Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown Best Review
I am not someone who enjoys yoga. I like feeling like I've *worked* after a workout and yoga never gave me that feeling - even with the Biggest Loser's 'Weight Loss Yoga'. So I was skeptical when Jillian Michaels released a yoga DVD, but willing to give it a shot. To my surprise, I absolutely love this DVD. It definitely makes you feel like you're working, there's tons of room for progression and self-improvement (and some moves, admittedly, I will probably never master the advanced version of), yet it's also got a nice flow to it that doesn't drag on but makes the workout feel less like work, and more like fun.
There are two levels on this DVD, but both of them are relatively comparable. The second level is more challenging in terms of the advanced poses and bonus moves, but after a week or two on Level 1 (depending on your fitness level) you should easily be able to alternate between levels 1 and 2. Each level has a warm-up and cool down, with three circuits of training. Each circuit consists of three moves that are repeated (partially to compensate for switching out arms / legs on certain moves). Between each circuit you also do a 'bonus move' of some sort - in Level 1 it's 'sun salutations', and in Level 2 it's a series of quite challenging balance poses.
For someone who's unfamiliar with Jillian Michaels and is expecting a 'love your body and breathe in relaxing breaths' DVD, this is not the yoga workout for you. Jillian combines cardio and movement into each pose before getting you to hold 'power poses' for fifteen seconds to contract the muscles that have just been active. Therefore, it's even more intense than a typical Yoga Flow workout - she expects you to get moving, get your heart rate up, and focus on breathing more to support your muscles than to reach a zen place. That being said, if you're like me and someone who never really 'got' yoga, this DVD will be a welcome change of pace that combines Jillian's tough as nails body weight training with some moves to increase your flexibility, and also change up your routine in general. I find when I don't feel like slugging it out with some hand weights, Yoga Meltdown is a nice variation that doesn't bring on that occasional feeling of dread I get when I eyeball my fitness gear.
On the flip side for those who are already big Jillian fans, I'm happy to say her more professional and upbeat persona from her personal line of DVDs is the host here, not her battle axe Biggest Loser trainer self. It's a tiny bit amusing to see Jillian use the odd bit of yoga speak, and she does break out of it during the cooldown by making quips about how she'll "speak English now" and that she thought she'd hate yoga, until she found a way that made it work for her - and her devotees. She shows a bit of humanity throughout by showcasing how tough some of the poses really are, especially given she's made it very clear she's not very flexible.
I have to say this is one of my favourite workout DVDs these days. I love that you don't need any equipment other than your own body, and I feel there is a good balance of progression between the beginner and advanced versions of each move, and between each level. It's the perfect thing to add to my workout DVD mix and I'm happy I own it!
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Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown Overview
Jillian Michaels, winning trainer on NBC's "The Biggest Loser,” introduces a new yoga workout unlike any other. Combining hard-core yoga power poses with her dynamic training techniques, Jillian will get you real weight-loss results fast. YOGA MELTDOWN includes two complete 30-minute workouts that include a warm-up and cooldown. Begin with the Level 1 workout which focuses on quickly flowing yoga sequences to burn mega calories. Then progress to Level 2 which adds twists and balance poses for an even greater burn.
Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown Specifications
Stills from Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown (Click for larger image)
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Customer Reviews
Not her best - Gradgirl - new york city
I have all Jillian's dvds. I really believe her strengths are in "traditional" exercise work. I love all the others- 30 day shred and shred it with weights are my favorites, this however I think is the weakest in her lineup. She tries to make it more of a cardio workout (like hot yoga maybe?).
It just comes across as chaotic- no real order. It's just ok
Awesome Workout - Lindsay -
I do this workout on the weekends and do cardio work during the week. I like to keep active all the time. This workout is intense at time. It took a couple weekends of Level 1 and then I moved to Level 2 and I'm definitely impressed. The work you do with your core was just what I was looking for in order to get those flat abs!
This is a real workout and TOUGH - Fishtail - Nashville, TN
I am not experienced with yoga, and was not looking for a traditional yoga DVD, so the reviews that complain that it's not "real" yoga didn't put me off. I love JM's other videos so gave this one a try. I was more looking for something different to do on days when I want something low impact and shorter. This fits the bill very well! I did level 1 and found it very challenging. Some of those poses are HARD, even doing it with the beginner modifications. I thought I was in decent shape! I think this will really help my core strength and balance. As I am not that familiar with yoga and the terminology, a tutorial with some explanations of the different poses would have been helpful. I did watch it all the way through before trying it so that did help some. I still found myself craning my neck to see the TV to make sure I was in the right position. While I wasn't dripping with sweat I still definitely felt like I got a good workout.
My muscles definitely were sore the next day, especially my triceps, shoulders, and quads. Those Chataranga (sp?) pushups are killer! Tons of plank work in level 1 so your abs really get a workout.
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*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 26, 2010 03:57:05
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