I usually like to sit on the couch and watch an exercise video, sipping a glass of wine of course, a day or so before actually participating. During my initial viewing, I thought the video quality was that of a lo-fi, amateur adult video, which was distracting, and I thought the participants were sloppy, which was also distracting. However, I bought the video to switch up another Jillian Michaels workout that I'm doing - Body Revolution - so a couple of weeks later when I wanted an easy work-out, I suited up and turned it on. DON'T BE FOOLED, PEOPLE! This workout is INTENSE! "Cardio Max" is a perfect title! I did all the levels in one session (5 min warm-up, 20 min Level 1, 10 min Level 2, 10 min Level 3, 5 min cool down). I was sore for about a week. Despite the aesthetics of the video, the workout was great! The moves were doable, and the participants were actually motivating - I thought, if they can keep this up, then I can keep this up. The cool down was pretty lame, though, because the guy makes you do all these twisty yoga moves that prevent you from looking at the TV, and his verbal instructions aren't very instructional. I probably won't buy another video that he's in, but Jillian is phenomenal and this workout burns!Read full review
This is a great workout for anyone who doesn't like "dancy" exercise routines. It's more "boot camp" style, making it easy to follow along, even if you're unrhythmic like me! There are 3 different workouts--a 20 minute routine using light weights, a 10 minute aerobic segment, and a 10 minute cardio/kickboxing-type segment. You can customize the DVD to do all 3 workouts, or any combination of them, which is nice. But, to be honest, I found the "customizing" menu to be slightly confusing and had a little trouble doing it the first couple of times. Overall, this is a good, basic kick-butt workout video that beginners and more advanced excisers should be able to utilize with good results.
I've been doing this workout for 1 week and I can already see and feel results! I had read other reviews and most people loved it. Those who didn't felt the workout was too hard. I agree that many of the movements are tough, but the first trainer keeps reminding you to go at your own pace. He's very enjoyable to watch! Lots of great interaction between the participants, too, if you like that sort of thing. I do! When I first used the video I didn't like the music. There's no beat, it's just ambient. But now I appreciate it because it makes it easier to go at your own speed without worrying about keeping up with those with more experience. The important thing to remember is that the people in the video have been doing this workout longer than you. Don't feel like you need to do it the same way! Use it as a template to get your body moving. I'll update this review as I do the other workouts on the video.Read full review
I've read mixed reviews on this one. Some folks don't like the way that the trainers make fun of participants. If you've ever watched they show, you know that this is their style. I think it's light hearted and fun. Bob's section is great. HARD for a beginner though. I'd almost say that Level 3 should actually be Level 1. I like working out with the real people from the show too instead of super toned workout instructors posing as participants. Good workout for the entire body and more than just your average cardio with some weights and body resistance training.
The thing I liked most about this DVD is that the people were different sizes and different fitness levels. You can see it's not easy for them, they sweat and they get out of sync just like we do. I could definitely identify with their pain! But I felt good afterwards. The beginner level was challenging; I haven't tried the other two levels yet. But there are exercise modifications throughout the video to lower the impact. You get to pick which exercises you want to do to build your workout. I'd recommend this video to any fitness level.
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