When we think of Jillian Michaels, we think of very tough workouts, so you may be surprised to know that Jillian also creates beginner-level workout programs, with one of her most famous being Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred.
A 30-day fitness program, Beginner Shred is suitable for people who haven’t exercised before and those who want to get back into exercise after a long break. It is also ideal for anyone rehabilitating from an injury and looking for an effective toning workout to assist with weight loss without placing too much stress on their body.
This is not to say the workouts are a walk in the park. Put in the effort, and you will definitely sweat and feel some burn.
In this Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred review, we will first look at an overview. We will then look at the programs’ positives and negatives and the opinions of people who have undertaken it.
Table of Contents
Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred Overview
Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred comprises 3 x 20-minute workouts, each of which becomes increasingly difficult.
Strength-based moves are the primary focus of the first two workouts. There is also a cardio component due to the exercises being done non-stop.
The third workout steps up the challenge considerably with a faster pace, more strenuous strength training, and more intense cardio.
Each workout in the series commences with a Warm-Up.
Next comes three non-stop circuits which are performed twice. You will then do a series of stretches to cool down. This makes the time needed to complete each session approximately 25 minutes.
Jillian recommends doing workout 1 for the first ten days of the program, followed by workout 2 for the next ten days, then workout 3 for the last ten days. However, it’s best to stick with each level until you are strong enough to move to the next. 
Many of Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred workout exercises are traditional ones you will know. These include Squats, Lunges, Bridges, Planks, Crunches, Push-Ups, Tricep Dips, and Burpees.
You will also be doing Slow Squats to Overhead Presses, Bicycles, and Deadlift to Upright Rows. Other exercises include Crescent Hold with Tricep Kickbacks, Floor Wipers, Figure 8 Squats, Scissor Crunches, Push Kicks, and Punches.
Beginners can do the exercises with less movement. For example, lunging only a couple of inches, doing Bent-Knee Push-Ups, and using very light or no weights.
Intermediate and advanced level exercisers can lunge deeper, do regular Push-Ups, use heavier weights, etc.
As with Jillian’s other workouts, there’s the option of doing an easier or a more challenging version. (The featured trainers demonstrating the modified versions of Beginner Shred are Anita and Natalie, whom you may be familiar with from some of Jillian’s other DVDs.)
The easier version should be doable by even the very unfit. Intermediate or more advanced level exercisers can do the more challenging version and work with heavier weights.
Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred Video Demo
The vibe and the Required Tools
Jillian is as inspiring and motivating as always; however, her manner in Beginner Shred is more gentle.
All of the exercises are clearly shown and well-explained, making it easy to follow along. The accompanying music is pleasant and rather unobtrusive.
To attain the best result, you will need a light and a medium-weight pair of dumbbells. A towel or yoga mat is optional but will make the floor exercises more comfortable to do.
Jillian recommends women use 3 and 5-pound weights to start and men 5 and 10-pound weights. Adjust the weight accordingly if you find these too heavy to manage or not challenging enough.
The next section of this Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred review discusses buyer feedback.
What Purchasers of Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred are Saying
Opinions are divided as to whether or not Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred workout is suitable for very overweight people and those who haven’t exercised before.
While most purchasers in these groups said the program is ideal for new or returning exercisers, a small number said it is too challenging.
Conversely, a few people said it is too easy. One thing most are in agreement about is that the workouts are enjoyable to do, and they get the desired results.
A broad cross-section of people has left very positive feedback for the workout. Included in this group are some who hadn’t 
exercised for years until undertaking the program.
Many older women have given the program the thumbs up. These reviewers are very happy to have finally found an exercise program that is not so challenging that they can’t manage to do it, yet at the same time, it is giving them great results.
Most of the moves in Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred workout are relatively low-impact. However, some people with bad knees said they had to do modified versions of a few exercises, including Lunges and Squats.
My Mom’s Results
My mom is almost halfway through the program and has nothing but good things to say about it. She hasn’t followed the schedule to the letter due to having visitors staying at her house.
She did workout 1 for 12 days, and she’s done workout 2, three times in a week.
Mom doesn’t need to lose weight, so she hasn’t weighed herself.
It’s too soon for her to notice much in the way of improved muscle definition, but she feels stronger, so she can now put more effort into the workouts than when she started.
Final Thoughts on Beginner Shred
I’m a big fan of Jillian’s workouts – I’m currently doing Killer Buns & Thighs – and I have no 
hesitation recommending this DVD whether you are a beginner, getting back into exercising after a break, or recovering from an injury. It would also be useful for experienced exercisers looking for a light workout to do on days when they feel like a bit of a break or don’t have time to spend an hour exercising.
In my opinion, one of the best things about Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred is its versatility. By following the modifications, people of any age or fitness level can use it to help them lose weight and improve their muscle tone.
I also like that the workouts target all muscle groups equally. And, because there isn’t a lot of jumping around, it is fairly low-impact and therefore gentle on the joints.
With the workouts being quite short, anyone who wants more cardio can slot them into their regular walking, biking, or jogging routine to get a total-body workout.
I hope you found my Jillian Michaels Beginner Shred review helpful. If you are looking for a more challenging workout, check out Jillian Michaels BODYSHRED.
To read reviews of other Jillian Michaels DVDs, click this link
