5 comments about The Biggest Winner - How to Win by Losing: Cardio Kickbox (Aerobic Combo Workout, Nutrition).

1. Something must be wrong because on my two "DVD"- all I received are PDF files....just a ton of written stuff.
   
   I expected something that would fill my screen with ACTION.... stuff I could follow along to but that is not what I got. Searched high and low and this is it....just a bunch of files and written articles.
   
   Forget that.



2. As always, Jillian knows how to put together a good workout. It's really tough, but it's only about 25 minutes. Nonetheless, I think it's very effective. Unlike many fitness video trainers, Jillian is not annoying and does the exercises along with you. A word of caution: When she recommends using low weights, she really does mean 5 lbs or less. I tried the first time using 8 lbs and couldn't keep up with the high number of reps. Start with 2 or 5 lb weights and it should be a lot of fun!



3. I have Shape up - Back, Maximize Full frontal, Shape up Front, Back in Action. Two of the dvd's Shape up and Back in action, I did once and I may have been doing something weird with 2.5kgs wieghts but I totally screwed my back up. But the other 2 were great. She is one of those chicks that NEED to be a tuff as the guys. Which is sometimes pretty good, but then can be a bit overbearing. But perservere.



4. Considering i,m a Jillian Michaels fan i think she is excellent at what she does i can never fault her



5. As always Jillian knows how to rev it up from the start. My only complaint is she tends to joke then pause to laugh, yell at her buddies, then laugh, etc...way too much for my liking. I tried to ignore it but by the time I got to DVD 3 it was annoying the heck out of me. I'm very close to getting these dvds edited to cut out her constant goofing. I rather get an instructor that is focused on the most important person, me, the consumer.

5 comments about 10 Minute Solution - Kickbox Bootcamp.

1. I love this video workout!! I am very picky, but this one is great because you can mix & match the areas you want to work on and how long you want to work out. It's great for kickboxing beginners and the lady on the video isn't annoyingly cheesey. Plus, after doing pilates for 2 years, I actually get a really good workout from this and love feeling sore again from working out! A good buy.



2. I love the techniques this DVD offers. The variety of moves, etc is also nice to see in a workout video. For some videos, seem boring and repetitive. I find that this video lets me work out HOW I want to and just for 10-30 mins/ a day! (You can also try this video on netflix, but save your $ and buy it! You'll like it!) Lots of fun!



3. This is a pretty good workout for beginners. I've tried P90X and 30Day Shred so this wasn't challenging enough. Each section was just too short for me. As soon as I started to feel a burn, the workout was over. Each section starts with a warm-up and cool-down. A considerable amount of time is spent on teaching the moves before you go faster. Although each section is 10 minutes, you only get a real workout for 5 minutes. The cardio will get you slightly winded, but the other workouts were not challenging enough. I think this DVD is most effective when you do all the workouts together. I didn't break a sweat doing abs or arms on their own.
   
   The instructor does a great job of pacing and teaching the form. She has a great balance between encouraging and demanding. I would definitely try a more advanced workout from her.



4. I had high hopes for this workout based on the positive reviews; however, I was sorely disappointed. I have been faithfully using Debbie Siebers workouts - either Tear It Up or Mix It Up and thought I would add this to my workout options. The Tear It Up work out is kick butt and offers much more. I know this DVD works on the premise of 10 minute segments, especially if you're short of time, but it just doesn't work. This workout does not offer time tracking to monitor where you are in the workout, the trainer has poor cuing from one move to the next, and there is lag time between each 10 minute segment if you opt to play all segments. I had difficulty hearing the trainer, even with volume at maximum, as I use workout off my laptop. If you're not familiar with kickboxing moves this will also be problematic as the workout moves along quickly. I have had kickboxing classes and still felt that this workout did not flow well. Some of the moves did not seem to flow well from one to the other. My opinion is that this workout is for more the beginner rather than the advanced. Obviously this suites many of the reviewers, but I just didn't happen to be one of them.



5. This video is great. It is simple and the instructor is very good at explaining each movement. The neat thing is that there are 5 different 10 minute sections that work on different body parts. So you can pick and choose which ones you want to do and not get bored or tired doing one for ten minutes. It has several good cardio sections and even made me sweat. I would recommend this video to anyone who doesn't want to long of a workout but can pick the ones to do and help build your stamina even for people over 50!

5 comments about The Biggest Winner - How to Win by Losing: The Complete Body Workout (5-Disc DVD Set: Shape Up - Front, Shape Up - Back, Cardio Kickbox, Maximize - Full Frontal, Maximize - Back in Action).

1. Something must be wrong because on my two "DVD"- all I received are PDF files....just a ton of written stuff.
   
   I expected something that would fill my screen with ACTION.... stuff I could follow along to but that is not what I got. Searched high and low and this is it....just a bunch of files and written articles.
   
   Forget that.



2. As always, Jillian knows how to put together a good workout. It's really tough, but it's only about 25 minutes. Nonetheless, I think it's very effective. Unlike many fitness video trainers, Jillian is not annoying and does the exercises along with you. A word of caution: When she recommends using low weights, she really does mean 5 lbs or less. I tried the first time using 8 lbs and couldn't keep up with the high number of reps. Start with 2 or 5 lb weights and it should be a lot of fun!



3. I have Shape up - Back, Maximize Full frontal, Shape up Front, Back in Action. Two of the dvd's Shape up and Back in action, I did once and I may have been doing something weird with 2.5kgs wieghts but I totally screwed my back up. But the other 2 were great. She is one of those chicks that NEED to be a tuff as the guys. Which is sometimes pretty good, but then can be a bit overbearing. But perservere.



4. Considering i,m a Jillian Michaels fan i think she is excellent at what she does i can never fault her



5. As always Jillian knows how to rev it up from the start. My only complaint is she tends to joke then pause to laugh, yell at her buddies, then laugh, etc...way too much for my liking. I tried to ignore it but by the time I got to DVD 3 it was annoying the heck out of me. I'm very close to getting these dvds edited to cut out her constant goofing. I rather get an instructor that is focused on the most important person, me, the consumer.

5 comments about Kickboxer [Blu-ray].

1. lions gate have excelled themselves with this blu ray transfer
   can't speak highly enough of it the colour and sound are amazing
   a great value buy if you enjoy van damme.



2. This has always been one of my favorite 80's flicks-a tale of retribution between brothers, and a "journey" of revenge in an action setting. Based on the reviews of others at Amazon and elsewhere, I was excited to give this one a look. I purchased it under $10. I am giving the film 4/5 for entertainment value, but I'd only give it 3/5 for PQ, 5/5 AQ. The transfer was stellar in parts(those shots that were cleaned up)-the film has never looked better. However it was clear that the entire film was not cleaned up, as there was significant dirt in many parts of the film, especially indoor scenes, with noticable dust and dirt flying across the lens. I was disappointed that the whole film was not presented, according to those scenes that were excellent, especially for an 80's movie. Those scenes that were clean, were crisp, and clear, and detail was amazing, for an older film. For price I won't complain, as the majority of the film has never looked better, but they could have given the same consistent treatment to the whole disc-I would have paid a few dollars more. Van Damme is not known for his acting, but the fierceness and skill in his fighting, along with the overall entertaining story and setting of the film are still worth a look. If you're a fan it's worth the upgrade.



3. when i ordered this movie i thought it was the movie with jean claude van damme but instead the seller sent me a movie called kick boxer with actors that are unknowned to me.....very disappointed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



4. Not a bad picture quality for its age. I rate the Blu-ray PQ 4.5 stars for a 1989 release. The crisp sharpness is not there. Sounds very nice. The only thing that is missing is the special features. There is none. I am still glad to add this to my growing Blu-ray collection! Well worth the money!



5. I love VD and have started collecting all his movies. Good movie and looks pretty good on BR for an older movie. Wish they would get more of his movies on BR.
   
   Good story, good action, good acting, and a lot like Bloodsport...so pick them both up cause 2 is better than one..

5 comments about Say Anything.

1. This is one of the most down to earth romantic movies I have ever seen. Who would not love to be the object of Lloyd Dobbler's affection. I can see this movie over and over again and never tire of it. John is an incredible actor and is so real, it stings at times.



2. The Bottom Line:
   
   Though Ione Skye is not a terribly good actress and the script seems too willing to leave its young lovers to focus on other, less appealing characters, Say Anything is a smarter-than-average teen movie that easily outstrips most of John Hughes' work.



3. I can't review the Blu-Ray since it hasn't been released yet, but this is the best film John Cusack has ever made. This one is a very easy recommendation. A must see film by Cameron Crowe.



4. One of the best teenage romance films of all time.
   
   Like many teenagers and young adults, "Say Anything..." was the ultimate teen romance film when they first saw it back in 1989. And for some people, within the last 20-years, the movie still left an impression on those who watched it.
   
   The film received rave reviews from critics, the publication Entertainment Weekly voted the film as the "Greatest Modern Movie Romance" in 2002 and #11 in their "Best High School Film" movie list.
   
   The film marked the debut of Cameron Crowe ("Jerry Maguire", "Almost Famous", "Vanilla Sky") who wrote and directed the film. The film included cinematographer László Kovács ("Easy Rider", "Miss Congeniality", "My Best Friend's Wedding", "Two Weeks Notice") and music by composer Anne Dudley ("The Full Monty", "American History X", "The Crying Game") and Richard Gibbs ("Battlestar Galactica", "10 Things I Hate About You", "Singles").
   
   "Say Anything..." is about Lloyd Dobler (played by John Cusack, "2012", "War, Inc.", "Runaway Jury", "Sixteen Candles", "Better Off Dead") who is a guy who wants to become a kickboxer. A normal guy who happens to have a big crush on the valedictorian Diane Court (played by Ione Skye, ""Fever Pitch", "Wayne's World", "The Rachel Papers"). Dianne is a very intelligent young woman but has not really experienced a boyfriend let alone any teenage social outings.
   
   For Diane, she has a lot of things going for her. She won a fellowship to study in England and plans to go there at the end of the summer. But when Lloyd builds the confidence to ask here for a date, she is surprised by it and intrigued by him, she agrees to it.
   
   So, Lloyd who never had a serious relationship is ready to go out on his first date and he gets advice from his sister Constance (played by Joan Cusack, "War, Inc.", "Ice Princess", "Raising Helen", "The School of Rock") and even his friend/musician (played by Lili Taylor, "Public Enemies", "Six Feet Under", "State of Mind") who is depressed and constantly sings about her on and off again boyfriend and also getting advice from his other female friends and his male friends which include Mark (played by Jeremy Piven, "Entourage", "Smokin' Aces", "The Kingdom").
   
   Needless to say, both Lloyd and Diane fall in love. But Diane's father Jim (played by John Mahoney, "Frasier", "Dan in Real Life", "Primal Fear") is very strict and wants her to go to college, no distractions and to succeed. He sees Lloyd as an underachiever and doesn't want him around his daughter.
   
   Unknown to Diane, her father is doing shady things at the nursing home that he is in charge of and is under investigation by the IRS for tax evasion.
   
   With her father in trouble, Diane feels that she should put her father first and thus the two breakup. "Say Anything..." deals with two people who are in love but have their first major breakup and what one would do for the sake of love.
   
   VIDEO & AUDIO:
   
   "Say Anything... - 20th Anniversary Edition" makes it debut in High Definition with a 1080p transfer that looks absolutely fantastic for a film that is 20-years-old. I have complained in the past of how 80's and early 90's film tend to get the DNR (digital noise reduction) treatment and sometimes the picture quality appears to be waxy and unnatural but in this case, there is a good amount of detail in the film. Compared to its DVD counterpart, you can see the clarity, the colors and also the nice deep blacks. Grain is definitely present which is great and I didn't notice any major compression or edge enhancement. This is the best I have seen of the film thus far. So overall, picture quality is pretty solid.
   
   As for the audio, the film receives a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (as well as English Dolby Surround Sound, Spanish and French mono). The film is pretty much front and channel-driven. There is no major sound effects as dialogue and music are what drives "Say Anything...". In fact, when I first watched this film, what made the biggest impression on me was hearing the musical soundtrack as we hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Taste the Pain", Fishbone or even the popular Peter Gabriel song "In Your Eyes" with such clarity. There could have been more surround usage but I didn't really notice anything via surround channels. But for the most part, this is the best that the film has ever sounded up to now and dialogue and music can be heard clearly.
   
   As for subtitles, the film is presented in English, Spanish, French, Cantonese and Mandarin.
   
   SPECIAL FEATURES:
   
   "Say Anything - 20th Anniversary Edition" comes with the following special features:
   
   * To Know Say Anything...is to Love It! Trivia Track (over 200 questions) - A Blu-ray exclusive, during the film, one can watch "Say Anything" with a trivia track playing throughout the film.
   * An Iconic Film Revisited: Say Anything...20 Years Later featurette - (21:57) A Blu-ray exclusive featurette. An awesome featurette as Cameron Crowe, John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney, Nancy Wilson discuss the making of the film 20-years-later and why the film has been so popular even today. Some interesting tidbits of the film, the boombox scene that may have never happened and the Peter Gabriel song that may have never happened and more.
   * A Conversation with Cameron Crowe featurette - (9:31) Cameron Crowe talks about the film and the characters and how Cameron Crowe became the director and learning from making his first film and challenges with the studio on the script and more.
   * I Love Say Anything...! - (7:31) Comedians and talent discuss what they love about "Say Anything" and their favorite scenes in the film.
   * Intro and Commentary by Cameron Crowe, John Cusack and Ione Skye - Featuring a 20-minute intro with director Cameron Crow, actor John Cusack and actress Ione Skye. The first 20 minutes features the three talking about reuniting for the first time since the early 90's and how big the film was for them and for the audience and how Cameron Crowe got the idea to write the film and then how he became the director. For the most part, the audio commentary is quite solid as we hear from the three about what went on behind-the-making of the film but for the most part, how real the chemistry was between John and Ione. In fact, the two admit that while shooting the film, they had a spark but the fact is they had their own relationships with other people and Ione Skye is the first to say that if they weren't dating other people, the two probably would be dating each other. Suffice to say, a pretty solid commentary.
   * Alternate Scenes - The following alternate scenes are featured: Scene 106 - Lloyd at the Phonebooth, Scene 128x: Lloyd & Diane outside karate studio, Scene 108 - Diane in Bedroom (with commentary by Cameron Crowe), Scene 109: Lloyd with boom box (with commentary by Cameron Crowe), Scene 109R: Lloyd with boom box (with commentary by Cameron Crowe).
   * Deleted Scenes - Featuring ten deleted scenes which include: Scene 46: Mr. Deegan at Party, Scene 56J/K: Lloyd giving advice to girl, Scene 57: Corey sings "He Hurts Me", Scene 70: Court in Front of City Council Meeting, Scene 80: Cool English Road Tape, Scene 87: Montage of Love Clips, Scene 107: Sims Questions Court at the Home, Scene 128: Diane looks for Lloyd, Scene 132J: Love Birds in Bed (MOS), Scene 137: Agent Sims in Eva's Room.
   * Extended Scenes - Featuring a total of 13 extended scenes.
   * Vintage featurette - (6:58) The original "Say Anything..." featurette. Featuring interviews from 1989 with John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney and director Cameron Crowe.
   * Theatrical Trailers - Featuring two theatrical trailers.
   * TV Spots - Featuring eight TV spots: I Love You, Phone Call, Boom Box, Scam Review, Pretty Great Review, Coffee Shop, Chilli Peppers, Fish Bone,
   * Photo Gallery - A "Say Anything..." photo gallery montage.
   
   JUDGMENT CALL:
   
   1989. I can easily remember when "Say Anything..." was released in theaters. The whole concept of a guy going for the girl that he falls for and just the lasting memories from the film. From the party, teaching his girlfriend to drive, the mixtape, the boombox... it was one of those film that just captivated me and as a teenager, I don't even know how many times I watched the film or listened to the movie soundtrack.
   
   Having graduated from high school in 1989, for me at the time, the film was almost inspirational in some ways. If you want to ask a girl that you really like for a date, just do it. And sure enough I did and in the end, many years later... I married her. So, "Say Anything..." was definitely a film that was inspirational for me and I'm sure it was inspirational for others.
   
   I loved the film mainly for how natural the characters were. I always felt that John Cusack and Ione Skye had tremendous chemistry and that they were phenomenal in the film. Of course, it was revealed in original DVD commentary that the two were actually pretty close with each other during the making of this film and even brought up by Cameron Crowe during his Blu-ray special feature and we learn that from the commentary.
   
   Cameron Crowe was able to create a film that captures the natural emotion of finding that first love. John Cusack and Ione Skye did a fantastic job bringing that to the big screen. For example, after the two make out in the car and to see the character Lloyd sweating and shivering and of course, the chemistry between both characters as the kiss doesn't look like some sort of Hollywood acting style of kiss, these two were literally making out on screen. Those small details are emotions that are just well captured on film. Love, happiness, pain, sadness, anger. You name it...it's in this film.
   
   The music was also fantastic. I literally played out the cassette to the point where you can't really hear the music all that well. From Living Colour's "Cult of Personality", Cheap Trick's "You Want It", Red Hot Chili Peppers "Taste the Pain", Peter Gabriel's "In Your Eyes", Depeche Mode's "Stripped", Fishbone's "Skankin' to the Beat". So, it was cool to hear the audio for this film in the lossless audio soundtrack and of course the picture quality is absolutely beautiful.
   
   Overall, "Say Anything..." is a film that I probably am quite biased towards but the fact that many print and online publications regard it as a classic film in such a highest regard, that tells you how special this film is. And now the 20th Anniversary Edition is available on Blu-ray. Highly recommended!



5. this movie was a gift to a dear family member. She loves it and watches it over and over.

5 comments about 10 Minute Solution: Knockout Body Workout Kit w/Weighted Gloves.

1. I bought this video because I love kickboxing and was super excited about the weighted gloves. I did 2 workouts (20mins) back to back and it was just tough enough that I was sweaty, it could be tougher but it's a good mix of difficulty. I've had one other 10 min solution video in the past and really liked it. I think it almost seems like I workout longer knowing I just need to finish 10mins then I feel good to do another 10 min workout.
   
   I'm glad to have it in my collection now. Trainer Jessica does a great job and has good energy.. she makes it look effortless.
   It's a good choice for a beginner or intermediatte levels and fun if you like kickboxing!



2. I am a beginner and for beginners its best to start out with section 4 but this video is no joke! It kicks butt, and if you want to lose pounds stick to it because it will no doubt get the job done.



3. I read a review of 10-Minute Solution: Knockout Body Workout Kit w/Weighted Gloves, in Real Simple magazine, and decided to try it as a compliment to my regular gym workouts. In the past, I tried a number of home exercise videos and DVDs, with no success (Winsor Pilates; The Firm Fat-Burning Cardio Toning w/resistance tubing; Tone, Trim, Tighten: A Flexball Workout; 15-Minute Abs, etc.). I just didn't like them, and as a result, stopped using them in about a month. But this DVD I like a lot! The moves are not complicated, don't require a lot of space, and are done at a pace that I find challenging, but comfortable. The DVD contains five (5) 10 minute workouts that can be done individually, or combined to create a custom workout, which is also a plus. I would recommend this DVD to anyone who is looking for a new execise challenge - its a great introduction to kickboxing.



4. The DVD and weighted gloves are certainly a bargain. The gloves are still in good condition and fit well on my hands. They are also a nice easy weight to do during the moderately intense workout. The workouts themselves are also good and intense for 10 minutes. I just wish that there were perhaps a 30 minute workout mixed in that was a little less intense but a longer cardio workout to build stamina. You do need to really pay attention the first time you workout since she keeps the pace fast for the 10 minutes. Overall, it's good.



5. I love this workout! Jessica, along with Amy Dixon are my 2 favorite instructors. They are both motivating, cue well and it is obvious that they know what they are talking about. This workout is not easy, and I am sure it really burns calories. I recommend Amy Dixon's Kickin' Strength also. It is another fun workout!

5 comments about 10 Minute Solution: Blast Off Belly Fat.

1. I have to agree with one other reviewer, this instructor does have an ironically huge belly, especially apparent when she is doing exercises on all fours.
   This makes me question whether the flab is there because of her workout or in spite of it.
   
   Sure some of the moves are great. But I can't get my eyes off of the flab.



2. I really burned with this DVD! I am an athletic person, so I was pretty pleased!



3. I'm pretty disappointed with this dvd. The instructor is irritating : I agree with another reviewer who says she smiles with her mouth, not with her eyes. I find it off putting when she's taking you through a difficult set of reps and she has a cheesy smile stuck on her face the whole time. It's all a matter of personal preference though - some may find her encouraging and pleasant, but I simply don't.
   
   Several of the exercises are interesting eg for the obliques, but I'm having to be quite picky and can only tolerate her for minutes at a time. Also agree that her abs are not the most impressive I've seen, which I also found distracting especially when trying to do the segment called 6 pack abs.



4. I picked up this DVD and I'm sure happy I did. After one day of doing " Flat belly fast" and "Pilates perfect abs" I could start to see an out line! I just did each 10 minute workout once thats 20 minutes ( the DVD comes with 5 workoues 50 minutes but the first two just happen to be my faves). Suzanne Is easy to follow not manly looking so I don't get creeped out thinking I'm going to end up with a pumping iron look. So I injoy it. its a cheep and cheerful work out and I lost a nich only doing 2 workouts aday in 5 days.



5. I consider myself decently in shape and if you want to work your abs, this is the video for it. Moves at a decent speed. For a first time user, I couldn't do some of the work-outs because my abs are no where near the level of hers. She's not annoying when instructing. I also like you can customize your work out and pick which 10 minute work out you want to do. Also has a pilates segment - she's hard core in this. I cannot do the inverted V.

5 comments about Weight Loss Cardio Kick.

1. I was a beginner to kickbox cardio when I purchased this so it was slightly tricky getting the movements down in the first go-around.
   After that, it was pretty fun.
   The instructor moves at a pretty good pace so you're not bored. Its also challenging enough with both segments (all cardio and cardio/strength).
   The great thing is that you don't need a lot of space or equiptment, just a few sets of light handweight



2. Love, love, love this dvd. I've created quiet a fitness dvd collection and this is one of my favorites. It is so much fun to do. There are 2 workouts - cardio/strength and cardio - on the dvd to choose from. I usually do both along with the warm up and cool down to give me well-rounded workout session. I used to think that the only cardio workout available on dvd was step aerobics, which was disappointing because I'm not at all coordinated. The cardio kickboxing drills presented on this dvd are fun and not overly complicated. They make you sweat and raise you heart level. At the end of the dvd my muscles burn and I feel energized. And, I've burned calories!
   
   Violet Zaki is fantastic. She cues great and is very encouraging. She wants you to do your best, but she certainly doesn't want to push you beyond your limits.



3. I enjoy the workout on this cd. Cardio plus sculpting is a winner for me...
   With a special diet & this workout I have dropped some pounds. And my arms look great....



4. I have taken various kickboxing classes so I am accustomed to the various combinations that this workout applies. However, if you are a beginner or not totally coordinated you may end up finding yourself spending more time trying to figure out what you're supposed to be doing rather than sweating.
   
   To me a lot of the strength training was a waste - not enough repetitions to really get any burning feeling.
   
   The cardio is decent a few times I felt a bit winded and I would definitely say that this is a fun work out - fast paced and the instructor is upbeat and pleasing to listen to.
   
   I was sweating by the end of it but wasn't as thrilled with the workout as I was hoping.



5. This is the first time that I have ordered an exercise video from Amazon and the other reviews were right on! It got my heart rate up and really worked my muscles. I felt it the next day.

5 comments about The Biggest Loser Workout: Cardio Max.

1. This workout is for beginners, unless you use heavier weights or hand weights. It can get your heart pumping, but if you are already in shape this will not be enough to get your heart going.



2. If you are just starting to exercise, I would recommend The Biggest Loser Bootcamp, it's a little less GOGOGO! If you don't have bad asthma and above average stamina, Cardio Max is one heck of a workout. I would suggest this anyone not just starting.



3. This is so awesome! On the DVD menu, you can compile your own workouts... warm up (5 min), level 1 (20 min), level 2 (10 min), level 3 (10 min), and cool down (5 min). I am trying the warm up, level 1 and cool down. On first attempt, I got the warm up and 7 minutes of level 1 then had to quit. Today, I was able to complete the exercises. The exercises don't seem very challenging until you try it out. :-) Got a good sweat going. I think this is a great investment - just buy the DVD and get a pair of hand weights (or just grab 2 cans from the kitchen) compared to joining the Gym. More efficient to exercise at home instead of wasting time driving to/from the gym.



4. Great for getting your heart rate up!
   
   Pros:
   1) There are modifications available for most of the exercises for those that are just starting out.
   2) It is nice to see the "normal" people in the background struggling to do the exercises too. Makes me feel a little better :)
   3) Jillian and Bob do a good job of keeping you motivated by telling you why they were doing certain exercises and reminding you of why you are doing them at all. I am one of those people that do well with the "boot camp" style. No bubbly smiliness here.
   
   Cons:
   1) Can be very hard on knees and wrists. Much easier if you have a thick mat to work out on. Carpet was not enough for me.
   2) Level 3 (with Kim) was not even close to the intensity of levels 1 and 2. Some of her moves were difficult to follow and I did not "feel the burn" like the other two levels.
   
   Overall, I would recommend for beginners/ intermediates.



5. after reading other reviews where people stated they thought they were in shape, UNTIL THEY TRIED THIS DVD, i ran out and bought it. kind of a disappointment, as i didn't feel too worked out after running the whole thing. my calves feel a little worked, but that's about it. i'm guessing this disc is targeting people who do not yet have optimal endurance. it's ok, but probably best for people just starting out with cardio. at least it didn't cost much.

5 comments about Jillian Michaels: Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism.

1. I literally just wrote a review this week complaining about how my last workout DVD purchase, Cindy Crawford's New Dimension, was way too easy. THIS workout, on the other hand, is really tough (in a good way)! Be prepared, there's a lot of high impact moves, squatting and jumping, so beginners may find this a little too challenging. But if you're looking for a workout that will really kick your butt in the cardio department, this is it! I also like that there's the option of doing the workout without her instruction, just music, so once you've learned the routine you can do it without the chatter. One weird thing, in the "bonus" section of the DVD, Jillian is hawking Oral B toothbrushes. It's definitely strange, and the video would be better without it. That said, it's not as if you have to watch it (or I ever have to watch it again), so it's not a reason not to buy the DVD.



2. good workout for those days you don't want to go to the gym. jillian delivers as always.



3. 
   Immediately after finishing 30 days of Shred, I jumped into Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism. I didn't buy it because a friend had just purchased it and offered to let me try it out but I will be ordering my own copy. Here's why:
   
   It's a darn good, fast-moving workout that leaves me feeling completely satisfied that I worked out.
   
   Interestingly, on day one of doing Banish Fat, after just finishing 30 days of Shred, I was disappointed. Why? I almost felt like I didn't get as good as a workout as I did with Shred, it seemed easier for some reason. However, while I was thinking this over, I was still panting, guzzling water and sweating like a pig. So. Were my initial thoughts right? I don't think so. Not at all. Now after having done it several times, I think the issue is that Jillian breaks the intensity a bit so that you end up doing some of the awful moves slightly less time at a pop. Each of the 7 circuits has about 5-6 moves (I haven't really counted yet, or timed any of them) and each of those moves is done with no (or very little) rest in between and then you start over and redo them all over again before moving right into the next circuit.
   
   Shred is three 20ish minute workouts with three different levels of intensity. Banish Fat has the same workout everyday. There is the option to do individual circuits and therefore make your own workout. Shred is 3 minutes strength, 2 minutes cardio, 1 minute ab done in 3 different circuits. Banish Fat is 7 circuits without a specific, timed focus. One circuit is an ab workout on the floor. Two circuits are kick-boxing based. Another one is "old-school" calisthenics.
   
   Banish Fat moves aren't easy. And each move is tweakable into easier or more advanced. Plyometrics are abundant, several of the moves require jumping or hopping. And squats and lunges are frequent throughout most circuits. Jillian explains the whys of doing moves the way she sets up the circuit. Many of the exercises in Banish Fat are included in Shred. Jumping Jacks, Jump Squats, Speed Skaters, Supermans, Plank Oblique Twists, Jump Ropes, High Knees, Butt Kicks, Mountain Climbers, Walking Planks and a few more. An estimated guess is that Banish Fat has 38-42 moves to Shred's 18-24. The biggest difference between Shred and Banish Fat, besides the time difference, is that Banish Fat uses no weights and 1/3 to 1/2 of Shred's moves do.
   
   The reason I'm going to buy a copy of Banish Fat is because there are days I'm going to want to use weights and challenge myself in 20 minutes of work. And there are going to be days that I want to push myself to 40 minutes and get a nice sweat on. Besides that, these workouts are so good that I don't want to get sick of repetition by doing the same thing every day.



4. For years I have eschewed exercise videos at home because they were all just so easy. I mean, great if you are new to exercise, not so great if you have been doing it a while. So I am thrilled with Jillian's videos.
   
   This one in particular I would highly recommend if you consider yourself already somewhat fit and looking for a new challenge. I like the format--six circuits that work you out hard, but keep you moving forward mentally. There were several exercises that I've never done before, and could really feel them making a difference. Unfortunately I picked up pneumonia right after I got this dvd, so I can't report on any progress--but I definitely plan to go back to it as soon as my lungs are clear.
   
   I would not recommend it yet it you are new to exercise. Check out her 30-day Shred video instead, because it has three levels, allowing you to ramp up.
   
   I also got her new Yoga video. Can't wait to try it.



5. I started with No More Trouble Zones and I do that about five times a week. LOVE that DVD, and it's really made a difference, but I decided I needed to add in something to make me sweat a little more. Enter BFBM...wow. I got super toned with NMTZ, and with BFBM, I've started to melt off the last of the excess fat. This is not an easy work-out...lots of jumping, pretty fast paced, and no rest, really, but it is a FANTASTIC program. "If you're not winded, you're not working hard enough." I love Jillian's no BS approach and butt kicking mentality, and she delivers results, which the whole point, right?