Jillian Michaels - what size weights to use???

jess198427

Hi there!

I've heard so much great stuff about the Jillian Michaels workout DVDs that I'm going to give one of them a go. I really want to tone up my arms and having looked through the DVDs she has released, the "no more trouble zones" DVD seems to be the best fit for what I am looking for.

I'm assuming I will need to buy weights, but was just wondering what size I should go for? I'm reasonably fit, go to the gym 4-5 times a week. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! (and is there anything else I will need to buy in order to do the DVD?)

Many thanks!

Jess

PuggleLover

I have 5 pound weight and for some of the exercises, it is fine and I could probably go up in weight. But for other exercises, it's way too heave and I would need more like a 2 pound weight (shoulder raises, for example). I worked out before I started this too and if I had not, there would be no way I could have done the 5 pound weights the entire time. I am going to buy another set - prob 3 pounds so I can switch out and keep good form and complete all the exercises without resting.

MelissR75

I use 5-8lb weights depending on what the exercise is and believe me, you feel it!

trud72

use what pushes you to the limit and move them upwards as they get easier! :bigsmile:

icandoit203

If your fit do you normally use weights if so then i would start off with 5-10 pds or 10-15 depending on how strong your arms are in that regard. Enjoy

opuntia

Personally, I would buy a set of weights of different sizes - 1kg, 2kg, 3kg, for instance. I'm doing the 30 day shred, and I'm using 1kg weights, as that's what I happened to already have, but I am thinking of buying some heavier ones, because while the 1kg weights seem just right for some exercises, there are other exercises where I feel they're not challenging enough and I would benefit from heavier weights. In retrospect, if I were just starting out and didn't already have weights, I would have bought a set of different sizes.

xxnellie146xx

I started with 5 lbs and I could certainly feel the burn!

jess198427

Yes I think buying a set of different sizes would probably be the best thing to do for now. Although I'm reasonably fit, my upper body strength is pretty bad and I can't lift very much!

Thank you all for your suggestions

KAR1959

I started with 3lbs and 5lbs. I'm ready to move to 8lbs. I'm now in Phase 2.

missfelicia6

I started with 5 in each hand, now I'm using 10 in each hand, I can't do as many reps as she does yet, but I do half and it will eventually build up to all of the reps.

Oops25

I do the JM 30DS with 3 lbs weights, some exercises are easy but for some I really feel it ! I would say get yourself a 3 lbs and 5 lbs, for tougher ones use 5 and for easier ones use 3 lbs..

gxm17

IMO, JM moves very fast so definitely start lighter, 5lb to 8lb weights, and have an even lighter pair to drop to if your form begins to get compromised. It really depends on you and your body, if 5lb to 8lb weights are too easy, then bump it up. Just always, always, always, maintain good form, that's the key IMO. Also, strive to progress, after doing 5s and 8s for a while, move up to 6s and 9s.