If your abs and midsection aren’t as flat and toned as you’d like them to be, regularly doing Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack workouts can change all that.
If you’re looking for an easy workout, this is not it. Regarded by many as America’s toughest fitness trainer, Jillian’s programs are challenging.
Put in the work this 60-day program requires, and your reward will be flat, sculpted abs. You will also notice improved muscle tone in your biceps and triceps, chest, shoulders, back, and legs.
This 6 Week 6-Pack review looks at an overview of the program, what the workouts involve, what purchasers say about this bargain-priced fitness DVD and more.
Table of Contents
Whom does it suit?
The program suits people of any fitness level.
If you’ve never exercised before, you will find it challenging. However, if you start with the modified version, it should be doable.
The standard version contains some high-impact moves, so you will want to do the modified version if you have joint issues.
Is there a Moderator?
As in her previous offerings, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack features two female trainers who work out alongside Jillian, one doing an easier version of the moves and the other an advanced version. This gives you the option of following along with the trainer who is demonstrating the moves at the level that best suits you.
What is the Style of the Program?
Jillian’s assistants are on the receiving end of plenty of teasing banter. There are, however, more serious moments during which Jillian delivers several short monologs, the aim of which is to inspire and encourage us to stick with it and go harder.
The background music throughout Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack is techno/instrumental. There is the option of listening to the dialogue and instructions in Spanish.
Equipment Requirements
To get the most from Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack program, you will need one hand weight of between 3 and 8 pounds. If you are new to exercising, use a 3-pound weight. If you find this too heavy, choose a lighter weight, or don’t use one until you are stronger.
Intermediate-level exercisers should find they can use a 5-pound weight. Advanced level exercisers should be able to work with a weight of 8 pounds or more.
By using heavier weights and picking up the pace, you will get a tougher workout. Going at a slower pace and using light weights or none will make the workouts easier. These options make the program suitable for people of almost any fitness level.
While not essential, doing the workouts on a mat will make your sessions more comfortable.
Space Requirements
You won’t require a lot of space to undertake this program. You will be good to go if you can lie on the floor and have enough room to stretch your arms out both vertically and horizontally.
A couple of the moves require jumping with your arms stretched above your head. You will need enough ceiling clearance to be able to do this safely. The taller you are and the longer your arms, the higher your ceiling will need to be.
Next, in this 6 Week 6-Pack review, we will look at what customers are saying about the program.
Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack Overview
Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack is a 60-day fitness program. Its prime focus is cardio circuits that target the core, plus ab-toning exercises.
The program comprises 2 x 30-minute workouts, with an extra few minutes required for Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs.
There are two levels. After completing Level 1, you will move on to Level 2. The workouts are done five times a week for three weeks. Some of the moves require the use of hand weights.
Unlike most of Jillian’s other workouts, you will not be repeating short circuits in this one. You will do the entire sequence through until the end, then do it again at twice the pace.
Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack Video Review
Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack Workouts
Level 1:
Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack Level 1 is suitable for intermediate exercisers. It is 34 minutes long, inclusive of the Warm-Up and Cool-Down.
The workout includes dynamic standing abdominal moves and a lot of mat work. It focuses heavily on Crunch and Plank variations, and there is also some cardio.
The majority of the moves are low-impact, making the workout suitable even for people with joint problems.
Level 2:
In Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack Level 2, the intensity steps up. The workout is 33 minutes long, including the Warm-Up and Cool-Down. The primary focus of this Level 2 is powerful standing moves and plyometric/cardiovascular moves. You will also be doing Planks and Crunches.
Many of the moves are fast-paced, so along with muscle toning, you will get an excellent cardio workout. The majority of the exercises are low to moderate impact. Some, however, are high-impact, which is something to keep in mind if you suffer from joint issues.
What Purchasers are Saying
Released in late 2010, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack has amassed feedback from thousands of online customers since then, most being extremely positive.
Many buyers, including some who class themselves as very fit, consider the workout tough. You may not feel it right away, but within a day of doing your first session, your muscles will be feeling it.
In fact, some experienced exercisers said that after doing the first workout, they had to cut back on the sessions, follow along with the trainer who does the easiest version of the exercises and hold off on using weights.
Conversely, a few reviewers said they found the workouts easy despite not being exceptionally fit. This highlights how much people’s physical strengths and weaknesses vary. It’s also likely that those who found the workouts easy didn’t put in enough effort.
A number of people who had tried numerous programs and not been able to shed their extra weight said they’ve finally been able to do so with 6 Week 6-Pack.
Some claim to have lost significant amounts of weight relatively quickly. Many also say they’ve lost inches all over.
Many people who are not overweight said they’ve lost inches from their waist and hips since undertaking the program.
A small number of reviewers found the workouts too stressful for their knees or hips, so it’s probably best avoided if you suffer from joint issues.
Some people, expecting only exercises to tone their midsection, were unhappy with the cardio component. Jillian rightly points out that cardio is necessary for calorie burn because no matter how hard you exercise if you have a layer of fat over your abs, you will never get the 6-pack you desire.
If you already do regular cardio and you’re solely interested in finding an effective way to tone your abs, a fitness tool such as the Perfect Fitness Ab Carver Pro may better suit your needs.
Final Thoughts on Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack
If you’re looking for a way to dramatically improve the muscle tone of your abs, define your waist, sculpt your obliques and drop your excess weight, Jillian Michaels 6 Week 6-Pack would be an excellent purchase.
While most people who undertake the program consider it very challenging, the vast majority are thrilled with their results.
Another great ab workout you may like is Shaun T’s Hip Hop Abs. (Click the link to the left to read a review.)
