On Monday, I’ll be starting (and posting) my official training plan for the Speedy 5K/No More Trouble Zones Challenge, but I received the workout DVD No More Trouble Zones by Jillian Michaels this afternoon and thought I’d test it out.
Oh… my… gosh.
First of all – LIGHT YEARS HARDER than the 30 Day Shred (I did a 30 Day Shred Challenge for the blog – here’s my results). The 40-minute strength training routine literally had me gasping out loud, screaming, and cursing – and I consider myself to be in pretty good shape. It was insane. I took multiple breaks to Twitter my anguish. As I did for the 30 Day Shred, I used 3 pound handweights… which were definitely heavy enough!
SIDE NOTE: I HATE PLANKS. Especially planks in which you tap your right toe two-feet to your right and then bring it back in, then do your leg foot, and repeat. MULTIPLE TIMES.
BUT, if I can stick to this DVD, it will completely transform my body. I do zero strength training now (I seriously hate ST, but I know how good it is for me so I’m trying to find something that works), and I could feel every single muscle in my body working OVERTIME during NMTZ. I liked how fast-paced it was, and I never got bored! I did not like the constant talk about minimizing my “trouble zones,” but unfortunately, that’s the title of the stupid DVD and the way Jillian Michaels rolls. However, there is an option to mute Jillian, which I will certainly be doing once I know the moves by heart.
After NMTZ, I walked James 1.25 miles in 20 minutes. 
Good times.
Pre-workout snack was Naturally Nutty Chocolate Toffee PB with toast.
Preseeeeeeeeeenting… DINNER!
I bulked up a can of Wolfgang Puck Hearty Vegetable soup with 1/4 cup each of frozen corn and frozen peas. Mmm.
+ Triscuits and a sweet potato.
A little blah but you know… eat it, don’t move it!
A special guest is coming tomorrow!
Twitter
Operation Beautiful
Jillian Michaels is a crazy woman. I literally started cursing and then crying when doing 30 Day Shred… and I am in good shape… I ran a marathon last weekend for goodness sakes!
I want to try her videos, but I am afraid that I won’t be motivated to work out at home. Maybe I will see if I can find them on Amazon and give them a shot.
I’d love to have Jilian Michaels as a trainer… talk about intense! I think I’ll have to check out the 30 Day Shred workout and give it a try!
I love the NMTZ DVD, and it will totally sculpt you!
And I’m eating on the eat it, don’t move it plan, too:)
dudee, sounds so intense! the only DVDs i’m used to doing are the leslie sansone ones. and she’s kind of a wimp….
maybe i’ll have to order this DVD… looks like a good dorm room workout too. does it use a lot of space?
nope. you do forward, sideways, and backward lunges and that’s all the space you need!
If I was a DVD person, it sounds like it would be right up my alley.
Yikes I had no idea it was so hard! I think 30 day shred is tough…that would eat me alive!
I had wondered about this dvd. Now I’m tempted to try it. Because I’ve loved her other ones…
Oh dear… I sense a new obsession coming on!
I HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE planks!! Gah. All I can think about is how awful of a feeling they are when I am holding one.
I’m curious…how often are you doing NMTZ? Everyday?
I have it as well, but I am also doing Burn Fat, Boost Metabolism. I’ve only done NMTZ a couple of times. I wondering how often I should do it?
i’m not sure yet but i think i’ll do it 3 times a week.
wow… I think I’ll wait to try this video after I get my fitness on.
NMTZ sounds like a pretty good workout, then. I may have to look into it!
just saw a small bit on operation beautiful in the new SELF mag. great job on getting the word out on your project and upcoming book release!
thank you!!!
I am not a Jillian fan, but I love making up hard strength routines for myself. I feel like they get me looking way better than my marathon training does even if I might not be in top cardio shape.
Caitlin, does this dvd require much jumping or running on the spot?(I live above my landlords in a house you can hear everything).Be helpful to know this before I think of buying it…thanks
Sorry, I’m not Caitlin, but I own the DVD so I will reply. It’s very little jumping/running, other than the warm-up. Most lunges, squats, planks, etc.
Thank you Sonja.
To whoever-Could I get away without doing any of said jumping/running type moves-would I miss an integral part ?(don’t want to buy dvd unless possible to use properly)
The warm-up circuit has some jumping moves, but after that, I don’t think there’s any.
Thanks,didn’t see you reply at first.
Any thoughts on my second reply above anyone?
MUCH appreciate everyone’s time ,cheers!
not a lot of jumping! 30 day shred is all plyometrics but you don’t do that in NMTZ. as Jenna said, the warm up is jumping but you could do something else (yoga?) as your warm up.
so this jillian dvd has been collecting dust for a few months now. I’ve been focusing on 30ds and was gonna start the insanity workout but now…I wanna try this…
how many days does jillian require you to do the dvd to get ultimate results? i guess we’ll see your workout plan come monday to see how often you’ll be doing it! i’m really considering going to target tomorrow to pick this up. i hope i can find it there. i really need to start incorporating strength training into my workouts. i’m looking forward to seeing ur results
i’m not sure what she recommends but i’m going to do 3 days.
I hate planks too. for real. gah. thinking about them makes me cringe, but I know how good they are for me.
Hahaha I did a NMTZ challenge on my blog in January, and sort of never finished it… That crap is HARD! It makes the Shred look like a piece of cake!!! Ugh. Maybe I will try it again at some point… Woof.
I just found your blog today and I’m loving it! Especially this review of NMTZ since I have it sitting in my DVD rack and have yet to try it! I’m still trying to master 30DS so I figured once I do that I’ll move on to NMTZ.
Oh and I too HATE planks!! Why do they suck oh so much?
GL with this DVD series. Sounds like it’ll be good for you. ST is awesome Caitlin. You just have to get used to it. I used to NEVER EVER do it either and now I love it.
I’ve done this routine on ExerciseTV before and loved it. Strength training with bursts of cardio like this is seriously the best way to totally transform your body. Jillian routines are fabulous, if you want another one of her’s that’s great you should try Yoga MeltDown as well. Did it tonight actually, love it.
Oh geez I totally want to try it now! Yea, I muted Jillian after the third day using the Shred. She needed to be muted. Simple as that.
I tend to not strength train because I don’t have a place to do it. I can do push-ups, planks, and some pilates without disturbing my downstairs neighbors. But all of the really good stuff, high-calorie burning, plyometrics doesn’t really fly!
One day I’ll have a house and hopefully a large living room in which to work out to all of my fave DVDs.
I’m so glad someone else thinks it is tough. I’ve recently added this dvd to my workout and wow. Dripping sweat and obscenities everywhere. Love love love the mute option! Good luck!
That’s great the video is such a great workout. I may have to try it now just to see what it is like. Although I don’t do much strength training either, and level 1 of 30 Day Shred made me sore for 3 days!
LOL oh no! I’ve got my copy coming from Netflix. Glad to hear you’ll be sticking with it even though it’s tough. Will do you before and after shots?
yes! and measurements.
I love NMTZ! The surrender move kicks my bootay! I’m loving her yoga meltdown too.
I am going to try and do the 30 day shred this summer – but I am scared! Jillian is CRAZY!
Good to know NMTZ is a nice workout. I’ve done 30 day shred and her yoga DVD but never NMTZ. I’ll have to give it a try. Maybe a reward for a good week
NMTZ is INSANE! The “surrender” tricep move makes me almost cry every time I do it. I am excited that you are doing this challenge b/c I have owned this DVD for over a year and have probably only done the workout about 10 times. And yes, I am in good shape as well… it’s just that hard!!!
I remember feeling sore for days after doing this video. Such an awesome workout!
Good luck with the new program! I’m the exact opposite of you with ST. I could strength train every day and be great, it’s getting cardio (that isn’t Irish dance) in that kills me! Your blog is helping to inspire me while I train for my first half marathon, so thank you for that, and hang in there the ST is worth it!!
The first time I did NMTZ I was sore for five days, so sore I couldn’t walk or sit without it hurting. I got to the point where I was doing it twice a week without soreness and noticing major results. It really is an amazing workout, better than any DVD I’ve ever tried. I definitely have a love/hate relationship with it. Unfortunately, I got out of the habit, but have started doing it again and am already noticing changes. You’re so thin I think you’re going to notice changes really quickly.
I thought I was the only one that wanted to mute Jillian! 30 Day Shred is a great workout, but the only way I can make it through without going crazy is to mute the TV. I’ll definitely have to try NMTZ!
Ah that one ab circuit with the “killer plank circuit” (I know her phrases as I do the DVD often haha) is horrible/awesome. If I go a couple of weeks without doing it, I am so so sore afterwards, especially in my hips/butt area.
NMTZ is a good butt kicker, I loved when I had FitTv on Demand! Goold luck with the challenge and the speedy 5k!
Did you mention yet about OB in Self? Because if not, Congrats!!!! I noticed today and it made me smile.
I saw that today! thank you so much for telling me too!
haha your reaction is hilarious. I’ll definitely not be trying this til after the baby. But hey, I’m all for body transformations!
Haha yes. That workout is such a killer!
(On a sidenote, Jillian actually made it blatantly clear that she hated the title of that DVD, but it wasn’t in her hands.) But yes, stupid title indeed.
go jillian!
I ALSO recently started doing the No More Trouble Zones DVD and I am so glad to hear that you think it is KILLER as well. I was sweating buckets and gasping for air in my living room.
One thing I will say, it does get a LOT easier every time you do it. Even day to day you will notice! I also like to warm up with 5-10 minutes of yoga instead of doing her warm-up. Just a thought!
Good luck and can’t wait to hear your thoughts as you progress because it will totally motivate me too
Sounds like a tough workout for sure! How long is this for again? Hope you make it
have you seen this? http://jezebel.com/5564997/bigger-loser-finalist-says-show-gave-her-an-eating-disorder
it makes me really sad to think about, and i was just wondering what you think. i think awareness is always a good thing in cases like this.
i did see that and it makes me sad as well. i do think the show is extreme (obviously) and slightly exploitative, but at the end of the day, the contestants have to be personally responsible for their own health and mental well-being. ANYTHING can be “turned into an eating disorder.” It’s the contestants/readers/person’s responsibility to be balanced. That being said, I think some things on the show must change… they do help people change their lives but dehydration, etc is just for the show and not really helping anyone improve their life.
Jillian’s Banish Fat Boost Metabolism is a really good cardio workout too!
I just do regular planks through out the day. Literally I’ll just stop what I’m doing, drop on the ground and hold a plank for a while. Haha I love em!
Omg it sound hardcore! I wish I could get it in the UK. I don’t really know what planks are but they sound difficult! Looking forward to seeing the results.
I think you can get it through Amazon? I will let you know as I am going to order it.
A plank is kind of a press up that you hold for a minute.
Julia
http://www.britbride.com
If you ladies want me to order the DVD and mail them to you, let me know and I can
seebriderun at gmail
Can you play USA cd’s in your laptop?
That would have been fantastic, thanks for offering. Only thing is, I can get the region 1 dvd on Amazon, just not sure if it will be compatible with my dvd player!! Argh. May just have to stick to the shred for now.
Julia
http://www.britbride.com
Julia ~
I set my laptop to zone 1 so I can play US dvds. It’s not ideal (being it’s a laptop and so not a huge screen) but it works out fine with me. Just a thought!
“Eat it, don’t move it” is the motto in our house right now too – one week to go! It’s getting kind of brutal, but we have enough to move without boxes of foodstuffs!
I love your reaction to the video. I was actually considering NMTZ (I hate the name, too) but seeing as I’m already doing the 30 Day Shred and how hard it is for YOU, I think I’ll save it for the future…
Wei-Wei
Oh – I totally want that DVD now!! The 30 Day Shred is too easy for me (now…when I first did it, it was SO hard), I need a new weights challenge!!
Oh wow – I struggle immensely with the basic 30-Day Shred! Clearly a long way to go.
I don’t know if anyone listened to Jillian’s radio show, but it is downloadable as a podcast, even though it has now been cancelled. She was very, very outspoken, which I think might have p’ed off various sponsors and led to the cancellation – that’s just my speculation, but on her second-to-last show, she was even more outspoken than usual, and suddenly it was like “bye, guys – this is my last show”.
She often expressed how she *hated* the title of this DVD, but that the producers felt that it would be more marketable, as buzzwords like “muffin top” and “belly fat” are omnipresent nowadays. She always said how there was no way to spot-reduce fat, but that she felt it was an awesome workout.
Being a keen follower of Jillian (while still retaining a healthy cynicism regarding her supplements and endocrinology theories) I was delighted when I discovered that my new neighbour (in rural South West England, of all places) is a former employee of hers! Yet to pick her brains on the subject as I was trying to be cool and non-gushy, but I should imagine she’d be a formidable trainer.
That’s awesome. Jillian has gotten a lot of flack and although I don’t agree with EVERYTHING she has said or done (diet pills!), I generally like and admire her efforts. I know from personal experience with the blogs and doing press with Operation Beautiful that 1) it’s really hard not to say ‘the wrong thing’ and 2) reporters twist what you say to fit their story ALL THE TIME. That’s just the nature of the beast. I think it’s awesome Jillian has stood up for herself – I remember on TBL she refused to endorse the microwavable ziploc bags because she believed they could leech plastic onto the foods. Pretty cool.
I’ve just recently got NMTZ – not tried it yet, I’m so apprehensive/excited now! I have done the 30 Day Shred and Yoga Meltdown and basically love Jillian
If you think NMTZ is badass, wait til you try Banish Fat Boost Metabolism. It took me a few attempts to get through that from start to finish, and that was after I’d gotten *bored* of NMTZ!
OH MY GOODNESS. I am going to order this!
Funny how you always seem to read my thoughts – was just saying on my blog that to continue with my progress I need to add strength training but hate it and am not a gym member (as I hate those too!).
I think I might do the challenge with you (once my stitches are healed up!).
Thanks for the sweet comment by the way xx
Julia
http://www.britbride.com
EDIT: It looks like this DVD is only available for region 1 – USA. Sob! I will just have to stick to the 30 day shred. Unless you could let us know what the exercises are??
Julia
http://www.britbride.com
Not available in Canada? ;(
I’m in Canada and I bought mine off of Amazon.
I’m in Canada and bought it off itunes.
This DVD now intrigues me. Is it only one DVD with one workout or multiple workouts?
just one workout
Oh that sounds scary-intense. I quit the 30-Day Shred after doing 2 days of level 3 because i was nearly crying/puking during it and I just couldn’t face doing it anymore. The one thing I absolutely love about it is that it only takes 20-30 minutes – it’s a multi-tasker’s heaven!
But I will probably get this DVD if nothing then as a goal to work towards!
Thanks for the review!! I know you said the 30 day shred was tough on your knees, do you find the same thing to be true with NMTZ? I have bad knees and am looking for a workout DVD that I can still do!!
there are none of the crazy plyometric movement in NMTZ that are in the 30 day shred so YES, NMTZ is much easier on your knees (as long as you’re cool with lunges).
I cried the first time I did that video, I had to stop several times and I hurt for a week. That was last August, I’ve been doing it semi-regularly (but not regularly enough) since then and last week I had to go out and buy heavier weights. I have improved tremendously and now have to push myself into all the harder positions to feel the burn now. TRUST ME, after a while it’ll get “easier”. You’ll at least be able to finish the DVD without crying or cursing (well, you’ll probably still curse). I currently do this at least once a week and even that little has totally strengthened me up from where I was when I started! I LOVE this DVD now and LOVE that I can do “plank with a row”. It makes me feel hardcore! Heh!
Targgee has had that DVD on sale and I can’t decide if it worth the purchase or not. I’ve liked some of Jillian’s videos but really disliked others!
Also love this dvd. It is no joke. I thought I was in pretty good shape, but this video gets me sweating for sure. It does get easier with time. i started using 8lb weights , which worked for some of the moves, but I found them to be too heavy for others.
For a good laugh, I have my husband do it with me..
NMTZ is a good strength training DVD, but it is quite long and can be hard to stick with in the long run. I have a lot of experience with strength training programs and I find that the easiest DVD to stick to is Jackie Warner 1 on 1. You can rotate between 20 min workouts for upper, lower and core.
Hi, I actually do this one once a week and you will definitely notice a difference. I love the old school plyometrics and leg lifts at the end! I am interested to see your results! Perhaps I need another Jillian challenge of my own. She never lets you down!
I LOVE strength training! It’s so much fun and really helps you to develop a great physique.
If you ever need tips on some good exercises, let me know!
I literally just got NMTZ in the mail on Wednesday from a friend. I’m almost scared to try it now hahaha but then I’m more excited to give it a go. Sounds like it’s going to be a good challenge.
I agree! That video kicked my butt! I bought it on Tuesday after reading about your new challenge, and tried it out on Thursday morning. OMG, it was amazingly difficult, but I agree with you, if I can stick to it it will definitely do what I want it to! I also, hate strength training, but consider myself in good shape. Apparently, I need the strength training more than I thought!
I think you just sold me on NMTZ. Sounds amazing/terrible at the same time!
Hmmmm. I’m scared I did the 30 Day Shred last summer and it just about killed me. And I DO do strength training!!!! If NMTZ was hard for a super-athlete like you I can only imagine how impossible it would be for me! Yikes!
This sounds amazing!! i love workout DVDs that actually give you an intense workout. Looking forward to seeing your training plan and updates.
Where did you get the fun white bowls you always eat out of?? I’m getting married and want to register for them if I can. I recognize the great multi-colored place mats from Crate and Barrel, but love your bowls too.
Thanks!
happy marriage!
i got them from marshalls but i have seen similar ones at c&b!
I love ST, but HATE planks, too. Ugh they are torture! Good for you for getting through them!
I wish I could get my hands on some Naturally Nutty PB! It looks so amazing….
Wow that sounds tough! I did about a week of p90x and it was a killer. I should start doing it once a week or something.
There is a serious triscuit obsession going on in my household. My fiance likes the plain ones with hummus and I eat the rosemary flavored ones with cottage cheese. So yummy!
I’m so glad to know someone like you even struggled with NMTZ! I thought it was just me being a big wimp!
I’ve picked that DVD up several times. May be I should get and give it a try too! With my triathlon training I haven’t been able to squeeze in my strength training. May be that would be easier than making it to the gym!
Also, I tried the tempting tempeh, I’m not sure if I got the right tempeh or because it was my first time eating tempeh but I wasn’t crazy about the texture! Any hints? I’m always looking for good protein to eat being that I am a vegetarian. Thanks for your blog you are quit inspiring!
hmmm if you didn’t like the texture of tempeh, its prob not for you. there’s not many ways you can cook it that will definitely change the texture. perhaps you can try soy crumbles (I love making tacos or spaghetti with them) or cooking tofu in more ways?
I love strength training! I will have to try this one. I also love how you said to mute her. Seriously, I love the work she does, but she needs to be quiet! One of the major reasons I don’t watch the biggest loser anymore, besides the stupid gum plugs to curb hunger! Food doesn’t always have to be grand and exciting…as long as it tastes good and fuels you in a good way! Have a great Friday!
Strength training certainly has a way of kicking your butt! I’m glad you like and cant wait to see the results!
Hm I’ll have to give NMTZ a try! I thought the 30 day shred was rough so I’m sure this would kick my butt!
I so need to work some ST into my training for my Try-A-Tri. I know it. But to-date I haven’t done it, simply because I’m lazy lol. Come July 1 I’ll have no more excuses and ST here I come!
Muting Jillian haha, love it. I enjoy her for the first couple of days and then I’m like alright heard this already blah blah blah Jillian, say something new!
So glad you’re trying out this video; I am such a fan of her workouts. I did the Shred last year and it helped me lose the rest of the baby weight after having my twins and got me back into shape. At the time I thought it was so hard, but recently, I did both the Banish Fat, Boost Metabolism and NMTZ. I have to say I didn’t like BFBM, however I love NMTZ. Together with yoga, I’ve been able to tone up a lot within the past two months.
This is perfect timing! I have been looking for a DVD to squeeze in after/before work. My schedule has changed, so I can’t always make it to workout classes. I like Jillian because she’s a tough love person.. I need someone to kick my butt! Now if only she yelled at me and made me cry during the DVD….
This video kicked my butt too. I remember pressing pause several times to get a drink. Halfway through I pressed pause, laid on the floor and had to give myself a pep talk to keep going..haha! I think it was pure pride that made me get up and finish the video. The next day I was so sore, I didn’t do the video again for another 4 days!!! My poor husband was probably tired of me talking about how sore my body was!!!! Good luck!!!
Ok you’ve kind of scared me away from ever doing that video!
i still think you should try some bodyrock workouts! so fun!
I just started NMTZ too! I’m doing it every other day — that first ab circuit is BRUTAL! I love your blog by the way. Good luck with your move!
thank you for reading
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