dvd review: 30 day shred

"i want you to feel like you are going to die"

that was probably my favorite line from jillian michaels, of the biggest loser fame, as i huffed and puffed my way through her 30 day shred this morning. 

i'm such a sucker. i was at target a couple of weeks ago (which can drain me of all the money in my wallet in a matter of seconds) and ran across this dvd in the fitness section of the store and for some reason i bought it. i have no idea why except that it was $9. that is the beauty of target. you have no idea why you bought the things you did until you are already home and too lazy to take them back. genius. anyway, i bought the dvd at the time, mostly, because i'm pretty-anti gym lately. gyms are so out. i also fell into the biggest loser trap this last season and got hooked on the show. i laughed, i cried...it's really good, high-quality family entertainment, and i really like jillian michaels. i wish she and her sultry voice could whip me into shape. if so, i might be more fit during my summer of fitness.

plus, the dvd is only 20 minutes long. i know what you are thinking...20 minutes?? i spend 20 minutes staring into the fridge trying to decide what to have for breakfast. i was a little hesitant because it involves weights (ugh). i'm not into the whole "back and bi's on mondays, legs on tuesdays, triceps/shoulders on wednesday, etc...". the husband and i are currently on a kick that pushups, pullups and cardio plus lots of yoga is the only workout you need...(we have yet to test it out though). the dvd is based on a 3-2-1 interval system with 3 6- minute circuits combining 3 minutes of strength traning, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. 

it also has a level 1, 2 and 3, in which you are supposed to gradually progress to level 3. being cocky, as usual, i started at level 2. and, i must admit, i'm impressed. it took only 2 minutes to get my heart rate up, 5 minutes to start sweating and only 10 minutes for me to have to take a break (but i was really tired this morning). she does a lot of dual exercises, working both your big and little muscles at the same time (example: static lunge with bicep curls). i don't lift much more than 5 lbs, but it was plenty for me.

i was pretty entertained throughout the dvd as well. she knows what she is talking about, and yells at you throughout each move. i found it pretty motivating. she rarely cracks a smile, and i'm pretty sure she was flirting with her trainers, but she gets the job done. i probably won't be a regular, but if you are looking for a super quick way to get your heart pumping, this workout will do it. i'm glad i have it on hand. it also says something about "losing up to 20 pounds in 30 days" but i am very skeptical about that.

feeling proud of myself and my workout, i decided to make myself a protein shake that i read about in this magazine. it combines 2 cups organic mixed berries, 1 cup fresh spinach, 1 scoop mega green powder, 1 tbsp flaxseed oil, 1 cup of ice and was the most disgusting thing i have ever tasted. i don't know if i made it the wrong way (added too much spinach, not enough berries...???), or this what healthy tastes like. i drank it anyway, but i won't be putting it on the bake shop blog any time soon.