The Firm Power Half Hour workout DVD

By Karon

I have been using Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred workout DVD for several months and have loved the results I’ve gotten. However, I tend to get a little bored with using the same DVD for too long so I decided to shop around for a new one.

I found The Firm Power Half Hour workout DVD. There were two main things I loved about the Jillian Michael’s workout: the time (only took 20 minutes) and that I was familiar with the instructor. This Firm DVD was only 30 minutes and – while I hadn’t heard of Emily Welsh (the instructor) I do own several other Firm workout videos so I assumed this one would be about the same. I was wrong.

Pros

The Firm does an excellent job of combining cardio and strength/weight training in interesting ways. This DVD was no exception. It was not monotonous and I didn’t get bored during the workout.

I could also feel it working as I moved through the exercises. I understand that shorter workouts require more effort in order to see results and I’m prepared (and expect) to give my all for whatever length of time.

Cons

It was frantic. As I mentioned, I own a few Firm workouts so I know they move at a quick pace. But the Power Half Hour workout was just way too fast. Emily could barely say anything during the cardio circuits except the instructions. Her “conversation” with those participating in the workout almost exclusively consisted of calling out the moves. Very few “push through” or “hang in there, we’re almost done,” comments were made. Just one move after another.

While the strength circuits were more manageable, they also consisted of fast-pace switch-ups from exercise to exercise. It’s as if they were having a race to see if they could possibly get everything in during the 30 minutes. I just felt frustrated after I finished instead of feeling like I’d worked hard and accomplished something.

I understand everyone isn’t looking for the same things in a workout DVD, but – for me – this one is not a good fit.

Recommended? No

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Related posts:

1. FREE The Firm Power Half Hour Workout DVD
2. The Biggest Loser Workout DVD Review (Volume 1)
3. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Review

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred Workout DVD

I’m going to start by saying that I’ve been working out 3 days a week for roughly 4 years now. While I certainly am not going to win any bodybuilding contests, I am in pretty decent shape for a 40-something. I have a small collection of workout videos and, as I’d get tired of one, I’d purchase another.

I was really looking for something I could do in a short amount of time. (I exercise because I know it’s good for me, not because I enjoy it.)  The 30 Day Shred DVD offers 3 workouts (each increasingly more challenging) that lasted 20 minutes each and it only cost around $10. Perfect!

When I opened the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred workout DVD, I decided to preview it so I’d have some idea of what to expect the first time I used it. I honestly was a bit disappointed in what I saw. The moves looked rather simple and I seriously considered starting at Level 2 instead of Level 1. Good thing I didn’t.

Pros

This workout DVD kicked my butt from Level 1 on. (Which is equally good and bad.) It wasn’t so much the moves she used (jumping jacks, push ups, lunges, weights, etc.) but rather the way she put them all together. I could tell that I’d used muscles I hadn’t used in a long time after the first workout.

Jillian and two friends lead the sessions. There are modified instructions for many exercise moves which I had to use for push ups and a couple of others. What impressed me was that the friends did the complete workout with you. Jillian would walk around and point out correct form, explain why it was important to do the moves as she instructed, etc. Some workout DVDs stop taping after each exercise segment. Everybody looks all fresh and beautiful throughout the entire session which makes me feel like an idiot for huffing and puffing my way through till the end.

But Jillian and her friends grunt right along with you. They don’t stop taping and they don’t take breaks. As Jillian says repeatedly, “If you’re going to do a 20-minute workout, you’ve gotta work out!”

Each level is broken into 3 circuits that include 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. This gives you the best way to burn fat and build muscle at the same time. As you work up to it, you move from Level 1 to Level 2 to Level 3. Each gets progressively harder, but they remain at 20 minutes apiece.

I worked my way through all 3 Levels and now do Level 1 on the first day, Level 2 on my second workout and Level 3 on my third workout of the week. I was really amazed at how quickly my body adapted and my stamina increased. I can also see positive changes in my body. My shoulders and arms are cut, my legs are firmer and thinner, and I even have the beginnings of a baby six-pack (if I suck my abs in).

My workout DVD also came with free admittance to a special site that has diet recommendations and other great info. Don’t know if that’s standard or not.

It’s great to see these kinds of results in just 20 minutes a day.

Cons

This is intense. You’re not supposed to take a break. If you feel like you’re going to die (Jillian’s words), you’re allowed to stop for 5 seconds. At certain points, I’d have to stop for longer than that (but don’t tell Jillian).

I felt like some areas of the body were ignored. For instance, a workout for those all important triceps (so we don’t have flabby arms) wasn’t included. There also was only 1 glute exercise (Level 3) to tone and shape our bums. On some of the moves I didn’t particularly feel like I needed (back exercises, for instance) I’d substitute butt crunches or triceps curls.

Overall, Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred workout DVD is a winner. I love the results I’m seeing and the fact that it only takes 20 minutes a day. Just be prepared to take a shower when you’re done J

Recommended? Yes

Related posts:

1. The Firm Power Half Hour Workout DVD
2. The Biggest Loser Workout DVD Review (Volume 1)