of fitness models. that’s something you don’t always see in fitness books but i really appreciate it. this book is like having a personal trainer! i’m going to use it to select some exercises before i go to the gym then when i get there i’ll just do the routine i planned for myself. again, i have lots of exercise experience but i still find this book to be a fresh edititon to my fitness book collection. if you like muscle & fitness hers magazine you’ll really like all the workouts in one easy to ready, and pretty, book. good job!!!!

    10. merlot on July 11th, 2010 at 11:23 am