It’s official as of today. I have completed Phase 1 and 2 of Jillian Michaels Body Revolution and learned a lot about myself along the way.
Six days a week.
I have not missed a workout.
Here are the Top 10 Things I Have Learned During Jillian Michaels Body Revolution Workout.
1. You get used to being sore. 🙂 I don’t really remember what it feels like to not be aware of my body, muscles, joints, and how it feels each day. In the beginning, it bothered me and I thought something was wrong. I am now so used to it that it would be odd to not be so aware. I look at it as a kick butt sign that I am getting stronger and challenging myself each and every day in this workout.
2. Do not think it will get easier as the workout goes on. This is Jillian folks. I finished Phase 1 and thought, “Awesome! I am so set for Phase 2.” Now as I finish Phase 2, I know Jillian will continue to make each workout progressively harder. And now…in some strange sort of way…I like it. I may still curse her very name at 6am, but I love it.
3. You will learn your natural strengths…and weaknesses. The Body Revolution workout follows the same pattern regardless of where you are in the program. Front of the body, back of the body, and cardio. I rock at cardio. My husband does not. He rocks at upper body strength. I do not. He still hates the cardio days BUT is now working his heart at a level I have never seen from him. It’s inspiring to see. I still hate the upper body workouts but can feel myself getting stronger and it is all worth it.
4. I hate workout seven. Truly. As in hate. Refer to #3.
5. Do NOT give up in any workout. Modify if you need to, but do not quit or skip that workout because it is hard. They are all hard, but I promise you, you will get stronger. The first time through a workout, it is painful. The second time, it still hurts. The third time, you may get sassy with Jillian because it doesn’t hurt as much and you have to admit she was right the entire time.
6. Don’t focus on the numbers on the scale. When I started this workout, I did. I am within my healthy weight range and just wanted to drop five to seven pounds. I have dropped a few pounds, but the scale has stopped moving. Four of six workouts each week focus on weights and strength building. Forget the numbers…focus on how you feel.
7. Find that “Jillian Phrase” that resonates with you…and focus on it. For me, it is “Take this power and control into your day.” It stuck with me from day one and is what I do internal coaching with each day when I feel “off”. Jillian is full of motivating phrases and many, are freaking hilarious. Find what you love and use it to give yourself that daily boost you need.
8. Your appetite will stabilize. When I first started this workout, I was ravenous. I did my best to monitor it but didn’t deprive carbs, fruit, etc. I ate healthy and ate a lot of it when I needed it. After three weeks, my appetite settled down as my body became used to working out more often at this intensity.
v9. It really is important to have support from someone you love…and who loves you back just as deeply. I started this workout with the intent of doing it alone. Three days later my husband joined me and we have been workout out together since then. We may switch a day or two here and there due to work, meetings, and so on. But having his support and watching him do this motivated me. So before you start…find a buddy!
10. We are all stronger than we think we are. Jillian keeps saying, “You are strong. You can do this.” In the beginning, she irritated me. But now, I know she is right. I am doing front body workouts, which are my absolute weakness with greater strength and agility than I have ever done.
Now…
onto Phase 3.
What do you find motivates you in your fitness routine? Do you have any questions about Jillian’s Body Revolution?
izraa says
many thanks for this review it’s very motivational. Today I felt so down after workout 3 because all of the planks and push ups so reading this was so helpful. *sorry for the grammar mistakes English is my second language.
@AmyBarseghian says
Izraa, I am sorry your day was a frustrating one. Today we did workout 9 and I felt the same way. It was hard and the moves were hard so I was frustrated at not doing them properly…in addition to hurting. 🙂 Keep me posted in the comments here on how your days go. It would be nice to motivate each other.
izraa says
I am in great :)that’s kind of you thank you. So I did workout 4 yesterday (Sunday in my country ) it was super easy comparing to workout 3. I think all the odd numbers workouts are tough, because it will be the front body day :). Today is my cardio day I couldn’t add any cardio workout I had no time, and I will take it one day at a time. One day at a time.
Ann says
WOW, eight weeks! That’s so great to be able to stay with it. Although I’ve seen Jillian’s workouts and they’re popular, I think her intensity scares me a little–I’m lazy at heart!
@AmyBarseghian says
Thank you Ann! I thought the same thing at first…that was eight years ago – lol! Her workouts are so good I don’t need a gym so that keeps me going. With little ones and our schedule, I would not work out if I had to go somewhere to do it.
Mothership Scrapbook Gal, Rina says
Congrats and good for you. I am on a Zumba and Power Barre kick at a studio in Downtown Riverside — roomtodance.com
@AmyBarseghian says
I have heard great things about Zumba Rina! 🙂
Carolyn West says
I’ve done Jillian’s “30 Day Shred” a few times before and she can kick your butt. I’ve actually been thinking about doing it again… you might have just motivated me.
@AmyBarseghian says
Join the fun Carolyn! 🙂 What kind of workout do you like the most?
Becca - Our Crazy Boys says
Yay for you! That’s AWESOME! I can’t imagine how hard it must be – she is tough!
@AmyBarseghian says
Aww – thanks Becca! How is your new workout going? Talk about HARD! 🙂
Sandy says
thanks so much for this!!! My daughter is starting tomorrow she is 15. i am making her read this!!!!
I am going into my last week tomorrow. I love 11 and 12 they really tone and tighten. i have lost 15 lbs but over 30 inches so you are totally right when you say ditch the scale!!!!! I love your page and will keep it under my favorites. (even though you are american…LOL)
Amy Barseghian says
Hi Sandy, So happy you found me! 🙂 And glad you will come back – lol! Where are you from? If you subscribe by email on the right column, you receive and email update with new posts. Look forward to chatting with you more!
Sandy says
i have subscribed. We live just outside of Toronto, Ontario. Love your Jillian blog and would love to hear your final results. but please let your readers know it is MURDER on the knees. mine hurt every day, not to the point where it is debilitating but it makes me aware that i am no longer in my twenties!!!!!
Amy Barseghian says
Thank you for subscribing Sandy! Yes, you are so right that this is murder on the knees. It really hit me at the higher levels. We started over at level 1 when we were done to get a little break and that helped a lot!
Sara says
I missed one day:( what do i do start over? i missed day 3
Charlene says
I’ve been debating on buying this workout. I am a fan of TurboFire and Insanity but Jillians Body Revolution is something I have been meaning to look into. Thanks for the thorough review.
Jen says
Hi! I love that I read this just before starting workout 1! 🙂 I’ll definitely tell you what happens after week1. I’ve always worked out in high intensity so this is exciting for me. What exercise did you do after the Body Revolution? Aren’t other exercises relatively easier after finishing the program? 🙂
Jen
http://thecasualwanderer.blogspot.com/
Amy Barseghian says
Hey Jen! Yes, if you can become a regular of Jillian’s, it all gets easier from there. We did T25 which totally amps things up. I use a combo of that and Jillian.