Since going Paleo my family has fallen even more in love with our grill. Paleo and grilling just work well together. The past couple of years I've even been stepping outside my grilling comfort zone more and more. Grilling things I'd never thought to have grilled before and trying new flavor combinations. I have to say I'm pretty thrilled with the results of most of my flavor experiments. In the past I'd never have thought to grill fruit, but it's amazing. Grilling fruit and adding it to traditionally savory dishes? Brilliant. Oh yes, and? New rule: every burger recipe for the rest of forever must contain grilled pineapple. OK, maybe more of a guideline. It's a seriously delicious combination though. This Smoky Grilled Pineapple Burger is always a crowd-pleaser at my house. It's not only Paleo, but Whole30, glutenfree, lower carb, and clean eating friendly. I promise you won't miss the bun! paleo, grilled pineapple burger, smoky...
When I first saw Jillian Michaels latest DVD release on Amazon I immediately hated it. Just being honest. It looked gimmicky. It touted (what I feel are) unrealistic expectations. It splashily declared things like: "Lose up to 7 Pounds in 7 Days" and "Need to crash your weight loss for a special upcoming event..." Marketing. Blah, blah, blah.
I wasn't a fan.
But I had people asking me about it and whether I'd review it. I know I always review Jillian's stuff and people expect to find those reviews here on FitViews, so I ordered it. Fully intending to continue to hate it.
Sadly...
I don't hate it! As a workout that is. As a 7 day "crash", meh, not so sure, but as a workout I think it's pretty good. OK, let's get into the review...
From the back of the DVD:
Need to crash your weight loss for a special upcoming event--high school reunion, wedding, party, beach vacation in a bikini, etc.? Jillian Michaels new DVD One Week Shred has you covered. It's a comprehensive one-week diet and exercise plan to help you lose those last few stubborn pounds you've been dying to shed so you look insane and feel amazing.
For this workout you will need:
Weights (they use 3 lb weights)
For the One Week Shred you will workout twice a day: Strength training in the morning and cardio in the evening. The diet plan is approximately 1000-1100 calories per day.
Strength Portion
The strength workout on One Week Shred is approximately 35 minutes (it includes a warm-up and stretch at the end). Actual run-time is 39 minutes, but Jillian jabbers a bit at the beginning and the end. The workout is broken into 4 circuits; you'll do each circuit twice. As part of the One Week Shred you would do it daily, in the AM.
While they show light 3 lb weights (if you're supposed to do this every day I see why!), the lightest weights I own are 8 lbs so I used those. I found the first circuit fairly easy, but by circuit number 2 I was seriously wishing I had 3's or 5's. Especially on some of the balancing on one leg moves. If I were to do this every day I would definitely go for light weights.
Lots of variety of moves here. Balancing, core, compound moves...
It's a good strength workout, but definitely not the toughest Jillian strength workout I've ever done. For it's purpose of being done daily I can understand why that is. I like to take a rest day in between weights workouts. I'm no expert, but I personally wouldn't do this every day past the week she recommends.
It's a good strength workout, but definitely not the toughest Jillian strength workout I've ever done. For it's purpose of being done daily I can understand why that is. I like to take a rest day in between weights workouts. I'm no expert, but I personally wouldn't do this every day past the week she recommends.
My calorie burn:
The cardio portion of this DVD is broken into 3 circuits; you will do each circuit twice. It lasts 34 minutes (including the stretch) and there is no warm-up. As part of the One Week Shred plan you would do it in the PM, every day.
I really enjoyed this portion of the DVD. It is intense! Back-to-back-to-back tough moves. I only had to modify one move: the one-armed burpee (I mean, seriously?!). It was a tough, calorie torcher and I love that in a workout.
In the future I'll likely add a bit of a warm-up of my own to this.
My calorie burn:
Meal Plan
Honestly, the meal plan is why I decided NOT to blog through this. I know it's only 7 days, but I have no urge to cut my calories that low. It's also not very Paleo friendly.
It is however pretty balanced and I know a lot of people could stick to it for a week. Especially if it's for some special event. My one concern would be people trying to take this beyond 7 days. Just don't do it kids!
Final Thoughts
I liked this DVD. Especially the cardio portion; loved that. I really see myself adding it into my rotation.
One Week Shred is a good, solid workout. I wouldn't recommend it to absolute beginners (Even though modified moves are shown, there's lots of crazy moves. Especially in the strength portion.) or anyone with injuries or physical limitations, but anyone intermediate to advanced will definitely get a good workout here.
It's not a must-have in my opinion though. I definitely prefer some of her other DVDs to this one. However, if you're like me and love Jillian workouts you'll want to add this one to your collection. For the cardio portion alone I'm glad I bought it.
NOW, as far as the "One Week Shred" crashing an event thing... meh. I'm just not big on that in general, but I'm sure you'd get results with this. Look forward to being very sore!
Anyone done the seven days?
Thoughts on the gimmicky slant a lot of DVD's are taking these days?
