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Ab video
- See results quickly
- Routines for various fitness levels
- Fast paced, energetic
- Too difficult for beginners
- Commentary becomes tiresome
"The Biggest Loser" trainer Jillian Michaels is known for her tough-love, no-holds-barred approach to fitness, and her series of workout DVDs is no different. In her abs-focused workout, Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack (*Est. $9), Michaels promises a flatter, more toned midsection in just 45 days. Reviewers say that Michaels delivers on her promise. The DVD features two 30-minute routines, the second of which is geared toward more advanced fitness enthusiasts. Reviewers say that both routines are challenging and provide a stellar abdominal workout. While not everyone will have a six-pack after completing this challenge, they will see results. Some reviewers note that it would be helpful if Michaels provided more guidance on form and safety during some of the more difficult moves; plus, they say that if you work out with the DVD for multiple days in a row, the frequent commentary becomes tiresome. Overall, this is a great option for those who like a tough, high-energy, high-intensity core workout. Those who are looking for something a bit calmer may want to consider the also-popular Exhale: Core Fusion - Pilates Plus (*Est. $15).
Fitness magazine is one of the premier sources for expert reviews of fitness videos and DVDs. The magazine selected Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack as one of the top 10 workout DVDs of 2011. Additionally, this is one of the top-rated workout DVDs on Amazon.com. Jenn Walters, editor of top fitness website FitBottomedGirls.com, gives this DVD a very high 4.5 stars out of 5 -- a rating she reserves only for top fitness DVDs. Detailed user reviews can also be found at CollageVideo.com and Walmart.com.
Our Sources
1. Fitness MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Karla Walsh of Fitness magazine selects the top fitness and exercise DVDs of 2011. The videos were tested by more than 80 women. Each review includes information about what equipment is needed, how many calories are burned and what the highlights of the DVD are. Reviews are brief, but insightful. This is one of the only sites that offers feedback from real women testers. Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack is selected as the Fab Ab Tightener. One tester says that this is the perfect video to help achieve a vacation-ready stomach.
Review: Top 10 Workout DVDs of 2011, Karla Walsh
More than 80 users and a certified instructor provide feedback on Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack. The fitness DVD earns a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars. The certified instructor notes that both routines are tough and Michaels wastes very little time transitioning from one move to the next. Users are very positive, saying that this is a challenging DVD that will help you see results. Those who give this DVD less than stellar marks often dislike Michaels' brash commentary.
Review: Jillian Michaels' 6 Week Six-Pack, Editors of and Contributors to CollageVideo.com, As of June 2011
In this workout DVD face-off, FitBottomedGirls.com editor Jenn Walters tests three of the most popular ab-focused strength training DVDs. Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack takes on Dancin' Abs by Jazzercise and Gorgeous Core with Suzanne Bowen. Jillian and Jazzercise tie with an overall score of 4.5 stars out of 5. Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack is challenging and well suited for those who prefer a workout with a no-holds-barred approach.
Review: Battle of the Core Workout DVDs: Jillian, Jazzercise or Suzanne?, Jenn Walters, Jan. 25, 2011
4. Amazon.com
Amazon.com is a good resource for user feedback on Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack. The fitness DVD is rated an average 4.5 out of 5 stars by 180 users. Reviews are detailed and surprisingly balanced. Users say that the two routines Jillian offers are difficult and work. The two levels mean that both those who are more advanced and beginners will be happy with this DVD. Some reviewers feel that there is too much cardio included in the workout and that Jillian, at times, does not give enough commentary on form. Still, this is by far one of the most popular ab-focused DVDs on Amazon.com.
Review: Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of June 2011
DietsinReview.com offers detailed descriptions of some of the trendiest workout videos and fitness trends. Editors discuss the pros and cons of the video, but it is unclear as to how DVDs and videos are tested. Still, editors have high praise for Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack, saying that while not everyone will have a six-pack after six weeks, they will see results.
Review: Jillian Michaels 6 Week Six-Pack, Editors of DietsInReview.com, Not Dated
6. 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: 6 Week Six-Pack earns praise for delivering a tough workout that will efficiently work your core. Seymour does not recommend this DVD for beginners and notes that she would prefer if Michaels provided a bit more form and safety guidance on more complicated moves. Overall, however, this is a highly recommended workout.
Review: Jillian Michaels' "6 Week Six-Pack" DVD Review, Kristen Seymour, Jan. 4, 2011
7. Walmart.com
Nearly 50 Walmart.com customers provide feedback for Jillian Michaels: 6 Week Six-Pack, awarding the video a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Reviews are notably less detailed than other sources of user-generated reviews (Amazon.com, CollageVideo.com). Still, reviewers say that this is a difficult, solid workout and that Jillian's tough love is motivating.
Review: Jillian Michaels: 6 Week 6-Pack, Contributors to Walmart.com, As of June 2011
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