Banish Fat Boost Metabolism

You're probably all too familiar with Jillian Michaels, whose numerous workout DVDs, video games, weight loss supplements and books are marketed like crazy. I've tried many of the Biggest Loser and regular Jillian Michaels DVDs over the last few years, but none seem to compare to Jillian Michael's Banish Fat Boost Metabolism. I typically clock in about 6 hours of high-intensity cardio per week, and this video never fails to leave me completely out-of-breath... and drenched in sweat!

Banish Fat Boost Metabolism is a 7-circuit workout led by Jillian that lasts about 43 minutes, plus a warm-up and cooldown. It includes a lot of basic moves that anyone would know and be able to follow, such as punches, jumping jacks and front kicks, as well as more advanced moves, like plie hops, Supermans and standing mountain climbers.

The 5-minute warm-up is simple, but it definitely does the job. When I started doing the video about 3 months ago, my heart would actually pumping pretty fast during the second time through the routine (yea yea, I was overweight, okay?!). Speaking of which, during the warm-up is when Jillian lets you know that you'll go through each circuit twice before moving on. This allows you to get a feel for each circuit the first time through, and then really pump it out the second time around, since you're more familiar with the moves.

The first circuit is pretty easy, focusing on kickboxing moves. It took me a few times to get used to the footwork on the jab/cross/hook/elbow combination, but I just made sure to keep moving (and eventually figured it out)! Circuit 2 definitely gets more difficult, and I usually start getting really out of breath after the burpees. The plie hops also wear me out, and I typically have to omit the hop, or only do it every other time.

Drenched in sweat after finishing
Banish Fat Boost Metabolism

Once I get through the high knees and jumping jacks in Circut 3, I'm dripping sweat, and Circuit 4 is arguably one of the most difficult. The mountain climbers are a killer, the Supermans are supposed to help you catch your breath (but really don't for me at all!), and the walking push-ups at the end are brutal. When I'm on the second round, however, I feel strong and powerful, ready to move on to the fifth circuit, which is another series of simple kickboxing moves.

Circuits 6 and 7 are also extremely tough, and I find myself having to take a water break at some point during the sixth... usually during the scissor kicks or standing mountain climbers. In Circuit 7, Jillian encourages you to finish strong, and although you're probably miserably exhausted at this point, it really does feel great to push through the last sets of knee crunches. The cooldown is fine, but I usually just leave the DVD on in the background and do my own thing.

I use this DVD about once or twice a week, and I still love it! Even though the routine doesn't change, I haven't found myself feeling bored unchallenged. I don't have a heart rate monitor, but through researching other users' online reviews, the average calories burned in the workout seems to be about 450 (for a 140-pound woman), so it really is perfect to do at home when the weather's bad or when you don't feel like making that drive to the gym!

According to the DVD's recommendations, the workout should be done at least 5 times a week for maximum results. It is relatively affordable (I got it on Walmart.com for about $9!) and is also available on Netflix so you can try before you buy!

Below you'll find a more detailed breakdown of the workout, or I even found a brief You Tube video with clips from the DVD, if you want to actually see some of it.

Warmup (00:58-6:09)- arm circles, toe touches, arm swings, jogging in place
Circuit 1 (kickboxing; 6:09-12:04)- squatting side kicks, alternating punches, jab/cross/hook/elbow combination, front kicks
Circuit 2 (plyometrics; 12:04-17:49)- burpees, plie hops, jab/cross/jab/cross/hop combination, 180 jumps, single leg hops
Circuit 3 (calisthenics; 17:49-23:55)- butt kicks, high knees, jumping jacks, standing oblique crunches
Circuit 4 (core; 23:55-30:57)- mountain climbers, Supermans, pike crunches, oblique twists, walking push-ups
Circuit 5 (kickboxing; 30:57-37:14)- swing kicks, uppercuts, back kicks, jab/cross combination, knee crunches
Circuit 6 (plyometrics; 37:14-43:10)- jump squats, cross-country skiing, scissor kicks, skaters, standing mountain climbers
Circuit 7 (43:10-49:11)- moguls, standing pikes, knee crunches, jump rope
Cooldown (49:30-55:00)- cobra pose, quad stretches, hamstring/calves/inner thigh stretches, shoulder/back/tricep stretches

Have you tried this DVD? Do you know anyone who has used this as their main workout? If so, leave a comment and let me know what YOU think!