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3.67 of 5 stars
Are you in good shape but struggling with those last ten to twenty pounds that stand between looking perfectly okay and looking knock-their-eyes-ou... read full description

reviews

Feb 11, 2008
Tania rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here
0 comments like (2 people liked it)
Mar 09, 2010
Myra rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I'm a fan of Jillian Michaels and her training style, so I'm very excited about this book. :)

UPDATE:

This book isn't for everyone. If you are trying to drop those last stubborn 20 or less pounds, then this is your book. I just finished reading it and it's a 30-day program in which you must be determined with a strong commitment. It is written in true Jillian Michaels fashion (if you've watched The Biggest Loser, then you know what I'm talking about), and she's tough on you More...
0 comments like (3 people liked it)
Mar 03, 2009
Brooke rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Totally love this book. Although I've through all of it, I will be continually referencing it throughout the next 29 days. I've officially started Jillian's madness of a life/workout/eating schedule. I'd better be hot next month!! =)
7 comments like (1 person liked it)
May 04, 2010
Amy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
So, I've been on a quest to find a new workout routine. I really wanted something that had a good structure so I knew exactly what I needed to do each day. My biggest problem has been putting together strength training workouts that I could stick with - after a couple of weeks I would inevitably start doubting myself, wondering if it is working, wondering if I doing the right muscle groups, the right number of days per week, etc. Then I would eventually give up or move on to something else.
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Jan 03, 2009
Agnes rated it: 1 of 5 stars
"Written" by Jillian Michaels of "The Biggest Loser" fame, this is a very strict plan that you (apparently) have to follow to the letter in order to see results. Includes recipes for everything you're supposed to eat for 30 days, as well as all of the exercises you're supposed to do (I guess in a gym because I don't know anyone who has so much exercise equipment in his/her house).

The "Science" section of the book that is supposed to set you up for fol More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Dec 17, 2010
Elizabeth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Once again, this rating is based on the information contained within the book rather than the effectiveness of the program, which I haven't done yet but intend to do somewhere around February 2011.

While less scientifically explanatory than "Master Your Metabolism," I appreciated the honest approach to delivering results in this book.

For example, the section on peaking delivers information on how to look your best for a big event with a sort of seven-day last-c More...
Mar 05, 2011
Chasley rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I thought this book had allot of good information in it. I found a ton of recipes in this book that actually sounded really good. I personally think it's hard to do a workout routine from a book, it's much easier to do a video tape where you don't have to stop after every set and figure out what you have to do next. I ended up picking up her 30 day shred workout tape and used that instead of the workouts in her book.

I bought this book more for the information and seeing what she r More...
Oct 14, 2010
Farhana rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Overall it SEEMS like a good book - with a whole 30 day menu plan (plus grocery list), a total workout routine (and how each exercise should be done).

But when you look at everything separately here is what I didn't like:

- The book is based on your metabolic type - I don't buy-in that you can take a two page quiz (where some answers don't even apply, and some are based on your feelings) and know your type!

- People trying trying to lose their last 20lbs of fat (in ord More...
Jan 19, 2011
Jennifer rated it: 5 of 5 stars
I am on day 8 of the 30 day workout. I'm trying to follow the recipes but fall short when it comes to the seafood. Sorry, can't do the swordfish, tuna, etc. but sticking to chicken and lean meats. The workouts are great - hard - but really great. I think I'm already starting to notice a difference and I'm SORE. If nothing else, I've learned a little more about the portions that I really should be eating instead of what we are used to having. Plus, it's good to try different recipes.
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Mar 29, 2010
Alice rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Jillian's book has been just what I needed to get rid of a little extra flab I've been carrying around for the last few years. I've been following the plan (mostly....just a little cheating on weekends) and am really seeing results!

I do wish she had included warm-up and cool-down/stretching exercises in the workout section. Also, there are some exercises I am not able to do (I work out at home and do not have access to a wide array of weight-lifting machines), so I have had to fi More...
Apr 10, 2008
casey rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Pretty good information, it really is for someone who already works out pretty regularly, but I will continue to us it. It has a lot of really good tips.
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Oct 04, 2011
Jen rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I didn't do the diet, just the 30 workout, so my review is based on that. The workout is a killer, seriously the hardest I have ever done in my life, and you have to go for thirty days. It's basically two sets of five circuits of 4 or 5 exercises each. It is not a workout for the shy or faint of heart, because you WILL have a sweat trail following you around the gym as you do this high-intensity stuff, like 10 burpees, then jump on the treadmill for a minute at 9 mph, then do pushups, then do More...
Mar 28, 2011
Rachel rated it: 1 of 5 stars
Please!!! I like the Jillian Michaels workouts I have done but this is ridiculous. First Ms. Michaels writes as though the world is full of complete nutrion morons; but then looking at the american waist line in general maybe we are...

But then the diet is ridiculously rigid and unrealistic. I highly recommend the book "you on a diet" over this one because it is full of life long nutrition that is realistic for everyone. If a diet is NOT tailored to be a lifestyle that i More...
Nov 07, 2010
Amy rated it: 1 of 5 stars
I love Jillian's videos and the Biggest Loser, but wasn't impressed with the book. My biggest disappointment was with the meal plan. The recipe sizes (servings) were all over the place, from 1-2 to 6 or more. It would've been easier to standardize recipes more. Using the book required a lot of flipping around--from the workout plan to the descriptions, from the 30-day recipe list to the recipes, according to your metabolic type. For a 30-day plan it could have been simpler. I still think her app More...
Nov 14, 2009
Kelly rated it: 4 of 5 stars
i got this book as part of my "special" when i joined jillian michael's online program. while i'm not quite ready for this book (you have to only want to lose 20 lbs or less), it is a great 30 day program to get you back on track if you want to get those last few lbs off.
every day is outlined with exercises and a menu plan to take the guesswork out of your weight-loss plan. it is very jillian. you can hear her voice speaking to you as you read. she knows her stuff and i'm sure th More...
Jan 24, 2011
Sabrina rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This is a super quick read with a lot of great information. Jillian is clearly someone who has studied not only the art but the science of weight loss and fitness. The only real complaint I have is that her fitness plan is a bit short of details and pictures. It might be because I am such a visual person, reading about how a specific exercise should be completed is much more difficult to me than seeing it. That said, I thin this is a decent book for those interested in making some changes an More...
1 comment like (1 person liked it)
Apr 28, 2011
Shannan rated it: 3 of 5 stars
This book is great for losing the last 10-15 pounds. Seriously. If you do the principles, provide the correct calorie deficit, and eliminate the crap foods, then you will see results. I've been trying to lose the last ten pounds of my baby weight for six months now. This book gave me the necessary tweaks I needed (the key for me was giving up alcohol for 30 days). Now to be fair, i also listen religiously to her podcasts so most of the things in the book I've heard before.the combo of those two More...
Jun 21, 2008
Sheri rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I'm not sure how much of a review I can really give this one, having not completed the 30 day program. I can only say that I really liked the ideas and content of the book. I did not follow the eating, simply because I'm a picky eater, not a great cook, and I don't like having to go to a number of specialty stores to get my ingredients.

I did do 2 weeks of the exercise program before my work-out partner had something come up making her unable to continue the program with me. And More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Feb 12, 2008
Christina rated it: 4 of 5 stars
It's only the third day of her workout plan and I'm already seeing impressive results (as though I just went to a celebrity trainer!) The nutrition info is solid. The diet she outlines is very strict, but healthy. I'm confident it would yield weight-loss results in 30-days.

My criticisms: Many of the exercises are not pictured, just described in words. For several, I had to refer to her earlier book, or google the moves to actually understand how to do them.

It's a More...
Feb 13, 2010
Kristin rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Love the book. Hope I can motivate myself to do it. If I do it and get the results she promises, I will raise my rating to 5. I learned a lot about nutrition and metabolism that I didn't know. Found the discussion and quiz on purine metabolic rates interesting and useful. Was surprised that my fitness level was already good to excellent (with the exception of pushups, which not surprisingly was average). I really want to "get cut" so I am really thinking of sucking it up for a to More...
Aug 23, 2011
Chelsea rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Good. Except for I'm pretty sure this book was written before Jillian went through her realization that hormones affect your metabolism. So, the foods she recommends in this book are highly processed, diet-type foods. The book suggests a lot of low-carb, low-fat food substitutes for the real full-carb, full-fat healthier whole foods. Diet and fitness info changes fast in this day and age, I'd like to see her write an updated version, incorporating new meal plans.
Jul 07, 2009
Emily added it
Wow, she is intense. I have no plans to acually follow any kind of plan like this, but really appreciated the nutrition and exercise information. Her nutrition stuff, particularly, was backed by science that she explained very clearly and mostly just inspired me to think more consciously about eating. Maybe someday, just for fun I'll spend the 30 days and get ripped....maybe.
Jun 04, 2010
Kristin rated it: 4 of 5 stars
WARNING: Not for the faint of heart!!!

Great book on the different kinds of metabolizers. Her workouts are KILLER, but the diet information is outdated as far as what Jillian teaches now - eating clean. I've tried one workout so far and it was TOUGH. I recommend this book for anyone looking to lose those last 10 pounds and get in the best shape of their life.
Oct 04, 2010
Ashley rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I bought this book along with her workout DVD's a week ago and have to annouce-I HAVE RESULTS! This book is straight forward without the emotional sap most diet books contain-and Jillian Michaels delivers. I did not follow the thirty day diet-but I did use the calculators and food categories matched with her workouts 5 days a week. This is the healthiest I've been in five years!
Aug 10, 2009
Heidi rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This is a very intense book. She says in the beginning it is for loosing the last few pounds and it is very boot camp style. She repeatedly says it isn't a maintenance plan, but a way to get in amazing shape before a big event, wedding, reunion, etc.
The exercises will kick your butt if you are in shape, don't even try it if you aren't in shape.
May 10, 2010
Cheree rated it: 3 of 5 stars
In recent weeks, I have been really off with my eating habits and while I have been running fairly regularly, I would like to add some strength training to my regimen. In order to get motivated, I decided to read Making the Cut by Jilian Michaels (from the Biggest Loser).

More at http://chereemoore.blogspot.com/2010/05/...
Jan 27, 2010
Charlotte rated it: 5 of 5 stars
My first look at this book made me realize that I really could never do one of the circuits let alone all five twice. My first day I was crying on the floor wanting to quit. Thank heavens that I didn't because I am now doing the 30 days again and kicking ass. Awesome, hardest and best workout ever!!!!!!!!
Aug 11, 2008
Supachick rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good challenging 30 day exercise program - however wasn't wrapped in the nutritional aspects. Mainly, because I think the calorie restrictions were too severe (1200cals/day - with heavy exercise) and will have a negative impact on metabolism in the long term. I lot of american terms/items not available in Australia, and not many foods that I actually liked - I like healthy stuff but this generally wasn't to my taste. Great tips though about how to look good for a particular event ( More...
Aug 10, 2009
Candace rated it: 5 of 5 stars
This book will kick your butt into shape. I have had personal trainers, read every fitness book, and done a lot of fitness videos and anything Jillian Michaels does will get you into the best shape of your life. I got down to the skinniest I have ever been since I hit puberty with this book!
Feb 23, 2009
Kate rated it: 5 of 5 stars
She's amazing. I HIGHLY recommend her stuff. She's kicking my ass on a daily basis and I like it! High Protein/High Intensity Strength Train Circuits. This is one of my favorite diet/workout plans! Although, the favorite diet plan is won over hands down by Skinny Bitch... yikes.