Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown DVD

Despite a lot of reviews criticizing Jillian's approach to yoga I bought Yoga Meltdown. I thought this dvd gave you an awesome workout in a half hour and thought it was the perfect dvd to for busy people looking to fit in a quick wokout. It is not too difficult of a workout but its not easy either (and I am in decent shape and do lots of yoga). Jillian's approach to yoga may not be as traditional as some other yoga dvds out there, but she doesn't advertise it to be traditional style yoga and does not claim to be a yoga instuctor. What to Expect: 1) Repetitions incorporated into traditional yoga poses, as well as holding each pose for 15 seconds. 2) Lots of plank variations and chaturanga push-ups (can be difficult for people with shoulder pain/injuries or very out of shape people)If it's hard for you work your way up using the beginner variations 3) Interval training: your heart rate will go up and down burning more calories 4) Fast paced yoga workout: If you are a beginner to yoga I would recommend watching it first to get an idea of what the proper form is because Jillian does move through the poses quickly and it can be confusing to figure out if your doing it right if your new to yoga. 5) EXPECT TO SWEAT, BURN CALORIES AND FEEL SORE THE NEXT DAY. What NOT to Expect: 1) A traditional yoga practice: This dvd is not a traditional or relaxing yoga dvd, this dvd was meant to be more of a gym style or a fusion of traditional yoga poses and interval training. I love traditional yoga but I bought this dvd expecting it to be what it is, which is a gym style yoga practice. If you buy this dvd expecting a very traditional yoga practice with meditation, a lot of stretching and holding poses for a significant amount of time you WILL be disappointed. If you are looking for more traditional yoga dvds don't look to this, look to Shiva Rea or Sadie Nardini both are well-known, certified yoga instructors and offer great selections for different types of practices depending on what you are looking for. Shiva Rea is associated with Shakti types of yoga, while Sadie Nardini is associated with a Vinyasa style yoga. However, I highly recommend this dvd if you are looking to add something fresh and different to your yoga practice or regular workout. Though Jillian is not a yoga instructor, if you expect a gym style yoga routine that is gonna kick your butt Yoga Meltdown will not disappoint you. Traditional Yogis: I know Jillian is a little out there with her boot camp style training but yoga teaches us to be open to new things in life and this dvd is worth a try even if you're used to the more traditional style yoga or if you're just not a fan of Jillian. It still delivers an awesome workout for your whole body. Read more

Let me begin this review by saying I am a runner, not a yoga purist. For years I found yoga to be too slow and boring to do regularly, in spite of all the health benefits that I would have reaped from doing it. Fortunately, Jillian Michaels has changed my attitude about yoga (and my husband's) and she did it in three ways. First, this yoga routine is by no means slow (or boring). Jillian has us working in traditional yoga poses, but instead of just holding them, we begin by "repping it out." For example, we begin working with warrior pose by repeatedly straightening the front leg and pushing out with our hands before holding the position. Second, this routine benefits runners in that it is both a strength and stretching routine. Jillian has us doing planks, chaturanga push-ups, sun salutations,etc. I like that I can kill two birds with one stone using one thirty minute video. Finally, if you have ever struggled with piriformis issues or tight hamstrings, doing the Level 1 routine may change your life. I was starting to develop tightness in my right hamstring and found that it disappeared the more I completed the Level 1 routine. It was almost like a miracle. Additionally, working barefoot through this routine seems to be strengthening the tendons around my ankles, which had begun to snap angrily at me, especially in the mornings. This sensation is slowly disappearing as well. You will read critiques of some of the goofy things Jillian says during the video (like asking, "Who's your daddy?") To this I say, it doesn't matter what goofy things she says, it only matters what she requires you to do. Fortunately, she requires you to hold poses and stretches that will make you stronger and healthier. Now that Amazon instant videos can be saved to your devices, you can take this video with you and do it just about anywhere (like a hotel room after a half marathon or to the park with your running friends). If you are a runner, I say buy this as soon as you can. Read more