Jillian Michaels: Yoga Meltdown

I have been doing yoga for 22 years. I am not a purist, however, and was open to a variation on the practice. Jillian's Yoga Meltdown is a departure from the practice of yoga. If you are after or used to true yoga (and precious about it!), you may feel frustrated by this workout. If you are familiar with yoga (intermediate level) and open to a variation in style and mode - more cardio, more reps - you will like this DVD. I like it very much. I find that, after a couple weeks, it has become less challenging for me and not as challenging as my own yoga practice, so I turn to it less frequently now. I generally choose it when I'm looking for a change of pace.

There are 2 x 30 minute workouts - Level 1 and Level 2. I found little difference in challenge between the two, actually, and do both back-to-back, despite the cool down and warm up twice over. Jillian instructs with 2 women behind her, one offering a more advanced version of what she is doing, the other offering a beginner level version of the moves - this is smart and helpful, particularly for beginners - my guess is that many buyers of this video are new to yoga so following the beginner approach, initially, is prudent.

I have two of Jillian's DVDs (the other is No More Trouble Zones, which is fantastic). I don't think this is her strongest effort but I think it's a worthwhile DVD to own, especially if you are looking to broaden your exercise routine and curious about yoga but wanting a ramped up version of it - which may seem counter-intuitive for yogis but is valuable for those used to strength training and cardio and wanting a twist. If you are intermediate level in yoga, you will get a good workout. Also, if you prefer shorter workouts, this works nicely. If you want to do both back-to-back for added intensity, even better.

This is a really good yoga workout if you're looking to lose weight and tone your body. There are two 30 minute sections, so you can do one or both, if you want a longer workout. It's not easy, but it's effective. I am new to yoga and I found it easy to follow, Jillian is a great instructer and explains the moves efficiently, and also offers modified versions of the more difficult moves. Even after only a few times with this workout, I have noticed that I am stronger and moves that I was unable to do for more than a few seconds are now becoming easier. I can definately feel my body changing and it's a great feeling. I have Jillians other dvds and this is a definate favourite.

I bought this DVD after hearing raves from friends. I run 5 days a week, so Im in good shape endurance wise - I do yoga every now and then but I find the DVD's to be slow and sometimes boring.
This is NOT traditional yoga - its faster paced and completely different from anything Ive tried. Im in love with this workout, Jillian kicks my butt everytime!
Word of warning - level 2 is crazy!