When I run out of time or I get up too late, I choose to do Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred video. It says it’s a 20 minute workout, but it’s really more like 27 minutes plus all the time it takes for her to do the introduction (it doesn’t allow you to skip that part).

Although it’s a short workout, it really pushes you to maximize the little time spent on a workout. She also reminds you that you only have “20 minutes” and you have to make the most of it. At one point, she says “You should be gargling your heart” and “You want to feel like you’re going to die!” She pushes you to do more and to do it for yourself.

It really cracks me up everytime I hear those two lines. I’d like to think I’m in pretty good shape but I still have a tough time in her workouts. I can just imagine someone who’s in terrible shape, inspired by The Biggest Loser tv show to buy this dvd and is trying to do this workout. Can you imagine having her hover on top of you and saying that to your face as you’re struggling to push out a few more reps. I’d push myself just so she doesn’t give me another bad visual.

What gets me through the workout is that I know what to expect. She tells you up front that there are 3 stages to the circuit, 3 min strength training, 2 min cardio and 1 min abs and you do that 3 times. Knowing how little time is spent on each exercise makes me do them all (quality movements of course) and get through the workout.

After 27 minutes (cos it really isn’t 20minutes) I’m wiped and feel like I left everything on the mat. Feels great and a great way to start the day. Writing this makes me want to go back and do it again.