Customer Reviews

Jillian Michaels: No More Trouble Zones

5 star:		(473)
4 star:		(63)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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! :)

I am a huge fan of the Jillian Michael's approach to fitness. I used her Shred 30 program and lost 29 pounds in two months by doing the workouts and following the diet recommended on her website. Let me start by saying I am not one of these people who just "LOVES" to workout. I do it because I need change. I tried this workout yesterday as it is available on Exercise TV/On Demand and I have to tell you, it was the most transformational exercise experience I have ever had. Jillian's coaching and motivational speak are reverberating in my head even now. For this workout you will need 3 to 5 pound weights and about an hour (trust me this hour is worth it). She starts with 5 minute warm up that is cardio and dynamic stretching infused. SHe cools down with a yoga style static stretch that is just wonderful. There are roughly (six) 7 minute segments in which you do about 5 powerful arm and leg focused or ab focused work. The intensity of the arm, ab and leg work basically guaranteed me that I am going to see the results I want to see over the next two months. I usually dont feel a burn in my glutes and hips which are a real trouble spot for me, did not have that problem this time. Working out is not really my thing, as much as wanting results and knowing I have to do it in order to get it, but the strength and euphoria I felt after doing this workout is indescribable. I recommend this to anyone who wants to believe in themselves and begin transforming themselves into the person they wish they were. This comes with the highest recommendation I can offer. I will post updates as I continue the program. GET THE DVD, its the least you could do for yourself.

I own all of Jillian's DVDs, so when this one and it's companion DVD came out, I ordered them immediately.

This one is like "Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism" but the circuits are weights based. At about an hour long, she has you run through 5 exercises 2 times a circuit and most are with weights in hand. Towards the middle, she does matwork for the abs (some with weights!) and in the last circuit she does old school matwork for legs and glutes.

This kicked my butt in a good way. I was sweaty and tired at the end. I completed it, but having to modify some exercises, so now I have something to work towards.

Having owned so many of Jillian's DVDs, I was worried she would use the same exercises over and over but she keeps it really fresh! She has a lot of exercises I have never seen or done before and all I can say is WOW! She does this exercise called "The Surrender" Oh. My. Goodness. It is super hard and I had to stop. It's also a little hard on the knees. Again, one of the ones I have to work towards.

I can definitely see this DVD transforming your body and making you more and more toned. A great workout and so worth it!

I tried this video on my cable's "on Demand" and I will definitely be purchasing it! There is NO WAY that you cannot shape up quickly and completely if you follow this workout! Jillian ROCKS! Her combinations keep you moving and working and sweating, but she has a way of making you able to keep up, through both her motivating talk, as well as the way she combines the moves. She has made me a big fan of circuits - you can endure much more! Her explanations of exactly what muscles you're targeting REALLY make you motivated to push extra hard, as well as focus on them to really bring on the intensity! I have been doing the 30 day Shred, which I will continue to alternate with this on days that I cannot do an hour, but this is one video I know I will make time for - it is sure to work! *** Okay I'm just updating here after 15 days to say that I am actually seeing changes DAILY in my body, and a 6 pack is being revealed. I can hardly believe my eyes (and trust me, I was a flabby mess, especially my stomach after 2 kids - GROSS!)! I am simply amazed!

I like this workout, especially because it is almost an hour (it's about 50 minutes not including the final stretch), and some of the moves are tough -- however, what drives me nuts is that Jillian does NOT count her reps. If you count them you'll notice that on one leg she does 12, then the next she will do 15. Then she will do 17 for another move. There is no consistency.

I also don't think this workout is that killer... I'm not sure what weights everyone else is using, but I use 5lbs for this. On the DVD they only use 3lbs. Maybe I need to increase to 8lbs, but she emphasizes "light weights, high reps." 3lbs does nothing for me. I have been using the Firm workouts for ages though, so I am used to lifting more weight.
Also, I feel like this is mainly a core workout - it feels like you spend about half the time in plank pose. It would have been nice if there were more lower body work.

For those of you who live in apts and are concerned about jumping moves, the only real jumping is in the warm up for jumping jacks. So I think it's fine to do this workout if you live in an apt with neighbors.

I review video games for a living. It's a great gig that lets me work from home, but I tell you this so you understand that I am essentially on my butt for massive chunks of time, and it doesn't lead to a girlish figure. Combine that with an aversion to the extreme hot and humid outdoor weather here in Florida, and you have a recipe for flab. As a young woman, twenty-five years old and six feet tall, I should be in my prime. Instead, I am decidedly... not. I'm not obese, but I'm nowhere near the amazon figure someone of my age and height should/could have.

I was only vaguely aware of Jillian Michaels as "that bossy chick on that show". I'd never watched the Biggest Loser before, but I'd heard so many things about how harsh she supposedly was I already had an opinion of her. Recently they started airing Biggest Loser reruns in the morning while I have my coffee, and I was actually surprised at how much I liked Jillian; she's intense, sure, but she definitely seems to know what she's talking about and care about the results people get. Finally I decided to pick up No More Trouble Zones from Netflix, and holy cow, am I glad I ever did. After just a week, I decided I HAD to have my own copy, and picked it up from Amazon with 30 Day Shred and Boost Metabolism.

This DVD, along with 30 Day Shred and Boost Metabolism, is hard. But after every workout I feel AMAZING. Yes, I'm exhausted, sweaty, and my muscles are aching and trembling, but I feel energized and sharper mentally. I exercise five days a week, alternating workout videos, and take the weekends "off", during which I find I now have more energy to do everything from working in the garden to running around theme parks. I'm actually sleeping better too.

I'm not saying this DVD is going to change your life, because obviously no one thing works for everyone, but for me, this is apparently what I was looking for. It's intense, it's high energy, and it's incredibly motivating. I don't find I have to force myself to work out each day; I actually enjoy it, even if I do want to collapse when it's over.

In one year I lost sixty pounds on my own doing basic "dieting" (IE, eating healthier), but I felt I had stalled out. This DVD series has given me the boost I need, and I highly recommend anyone who feels stuck in their weight loss at the very least check it out.

NOTE: Don't be foolish; if you're severely out of shape or have preexisting medical conditions (or back injuries!) you probably shouldn't do everything in these videos as vigorously as Jillian and her tribe of ridiculously in-shape women do. Jillian frequently points out that "we start where we start", and there's no shame in having to modify an exercise so you can do it. If you are using these DVDs and the exercises are PAINFUL (and I mean they hurt while you do them, rather than just typical muscle fatigue), then STOP. You are doing them wrong, and you are going to hurt yourself. The DVD cannot read your mind and tell you what you should not be doing; you have to take responsibility for your own wellbeing. Just take things slow, watch the circuit a few times if you have to so you learn, and you'll be kicking butt eventually. After all, anything worth doing is worth doing right. Right?

So I'm just getting into workout tapes. I run once week (because I have to) but I mostly work with weights, the ball and kettle-bells. But I'd rather do a routine than run anywhere so I've been looking into these fitness dvd's.

I settled on Jillian after getting the Biggest Loser Workout about 3 weeks ago. I did enjoy Bob (he's hilarious) but Jillian's workout did get me pretty winded...and it was only 10 minutes long!
LOL.
So I said, "I wonder if she has any cds of her own'.

Based on the reviews and my initial impression of her I bought this workout and the (Banish Fat Boost metabolism) dvd

I really do like this dvd.

--Her exercises are challenging.
--She utilizes circuit training. Each segment is only 6 minutes long.
--She works multiple muscle-groups at once. Which I like.
--I like her 'let's get down to business' attitude. Great motivator.
--She has some KILLER arm/leg exercises (circuit 4, in particular). There's this one move where you hold 2 dumbbells in both hands over your head and you drop to your knees and come back to a standing position (one leg at a time, of course!).
I. WAS. BURNING! I had to drop one weight to stay in the game.

During the ab/leg circuit (can't remember which) my boyfriend had to come into the room because I was making so much noise. He just stood in the door and laughed at me nonstop. I was on the floor squirming around from plank position to my back...struggling, whimpering and 'panting' like a little animal!
He said, "Baby...is it THAT serious?"
LOL
Y'know how it is--when your body is tired and you're fighting through an exercise to squeeze out one more...?
I was DETERMINED to get through that circuit! LMBAO!

I'm not exactly sore. But I personally don't think that this would be too challenging for a beginner. Listen to your body. Slow the pace if you must. Just keep moving if you can. Do as much of the circuit as you can until you're able to complete the tape.

Also, thanks to be military, I have bad knees and stress fx's in both legs. Jillian incorporates jumping jacks/jump into her cardio exercises/warmups. It keeps your heart rate up but it can be hard on the joints (if you have problems in that area). I can't always hop on one leg.
My solution?
Just modify the exercise. I still perform the jumping jacks movement but my feet don't leave the ground.

I recieved my dvd October 28th and I have been using it evryday except for Sundays Since I receieved it I am amazed with the results. Yes I do eat healthy no sodas period and I dont eat junk food . So that also helped. But I have been doing that for months and my body didnt change much. But a month later my body has changed so much i have muscles in places I cant even see or know the names of. I have been complimented daily on how tone and fit my legs look even my back and the back of my arms. I started to see drastic results in week 3. My stamina is amazing. I just realized now though that I was using 4.5 ib dumbells instead of 3 Ibs so that was a nice suprise. I also ordered this for my friend who is trying to loose wieght she loved it. I am 21 5 ft 3 at the start of using this I weighed 121 I am now at 111-112. So if you are trying to lose wieght and tone your body I would definanlty recommend this.I have allready ordered two of her other dvds.

This review is for people that have the 30 Day Shred and considering whether or not to add this to their workout: YES!!! I bought 30 Day Shred back in October and got through Level 1, 2, and 3 within 2 weeks (I am 30 and have been actively working out the last 10 years but in no means would call myself completely fit or an athlete, just normal and healthy). The 30 Day Shred still kicked my ass and helped me tone up in ways that the gym has never toned me up before. The best part of 30 Day Shred was that it was 20 minutes, and I would alternate Levels 1, 2, and 3 every day for variety. However, after 3 months of working out to 30 Day Shred, I've gotten super bored of it and need a change. I borrowed my friend's No More Trouble Zones and hyped up to work out again! Some of the moves in this DVD are similar to 30 Day Shred, but I would say about 25-35% of it, depending if you modify some moves. This workout is also much longer (45 min. or so) but the time flew by because each circuit was about 5 min. and I looked forward to trying new moves. Also, some things that I found difficult in this DVD, I just reverted to the easier/beginner positions I learned from the 30 Day Shred. So for those people that are more beginners to Jillian Michaels, I recommend you get the 30 Day Shred first so you can learn the beginner/modified moves and make adjustments as necessary as you progress. For me, it's not about losing weight but getting toned and I definitely have more definition in my arms, abs, and legs. My friend's have complimented me as well and being on the shorter side, I've NEVER been complimented on having toned legs before so I am quite happy. :) I have not mastered any of JM's workouts, but I do get bored of the same routine. I'm glad to add this to the mix in addition to 30 Day Shred and I'll prob get the other ones too! AND I just saw that you can buy the combo set on Amazon!! Definitely go for that one!!! No more gym membership! All you need are 3 and 5 lbs weights!! Also, I never watch the Biggest Loser and I find JM extremely likeable as a trainer. I didn't rate this 5 stars since some moves are similar to 30 Day Shred, and I also think 30 Day Shred in general is better (I feel like I sweat more in 20 min in 30 Day Shred than I do in this one).

I purchased this DVD along with the 30 day Shred and Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism. I must say that I was blown away with the intensity of the workout. Jullian's advice and encouragement throughout was also very helpful.

I am a mom of a 5 month old and had a c-section. Also, I had stayed away from exercises (other than a little walking) ever since I became pregnant. Hence, I was apprehensive about doing this. The first day I did this workout, I was so tired that I almost wanted to puke. However, at the same time, I immensely enjoyed the workouts. All the exercises are to the point and you can feel your muscles getting toned. I have been alternating between the three DVDs for around a month now. It is already showing results.

To put things in perspective, even before I started the DVDs, I was back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Though I have a tendency to put on weight really quick and lose it really slow, through proper and balanced diet, I have managed to be on the slim side. So, my problem was not of excess weight but having the fat in the wrong places. My problem areas were my tummy, which with the pregnancy had gotten flabby and kind of loose; and my butt which was again not toned. With the exercises, I have started getting into shape. My pregnancy belly has completely disappeared and my tummy muscles and butt have gotten toned. In fact, I AM IN BETTER SHAPE THAN I WAS PRE-PREGNANCY.

I strongly urge ppl out there to do yourself the biggest favor you ever can and buy this DVD (along with the other 2 DVDs that I have mentioned above; Besides it just cost me around $30, which is less than one meal for 2 and this is the best investment that I have ever ever made). Keep in mind that this DVD works not just for women but also men. The days I exercise as per the DVD, I can actually feel happier and more in peace and far more energetic, than if I dont.

As I mentioned earlier, I have a 5 month old and I am a working mom. So, that is enough to occupy me the entire day and tire me out so that I am ever so ready to sleep around 9-9.30 pm) Just so that I can exercise, I get up at around 4 am (as that is the only time I get to exercise in one stretch without having to stop to attend to my child). This is how much I love this DVD and would not want to miss it.

Try it and you wont regret it ever.

Best of luck