Which DVDs are Best?
People are always asking us which DVDs are best, which ones they should do, which ones will give them the best results. Okay, maybe “always” is a bit of an overstatement, but people want to know what they should do for the maximum results.
And the problem is that every DVD works such different muscles, it’s impossible to give an answer. You know lately (before my marathon training kicked into high gear, more on that in an upcoming post) I’ve been really liking Bob Harper’s Inside Out Method DVDs. As in raving about them. They’re tough, Bob is awesome, I’m exhausted after doing them. They have to be the best, right?
Well, then I tried Jillian’s newest Six Week 6 Pack, and proclaimed it “the hardest half-hour workout I’ve ever done.” And it’s really hard!
But then I went back and did 30 Day Shred Level 1. And it made my shoulders fall off.
They all work you in such different ways, I’ve come to realize that I can’t just recommend one. Because if you want more definition, you might want to go with something like Shred. But for more cardio and abs, 6W6P might be for you. And then there are all of the kettlebell options!
In the end, though, the best DVDs are the ones you’ll stick with. If you don’t like Bob, it doesn’t matter how great his DVDs are. Same with Jillian. But if they keep you coming back for more, that’s what you really need to be successful!
What DVDs do you prefer, and why?
Well, maybe “always” is an overstatement.
But generally, people want to know what they should be doing.
I can’t get enough of 30 Day Shred. I just started working out back in September and the Shred was my first DVD. I noticed a change in my body within a week. No More Trouble Zones is a close second, I feel like all my muscles are targeted and I can get my heart rate up pretty easily. Biggest Loser Cardio Max is always great when I want to sweat a lot, too.
I LOVE Shred level 1 and BFBM the best. THose and my Zumba class leave me smiling. I have yet to get through NMTZ completely without stopping but I’m still trying.
Shred is the best if I am not really “in the mood” for a workout but need to get my butt of the couch. If I’m more motivated I put in Bob’s Super Strength – that workout is a KILLER! I’m not as huge of a fan of his cardio workouts (though the 20 minute one is mostly abs and is crazy!) and his Yoga is working its way into the rotation. I like to change it up but I have to say that Level 2 of the Shred gives me the most bang for the buck.
I have BL Cardio Max but haven’t used it yet. I got 30 day shred a while back and have been using it for a few months and am doing it all month to gear up but am interested in what to do next.
I have heard good things about BFBM, and I also feel like Jillian’s dvds seem more accessible than Bob’s–the text on the dvds and the reviews make it sound like they are grueling even for seasoned athletes, and they intimidate me. Does anyone else feel that way? or who has tried them feel like that is a fair assesment? Or are the inside out dvds pretty accessible? I don’t want to work out for an hour a day yet!
My sister like her 6W6P dvd, with the caveat that the intervals are super short so it’s a little fast paced and takees a little while to get used to.
-Morgan
Bob’s Inside Out DVDs are really tough, but (a) it’s Bob so while it’s hard, he’s really motivating and (b) there are 20 minute versions that are good starting workouts. And yes, the intervals are very fast-paced on 6w6p. LOL
Has anyone tried Jackie Warner’s dvds or Chalean Extreme??? I am curious about these two instructors.
I have Jackie’s Extreme Time Saver, it is comparable to the shred with no “real” cardio or abs. You do multi muscle moves like lunges with headbanger. It has walk out push ups with a military press when you stand up. It is a good work out. I also have the Full Body Circuit. I really like this one, you focus on one muscle group for a 4 min circuit. The ab portion is really hard for me, the rest for me, is very doable and I need to get some heavier weights, but I still feel it the next day when I do this one.
30 Day Shred is my new obsession for sure. I’ve just finished my first 30 day cycle and I will 100% do it again. It’s the first workout I’ve tried from Jillian/Bob so I don’t know how it measures up against their other ones but I think it’s brilliant. Might go a for Bob workout next after reading some of the comments!
I can see how difficult it would be to recommend just one DVD/trainer. My question is: do you have a particular ROTATION you’d recommend, incorporating various Jillian and/or Bob DVDs? I’ve done Shred for close to 2 years (moving progressively through the levels using heavier weights), and now am trying to make the switch to Jillian’s Biggest Winner set. I’m struggling with trying to figure out how much weight to use, which ones to do, how to incorporate Yoga, Kettlebell, etc.
I love having variety, but it’d be invaluable to have a “master calendar” of how to incorporate ALL the dozen or so DVDs these gurus have made…
Of course, that could be nearly impossible.
Thanks in advance for any advice/feedback!
Amy
Yeah, I wish I had that. LOL Every time I think I’ve got “the perfect” routine, I do one of the other DVDs and realize that it works completely different muscles. But personally, I don’t like doing a different DVD every day. When my marathon training is over, I think (remember this is a couple months away, so plans change) I’ll probably mix up Jillians “No More Trouble Zones” with Bob’s “Inside Out Cardio” DVDs. They’re both pretty well rounded, but work different muscle groups. When I was doing those, I felt like I got pretty good definition but still got enough cardio. If you’re looking for more cardio, I’d probably swap NMTZ for “Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism.”
But of course, you have to find what works for you.
I’d try something, and after a month if you don’t like the results you’re seeing, switch one thing out and try another.