Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones

Reader Reviews
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! :)