Quick Facts:
Run time: Approximately 24 minutes, 20 active circuit
Equipment needed: Hand weights necessary, workout mat if hard or slippery surface
My Details:
Height: 5'4" or just under
Weight: 130ish lbs (binged day before, after last weigh-in).
Fitness Stats: Bench max = 50. Clean max = 45 (lbs, note weakness).
Handweights: 1 lb each
Quick Review:
Calories burned: 218 per 22 minutes, 191 more calories than daily life.
Highest heart rate: 179
Lowest heart rate: 124
Difficulty: 8.5/10
Extended Review:
I'll skip over some of the minute details, as I already reviewed Level 1. Like Level 1, Level 2 hosts the same two "models" in addition to Jillian, the one on the right side of the screen, Anita, showing modifications. If you're doing this for the first time, you will need to follow Anita more likely than not. I'm actually still shaking from it (it's been about 10 minutes). Jillian is much more intense, and she isn't as big on explanation. If you're on to level 2, she expects you to have done level 1 and gotten the basic form down, and if you're fit enough to be doing level 2 right off the start with ease, then you probably don't need in depth explanation on how to hold your back. Jillian is still a bit awkward and intense, and the intensity sort of saps her fun a bit, but she does a nice job motivating you and it more or less cancels out. She has adorable little sayings that I'll leave you to at least watch the video to find out ;) One other thing: do NOT skip the stretches at the end, even if you're low on time.
Trainer Fun level: 7/10
Trainer Explanation level: 7/10
Like level 1, the first part of her circuits are "strength," combining 30 seconds of a "power move" and one minute of a combined legs and arms, and then you repeat usually on the "other side". If you're weak like me and level 1 isn't a breeze, don't expect to use your same weights. Even with my 1 lb weights that feel like nothing normally, the dynamic upper body moves KILLED. Like level 1, if you try using a heavier hand weight, I suggest keeping a smaller weight to the side for this activity if you have poor upper body strength. just in case. Not all strength moves required handweights, which you might THINK is nice until you actually do them. Walking pushups. Yes. WALKING. With your knees straight. Didn't think you'd need flexibility, did you? At any rate, the moves kept my heart rate up, never dropping below 130, and while I didn't feel totally dying, it was just not fun.
Strength Fun Level: 5/10
Strength Intensity Level: 8.5/10
The cardio was definitely a huge change from last time. Instead of just doing cardio, they utilize that upper body strength, which again, I have none of. My heart rate almost got to 180, and would stay above 150 for the bulk of the cardio sections. This seriously felt like death. None of that punching. The high-kneed running was the lowest-intense, and that was only in the first circuit. After that you did twisty things where you had to keep your arms up (ow). And you will absolutely definitely want to make sure that your floor does not move. I made the mistake of doing it on the rug in my fitness room. Bad idea. The rug moved during first-circuit squat thrusts, and then it moved again during second circuit explosive jumps. Last circuit included "push-up jacks" and likewise were a pain, combining upper body strength and ab strength with cardio.
Cardio intensity level: 8.5/10
Cardio Fun level: 6.5/10
And then there's abs. While heart rate drops a small amount, and at least it is somewhat more bearable than the normal strength, it still was definitely more painful. First circuit was fine- leg crunches, which aren't awful. Second circuit was reminiscent of pilates but made more difficult by the use of HANDWEIGHTS to create tension in your- yep, you guessed it- upper body. But the last circuit, when you already feel like you're dying from the push-up jacks, you have to do weird plank twists. The move itself wouldn't be so bad if it were JUST abs, but my scrawny arms have troubles holding myself up in plank. Redeeming factor: the twistiness there at the end. I can work with that.
Abs intensity level: 7/10
Abs fun level: 6/10
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