Ripped in 30 is sort of the sequel.
As those who have been reading here for a while know, I sort of became a convert to fitness DVDs when I moved 10 miles away from my gym and found that the one at work is a bit limited. Given that my living room has some space, I decided to see how long I could stick to videos and find myself trying more and more of them. Thank goodness for Amazon.
This DVD has four levels, each running a total of about 35 minutes counting the warm-up and cool-down, whcih is a touch longer than 30-Day Shred. Contrary to its title, "Ripped in 30" doesn't mean "30 minutes" -- the workout itself is still the same three circuits of 3 minutes Strength, 2 minutes Cardio, and 1 minute Abs. The "30" actually means 30 days -- so you're supposed to do one level straight for a week.
I never follow directions, of course, so I think I bust this one out once or twice a week and do whatever level seems right for the day. I usually do a video or run in the morning for about 45 minutes and then one of these when I get back from work. And of course, whatever nutritional guides are included with this I have not looked at for now...
Level 1 will already make you sweat. It's about the equivalent of Level 2 in the 30-Day Shred, in my opinion. Jillian works out with two girls and often banters with them throughout each level. It's kind of a more bootcamp-y tone she uses, which people may or may not like. I'm mostly okay with it, but it is a little annoying at times. Expect the usual lunges, small jumps (though not as much in Level 1), and planks.
Level 2 is the one I do most for some reason. It's still tough, especially during one of the Cardio circuits that is done entirely in plank position. This one also requires some balance, which kills me when I can't focus sometimes.
Level 3 seems like the toughest of all, strangely. I do this one when I'm feeling masochistic. She really works the lower body in this one and incorporates plyometric moves that I really should improve.
Level 4 actually is easier than Level 3, in my opinion. Lots of shoulder work is included in this one, and of course, some plyometrics. She talks a lot about "breaking you" in this segment. The strangest move I found here was doing "supermans" with weights. A "superman" is done by lying on the stomach and lifting head, shoulders, feet, and knees off the floor. To do that with weights is something I'm not even sure is possible without messing up the form.
Since this video will leave you sweating no matter when level you do, I definitely feel like I'm making good use of my 30-ish minutes. I'm sure doing the whole program would be beneficial, but I don't think I could stick to anything like that if I can't adhere to a marathon or even half-marathon training program very well.
As far as DVDs go, this is a lot of bang for the buck -- 4 workouts for less than $10...
Love Ripped in 30. I agree that her bootcampy banter can be kinda irritating (have you noticed that she'll repeat one word over and over? "Go! Go! Go! Dig! Dig! Dig! Push! Push! Push!")
ReplyDeleteI also think that it's tougher than 30DS and I end up modifying quite a few of the upper-body strength moves.
I really do not like that woman. Something about her just rubs me the wrong way.
ReplyDelete@Meg - She's definitely an acquired taste, and outside of these DVDs, I found her books to be a tough sell for me!
ReplyDeleteI'm on week three I've done taebo for years and have got better results from 30 days ripped it I'd very tough but worth the pain love it and hate it so far week three has been the hardest if u stick with it you will see results after i complete this DVD i will start over on advanced level just do what you can do and don't give up do the weeks in order and you will see results i give this dvd five stars
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