Jillian Michaels Shred-It with Weights Review & Tips (Please Read)
Posted Oct 12 2010 12:41pm
Hello everyone! Resident Bad Ass is back with a new post!
Last night I finally got around to ripping into my Shred-It with Weights workout DVD, created by Jillian Michaels, and I must say that I really like it. The DVD is setup circuit style (of course - woot!), consisting of combination moves and has two seperate workouts included where Level 1 being fairly easier than Level 2. Level 2 incorporates a lot of plyo moves along with the kettlebell exercises so your heart rate will elevate fast and will stay elevated for long periods of time.
I completed both levels back to back with flying colors, straight through with no stopping, using a 15lb kettlebell for most of the exercises and I used that because it is the only kettlebell I own - I mostly do swings and presses with my kettlebell. I used my 10lb dumbbell for a few (not much) of the exercises in level 2.
As far as “sweat” is concerned, I broke a little one which tells me that this workout was not as hard as I’d like it to be and that’s fine, because that’s just me and I know my own body. What I will need to do is increase my weights to make the workout more challenging for myself and you choose a weight that is best for you. 30 Day Shred, all three levels back to back, makes me come out drenched in sweat…pouring and I only use a 1lb pair of weighted gloves and a pair of 3lb ankle weights to do it!
DOMS? Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, yes it’s here. I feels it in my quad and lats. Also, there isn’t much ab work in Shred-It, in my opinion. She threw in standard weighted crunches which I am used to so I did a couple extra sets of the Rock n’ Roll squats at the end…I like those because they kill the core and the butt.
Again, this workout is broken down into two parts. Both parts are 25 minutes long each and consists of three circuits each. Shred-It with Weights is a full body workout like all of Jillian’s other workouts. You can use either a kettlebell or a dumbbell to do this workout…for swings I suggest trying to get a hold of a kettlebell to do those because some exercises using a dumbbell substition feels awkward.
The set is lovely, clean, modern, well lit and there isn’t a crowd of participants or equipment cluttering up the space. The music is in instrumental and upbeat. The workout outfits were all all different style, but cohesive and I give them an A+. The workout moved very fast, no dread factor and it’s certainly not boring.
OK now let me get into what I think about the exercises in the workout. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to say that some of the exercises in Shred-It are demonstrated incorrectly and/or with poor form. I want to be an honest reviewer and yes I adore Jillian, but I have to be real about every workout I review. What I’m about to explain is best for those who will do this workout because I want you guys to learn how to properly do kettlebell exercises and perform them with good form which will help to prevent injury. I have been working with kettlebells for a while now and I noticed the blunders in this workout right away as I watched the DVD first before performing in it’s entirety.
See this Youtube video below and learn through proper demonstration of these exercises before you attempt Shred-It because he’s spot on…
1. I saw that Jillian and Bashira (her advanced model) using the “adjustable powerbell” she promotes for use with this workout. Both of them had two plates inside and several plates on the floor, but never switched out weights at all. Jillian suggests, in the beginning of Level 1, to use a weight of 3-4lbs for the workout. I found that with some of the exercises and combinations that weight has to be increased while others had to be decreased. Jillian mentions increasing of the weight in some parts of the workouts as a reminder to up your intensity when you need to.
For example, the exercises that target the upper body or have an upper body exercise (including core) included in a combination requires a lighter set of weight because the number of reps are high…you rep in the workout for a minute which is overkill or will become an immediate fail if you decide to use a heavier weight to do the exercise. When doing any of the lower body targeted exercises or swings I found that I needed to increase my weight to get more out of the exercise. Performing a one arm swing with a 3-4lbs kettlebell is a waste of time and worse, you can smack yourself in the head if you’re not careful…I’m serious. Ha!
2. Beginners with a low fitness level (just starting out) or for those new to working with kettlebells may want to do the workout in it’s entirety with very light weights to get a feel for a kettlebell workout, to learn the proper way to perform the exercises and master form when doing the exercises. Follow the modified model named Maddie.
The seasoned exerciser will want to play around with the weight when doing the workout to figure out the best resistance to work with to get more out of the workout. The advanced exerciser will want to follow the tips for a seasoned exerciser plus follow the advanced model named Bashira and attempt the more advanced versions of the exercises.
3. How do I do this workout bK? Well, in my opinion, beginners or kettlebell newbies should start out just doing Level 1 and mastering that first before moving onto level 2. Level 2 is a lot more advanced than level 1 - it includes plyometrics and some classic full kettlebell combinations. Seasoned or advanced exercises should be doing both Level 1 and Level 2 back to back because just doing one level is not enough of a kettlebell workout - plus play around with the weight to get the right intensity.
4. The balancing exercise Jillian performs called the Halo w/ Static Leg Lift and exercises like it that target the core muscles should be practiced everyday. Balance should be practiced everyday period. Doing this one exercise each day will improve your balance and add to your core strength because it makes working out harder more tolerable - you’ll be able to take the burn better and longer in any position.
5. If you can do 30 Day Shred then you will be able to do Shred-It, and in my opinion. 30 Day Shred is harder than and there is no kettlebell or heavy weight in it at all…go figure. I think that the 30 Day Shred is harder than all of Jillian’s other DVDs actually. I’m still waiting for her to top her big hit and I was hoping this workout was it. We shall see what the future brings us. So do not be afraid of Shred-It…there is no need.
In conclusion, I think that’s all I have to say about this workout. I collect Jillian DVDs because I like her workouts, her style and the way she constructs her workouts…I love circuit workouts overall so I usually reach for workouts like these when I get into the home gym. Whenever I see unconventional/odd/weird exercises or maybe bad form in a routine, I use the knowledge I have and do the movements the correct way or if I do not know the proper form I will refer to another website like bodybuilding.com and view exercise demonstrations or or or consult my Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises (and if you don’t have that book then you’re not prepared to become an Iron Maiden - get it if you don’t have it!). Other than that I am happy to have this workout in my collection. I cannot wait to get her abs workout that is due out soon as it will be a nice supplment to Shred-It and her other short workouts.
Happy Shredding!!!!
Disregard the “lose 5lbs in a week” thingy on the cover for this workout and all others that have it to…it’s just not possible to lose 5lbs in a week with just Shred-It alone or period. It’s just not healthy to lose 5lbs in a week unless you’ve got a temporary event or something special coming up, but wanting to do that to drop massive amounts of weight (10lbs or more) on a consistent basis ?? then that’s just crazy. I wish they, of all companies who prey on the emotions of overweight people, would stop with the gimmickey phrases like that…it’s not right and plus, it’s seriously annoying.
Hello everyone! Resident Bad Ass is back with a new post!
Last night I finally got around to ripping into my Shred-It with Weights workout DVD, created by Jillian Michaels, and I must say that I really like it. The DVD is setup circuit style (of course - woot!), consisting of combination moves and has two seperate workouts included where Level 1 being fairly easier than Level 2. Level 2 incorporates a lot of plyo moves along with the kettlebell exercises so your heart rate will elevate fast and will stay elevated for long periods of time.
I completed both levels back to back with flying colors, straight through with no stopping, using a 15lb kettlebell for most of the exercises and I used that because it is the only kettlebell I own - I mostly do swings and presses with my kettlebell. I used my 10lb dumbbell for a few (not much) of the exercises in level 2.
As far as “sweat” is concerned, I broke a little one which tells me that this workout was not as hard as I’d like it to be and that’s fine, because that’s just me and I know my own body. What I will need to do is increase my weights to make the workout more challenging for myself and you choose a weight that is best for you. 30 Day Shred, all three levels back to back, makes me come out drenched in sweat…pouring and I only use a 1lb pair of weighted gloves and a pair of 3lb ankle weights to do it!
DOMS? Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, yes it’s here. I feels it in my quad and lats. Also, there isn’t much ab work in Shred-It, in my opinion. She threw in standard weighted crunches which I am used to so I did a couple extra sets of the Rock n’ Roll squats at the end…I like those because they kill the core and the butt.
Again, this workout is broken down into two parts. Both parts are 25 minutes long each and consists of three circuits each. Shred-It with Weights is a full body workout like all of Jillian’s other workouts. You can use either a kettlebell or a dumbbell to do this workout…for swings I suggest trying to get a hold of a kettlebell to do those because some exercises using a dumbbell substition feels awkward.
The set is lovely, clean, modern, well lit and there isn’t a crowd of participants or equipment cluttering up the space. The music is in instrumental and upbeat. The workout outfits were all all different style, but cohesive and I give them an A+. The workout moved very fast, no dread factor and it’s certainly not boring.
OK now let me get into what I think about the exercises in the workout. Unfortunately, I’m going to have to say that some of the exercises in Shred-It are demonstrated incorrectly and/or with poor form. I want to be an honest reviewer and yes I adore Jillian, but I have to be real about every workout I review. What I’m about to explain is best for those who will do this workout because I want you guys to learn how to properly do kettlebell exercises and perform them with good form which will help to prevent injury. I have been working with kettlebells for a while now and I noticed the blunders in this workout right away as I watched the DVD first before performing in it’s entirety.
Hey, don’t worry, when there is bad news there is always good news so…here is the good news! A certified Kettlebell Trainer (Jude Howe - thank you!) felt the need to upload a video on Youtube to show viewers how to perform the kettlebell exercises that Jillian got wrong in her Shred-It workout in his video - his tutorial is specifically aimed at Jillian’s Shred-It with Weights workout. That article is a big OUCHY WOUCHY to Jillian and her following, but hey, it’s good to know what we’re doing wrong so we can correct it, right?
See this Youtube video below and learn through proper demonstration of these exercises before you attempt Shred-It because he’s spot on…
1. I saw that Jillian and Bashira (her advanced model) using the “adjustable powerbell” she promotes for use with this workout. Both of them had two plates inside and several plates on the floor, but never switched out weights at all. Jillian suggests, in the beginning of Level 1, to use a weight of 3-4lbs for the workout. I found that with some of the exercises and combinations that weight has to be increased while others had to be decreased. Jillian mentions increasing of the weight in some parts of the workouts as a reminder to up your intensity when you need to.
For example, the exercises that target the upper body or have an upper body exercise (including core) included in a combination requires a lighter set of weight because the number of reps are high…you rep in the workout for a minute which is overkill or will become an immediate fail if you decide to use a heavier weight to do the exercise. When doing any of the lower body targeted exercises or swings I found that I needed to increase my weight to get more out of the exercise. Performing a one arm swing with a 3-4lbs kettlebell is a waste of time and worse, you can smack yourself in the head if you’re not careful…I’m serious. Ha!
2. Beginners with a low fitness level (just starting out) or for those new to working with kettlebells may want to do the workout in it’s entirety with very light weights to get a feel for a kettlebell workout, to learn the proper way to perform the exercises and master form when doing the exercises. Follow the modified model named Maddie.
The seasoned exerciser will want to play around with the weight when doing the workout to figure out the best resistance to work with to get more out of the workout. The advanced exerciser will want to follow the tips for a seasoned exerciser plus follow the advanced model named Bashira and attempt the more advanced versions of the exercises.
3. How do I do this workout bK? Well, in my opinion, beginners or kettlebell newbies should start out just doing Level 1 and mastering that first before moving onto level 2. Level 2 is a lot more advanced than level 1 - it includes plyometrics and some classic full kettlebell combinations. Seasoned or advanced exercises should be doing both Level 1 and Level 2 back to back because just doing one level is not enough of a kettlebell workout - plus play around with the weight to get the right intensity.
4. The balancing exercise Jillian performs called the Halo w/ Static Leg Lift and exercises like it that target the core muscles should be practiced everyday. Balance should be practiced everyday period. Doing this one exercise each day will improve your balance and add to your core strength because it makes working out harder more tolerable - you’ll be able to take the burn better and longer in any position.
5. If you can do 30 Day Shred then you will be able to do Shred-It, and in my opinion. 30 Day Shred is harder than and there is no kettlebell or heavy weight in it at all…go figure. I think that the 30 Day Shred is harder than all of Jillian’s other DVDs actually. I’m still waiting for her to top her big hit and I was hoping this workout was it. We shall see what the future brings us. So do not be afraid of Shred-It…there is no need.
In conclusion, I think that’s all I have to say about this workout. I collect Jillian DVDs because I like her workouts, her style and the way she constructs her workouts…I love circuit workouts overall so I usually reach for workouts like these when I get into the home gym. Whenever I see unconventional/odd/weird exercises or maybe bad form in a routine, I use the knowledge I have and do the movements the correct way or if I do not know the proper form I will refer to another website like bodybuilding.com and view exercise demonstrations or or or consult my Women’s Health Big Book of Exercises (and if you don’t have that book then you’re not prepared to become an Iron Maiden - get it if you don’t have it!). Other than that I am happy to have this workout in my collection. I cannot wait to get her abs workout that is due out soon as it will be a nice supplment to Shred-It and her other short workouts.
Happy Shredding!!!!
Disregard the “lose 5lbs in a week” thingy on the cover for this workout and all others that have it to…it’s just not possible to lose 5lbs in a week with just Shred-It alone or period. It’s just not healthy to lose 5lbs in a week unless you’ve got a temporary event or something special coming up, but wanting to do that to drop massive amounts of weight (10lbs or more) on a consistent basis ?? then that’s just crazy. I wish they, of all companies who prey on the emotions of overweight people, would stop with the gimmickey phrases like that…it’s not right and plus, it’s seriously annoying.