Customer Reviews

The Biggest Winner - How to Win by Losing: Maximize - Back in Action (Butt, Back, Abs, Hamstrings, Biceps, Nutrition)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A short workout that packs a punch and will whip you up in shape!

If you like endurance weight training with short cardio bursts then you will enjoy these workouts! I have all 4 of Jillian's endurance strength training DVDS and they are very good especially when combined with 30-45 mins. cardio. The Maximize Full Frontal DVD is a little more intense than Jillian's Shape Up Front DVD; it has more core work, more one-leg moves and the cardio segments always use dumbbells. The Maximize Back In Action DVD is also a little more intense than Jillian's Shape Up Backside DVD; it has more core work, harder exercises and additional power moves. All 4 DVDs are an excellent buy and since they are all short workouts, you can easily combine them with cardio for a well-rounded 60 minute workout. Note: You will not like Jillian's workouts if you prefer to go heavy with weights.

These workouts pack a lot into 25-30 minutes. But I have to modify them so much I might as well do something else. Jillian's "warm up" consists of jumping jacks and running on and off the Step. I have to warm up *before* the warm up. I also don't like all the up and down--for example she has you do jumping jacks or something else that gets the heart rate up and then you stop and lay down on the floor for ab work. ??? Then you get back up and do something else. This made me dizzy and slightly nauseated.

Fans of bootcamp style workouts might like Jillian's DVD's. For a quick total body weight training workout that doesn't make your head spin, I recommend FIRM Super Body Sculpt or Kathy Smith's Lift Weights to Lose Weight 1&2.

I have mixed feelings about this workout DVD. I love Jillian's attitude and believe that she offers sound advise. It's really a fantastic workout combining both cardio and strength training. BUT, for people very out of shape (me), this is a difficult routine to complete. I was quite active in my 20's and then off and on during my 30's with both cardio and weight lifting so excercise isn't new to me. Part of me says to keep trying this routine but I feel with it being so difficult I won't stick to it. Maybe that's a cop out but I wish Jillian would offer something for us beginers. Personally, I plan to alternate this with other, less intense, workout DVD's (that would be 90% of them) and challenge myself to become healthy enough to complete this routine. It sure would feel like an accomplishment! If you are in shape and really want to lose weight and tone up, this is a 5 star DVD.

Wow, what a way to hurt yourself! Warming up by jumping around and then no stretch. Jumping jacks and more while holding weights -- there's a way to hurt your joints if you're not ready for it. The pelvic tilts were a nightmare -- too much arch in the lower back.

There's no instruction on how to do the exercises properly and without hurting yourself.

I'm glad I checked this out from the library and didn't waste my money on it.

This video is not for the faint at heart, The warm-up alone is a killer. Jillian has no mercy when it comes to her workouts. Well worth the money, i would recommend this video to everyone, except beginners.

I have the first three Jillian Michaels DVD workouts. It was harder than ____ at first, but if you stick with it, the work pays off. I do admit the warm-up is a little rushed. I have gotten used to it and I can truly say that at 47, I'm in the best shape of my life.

I recently received my DVD, and I got to say, I agree with other reviewers on these two points only - the music and camera work suck! The music is useless; I don't even think they were exercising to the music when taping. Clearly, the production team pulled someone off the street to work the camera, because there are not enough wide shots of everyone doing the routine, not enough shots of the young woman doing the modified exercises, and there is one point where Jillian is pointing out something in particular but the camera is on someone else entirely! I mean, yeah, Jillian seems to giggle a lot too, and focuses her attention on one person in particular throughout the DVD,but it's not unbearable.

The great thing about this DVD - the exercises are AWESOME! The music, bad camera angles, and giggles are forgivable when your bum fits better in your jeans. It is so worth it.

I have LOVED Jillian's videos Boost Your Metabolism and No More Trouble Zones. They have kicked my butt and I have seen results. I was hoping this backside video would be that next step. Not at all - giving it away. I did this twice hoping the second time I would know the video better....it's just a bad video.

I'm not a work out monster, I have never set foot in a gym, I exercise four or five days a week from home in a really good week. I feel I'm realistic and I'm happy feeling pretty healthy and pretty strong for me. I'm not a beginner, I would say I'm in the middle somewhere.

There were no pros to this video.

Cons to this:
-Camera work is terrible. The reps are half over before you see the feet and figure out what they're doing.
-My heart rate was only raised during the warm ups and not through the rest of the video. Usually I'm mopping sweat off my face during her other videos and I didn't even break a sweat.
-To feel like I'm doing anything I needed to increase the weights from 5 lbs to 10 lbs but don't feel it's safe to jump around with 10 lbs and she moves too quickly from one to another to switch weights out for appropriate exercises without missing all reps. I'm able to switch them out in her other videos to maximize my workout.

I was disappointed I wasted my exercise time on this as I feel I didn't even exercise. The 30 Day Shred is a much better work out if you're looking for something shorter in length. Don't bother with this one. I push myself when I do her videos, always trying to get the most out of it. I found no way to push myself in this video and feel more saggy after wasting two days on it.

I saw this DVD in a two pack w/the maximize - full frontal at a local discount store & since I enjoy Jillian's other DVDs (30DS, NMTZ, & BFBM) thought I'd give these a try. I've done both DVDs & prefer her newer DVDs. I dont think they are as hard or as intense as her other DVDs, I wasnt sore the next day after either workout & w/her other DVDs I'm always sore the next day. They are both fast paced & relatively short workouts but they do make you sweat & are good when you are short on time.

What can I say... it is Jillian. I love her toughness!! I own all of her work-out DVDs (except beginners) and use them on a daily basis. I am pretty buff for a woman in her mid 60s and I give Jillian some of the credit. ALL of her work-outs are intense and give you the MOST bang for the buck (or time). Her 30day Shred is KILLER!!! I am in really good shape (ask my personal trainer) and this work-out leaves me completely exhausted..

GO Jillian!!!