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- Results seen quickly
- Routines for various fitness levels
- Stellar instruction
- Quick, effective workout
- Poor musical selection
- Commentary becomes tedious
- Not enough post-workout stretching
The Wall Street Journal reports that Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred (*Est.$9) is the best-selling fitness video of all time as of the writing of this report. In the video, Michaels guides viewers through three routines that are appropriate for varying levels of fitness. The routines are meant to be repeated each day for 30 days and promise to deliver results quickly. Reviewers say that Jillian delivers on her promise. Each 20-minute routine has a 3-2-1 format. Viewers begin with three minutes of weight lifting, proceed to two minutes of cardio and conclude with one minute of abs. Each routine also includes a warm-up and a post-workout stretching session, which some reviewers say could be longer. Michaels is known for her tough-love training style on the hit television show "The Biggest Loser," and she brings that attitude to her workout videos. Reviewers say that Michaels pushes viewers, but some say that the commentary becomes tiresome after viewing the DVD multiple times. There is a feature which silences this commentary, but some note that in this mode, you must focus more on watching the video than your form. Still, nearly all of the reviews we found say that this is one DVD that deserves a permanent spot in any fitness enthusiast's workout video collection. The quick-paced routines, stellar instruction and effective moves make it a top pick. However, in the tight contest for Best Reviewed, reviewers' comments about Michaels' commentary and poor music selection keep it from getting our top pick, as these things can dissuade someone from continuing with the program.
There are more user-generated reviews for this workout DVD than any other we found. Amazon.com features more than 2,500 user reviews of 30-Day Shred, with more than 1,800 giving the workout a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Fitness sites FitBottomedGirls.com, ThatsFit.com and FitSugar.com also provide detailed and balanced reviews of this video.
Our Sources
Fitness website FitBottomedGirls.com features hundreds of reviews of current, top-selling fitness DVDs and workout videos. Their reviews are detailed and balanced. Each video is rated on six criteria: instruction, long-term likability, music, fun factor, whether it meets expectations and overall. Each workout DVD review also includes information about what watchers can expect and how the workout progresses. Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred receives a stellar review from editor Jenn Walters, earning an overall score of 4.5 stars out of 5, with the only flaw being the poor musical selection. The video provides three routines, each of which is harder than the next, which Walters says allows viewers to select how difficult a workout they want.
Review: Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred, Jenn Walters, Nov. 27, 2008
2. Amazon.com
More than 2,500 users weigh in on Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred. The video receives tremendously positive user feedback, earning a perfect rating from 75 percent of users. Users say that this 30-day program really works and delivers results in a quick workout. The one drawback is that while Jillian's tough-love comments are nice at times, they can get tiresome after watching the video time and time again.
Review: Jillian Michaels - 30 Day Shred, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of June 2011
3. Woman's DayDetails/Subscribe
Woman's Day's Abigail L. Cuffey selects her favorite must-have exercise videos. The DVDs cover a wide range of categories, from dance to yoga to strength training. Cuffey has clearly tested each video, but her remarks are somewhat short and lack the detail of other review sites. Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred is a cult favorite, notes the reviewer, saying that after completing the video she understands why: "Each workout kicked my butt and I noticed results in terms of strength improvement after just one week," Cuffey concludes.
Review: 10 Best Fitness DVDs, Abigail L. Cuffey, March 3, 2010
4. ThatsFit.com
ThatsFit.com editor Kristen Seymour writes several workout DVD reviews for this health and fitness site. Reviews are detailed, but Seymour does not rate any videos, making it difficult to compare them. Here, Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred gets a very positive review, with the one drawback being the two-minute introduction to each workout. Otherwise, the reviewer says that this DVD incorporates short, attainable goals while providing quick but tough workouts that give real results.
Review: Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred: DVD Review, Kristen Seymour, Jan. 8, 2010
FitBottomedGirls.com is known for their individual, detailed video reviews, but the site also often provides roundups of the top videos based on categories. Here, Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred is selected as the seventh most difficult DVD. Jenn Walters calls this 2008 video "an oldie but a goodie."
Review: The 10 Best Hardest Workout DVDs, Jenn Walters, Jan. 3, 2011
6. FitSugar.com
FitSugar.com readers responded to an informal request from the editors to discuss their favorite workout videos. The editors selected the top videos mentioned by readers. Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred is a top-three pick. Unfortunately, these picks are based on the experiences of only a few readers and several other videos were suggested.
Review: FitSugar Readers' Top 8 Favorite Fitness DVDs, Editors of FitSugar.com, April 23, 2009
7. MyDaily.com
Reviewer Emily V. Gordon interviewed some of her exercise DVD-enthusiast friends to compile this casual list of the best workout DVDs. Each DVD review includes information as to why the reviewer is so fond of the DVD and what type of workout it provides. Jillian Michaels: 30-Day Shred is the number-four pick, with the reviewer saying it will make you work hard.
Review: The Six Best Workout DVDs --Tried and Tested by Devotees, Emily V. Gordon, March 28, 2011
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