Killer Arms & Back

I have a few of her videos. What is annoying is that you cannot fast forward in menu to the video you choose. You have to sit through all announcements or video clips. So I tend to use these videos less.

I own a small collection of work out DVDs and am always looking for something new. I have done several of Jillian's workout and always find her to be phenomenal--and this is no exception. Jillian has to be my favorite trainer out there. She is tough love without being too abusive. She is silly but not cloying. She is encouraging and she makes me feel like a beast whenever I complete a work out.This has to be one of Jillian's hardest simply because the first level is VERY difficult. I saw someone else say that this really isn't a "progressively harder" DVD and I'd have to agree. All three work outs are nearly equally hard with the second work out being the hardest (in my opinion). As I've seen her do in other DVDs (especially Killer Buns and Thighs), level one is pretty balanced between cardio and strength; level two is INCREDIBLY cardio intensive (complete with me nearly having a cardio-induced panic attack in the first three minutes); level three is more focused on some very challenging strength/plank moves.I've seen some complaints about this DVD being too full body. I understand that, but Jillian always makes it clear that she likes to combine strength and cardio and for that I'm grateful. I'm not the kind of person who has the time (or energy!) to do a DVD and then go out and run six miles. I also don't really see how anyone can complain about not getting results. I used five/eight pound weights with this DVD, completing each work out eight times and I saw incredible results. My grandma told me that I have "arms like Michelle Obama" which is the single nicest body compliment anyone has ever given me.The helpers in this DVD are really great--some of Jillian's best. These girls are ferocious. I was especially impressed with the modifier in each level. Ashley struggles, but dang, so was I. There are a few issues with editing in this DVD that are really noticeable, but I don't care lol. It was only like once or twice that I noticed anyways.Jillian has some really interesting, inventive moves in this DVD that has my body absolutely screaming. I'll let you have the pleasure of discovering them. Enjoying binding the dog...Give this DVD a try--and don't give up after the first level. It doesn't get too much harder than that!

If this is truly Jillian's final DVD in the "Killer Series", then she has really outdone herself for a grand finale! After finishing level one today, the DVD kept playing & went right into level 2, so I thought to myself what the heck, and did both workouts back to back; BIG mistake as I will be sore for days!!I am a huge Jillian Michaels fan & I own every single one of her DVDs (except for her Body Revolution & Body Shred programs). When I saw this DVD available for preorder, I had to get it for my collection, but I wasn't necessarily excited about these workouts because I honestly hate upper body workouts. However, I was pleasantly surprised with these workouts because Jillian actually made these exercises fun!!These workouts are actually total body workouts with an emphasis on the upper body (think squats with anterior raises, static lunge with bicep curls, static bridge pose with lat pulls, sit-ups with chest flyes, single leg tricep dips, etc.), so you will be working out your entire body & burning a great amount of calories.I haven't tried level 3 yet, but so far I am extremely impressed with levels 1 & 2. Jillian is the queen of circuit training & her workouts never gets boring. This one is definitely a keeper & I can't wait to get my arms, chest & back toned.I consider myself an intermediate level exerciser & I had to follow the modifications on some moves (never have & never will do a single arm burpee). So, I wouldn't recommend this DVD for beginners (she has a great Beginner Shred DVD for newbies).Also, I personally LOVE Jillian's personality, but I know she can come off strong for some people & I think I did hear her say the B word once in level 1 (although she was just referring to herself); I could've heard wrong though.I definitely recommend this DVD & I think Jillian did a great job. I hope Jillian will continue to create great DVDs!!!!

I have all of the Jillian videos, and I'm a huge fan of her approach to fitness. Her workouts are high energy, and she keeps things interesting and engaging. While I generally prefer her whole-body workouts (e.g. the bodyshred series), I do like using the focused workouts for enhancing particular muscle groups - they have a cardio emphasis, even while she is focusing on developing strength and tone. I do a lot of kayaking, which uses my arms and back, so these workouts were helpful in extending the range of my kayak trips. I also like to pole dance, and the workouts in this video were very helpful for building up the strength and endurance necessary to do increasingly challenging tricks on the pole. And, because of Jillian's HIIT approach, the workouts in this video remain challenging, even as I progress in strength and endurance. Bottom line, if you are struggling with back and arm development, I enthusiastically recommend this video.