Mmmm... Jillian Michaels

Jillian Michaels is my new found crush... from her physique all the way to her unique (some would say annoying) giggle. For me she may rank right up there with Corey Everson and Cynthia Rothrock (I was a follower before either made a movie... can't say I've been a big fan of their movie carriers though). Jillian has the musculature tone of Corey with the martial arts aptitude of Cynthia.

Jillian Michaels is one of the two trainers on the popular television weight loss show "The Biggest Loser." I picked up her "Jillian Michaels: Cardio Kickbox" DVD, one in a series of fitness DVDs she has out. In this cardio kickboxing workout Jillian keeps you focused with an easy to follow but tough 25 minute "moderate" workout. Just when you think you are done she pushes you just a little farther with a surprise ending. You'll work up a sweat and keep moving for the entire time until you reach a short cool down stretching segment. Although you won't learn any self defense techniques from this video, don't discount Jillian's martial arts prowes as her passion for fitness originated from 17 years of martial arts practice in Muay Thai and Akarui-Do. She even holds a black belt in Akarui-Do.

Oh, the best thing about Jillian? She hasn't made any movies yet.

Here is what the routine looks like...

Warm Up

20 Side Squats (alternating)
20 Front Kicks (alternating)
20 Bunny Hops (Horse Stance)
20 High Kicks (Cross Hand Touch)
20 Side Squats (alternating)
20 Front Kicks (alternating)
20 Bunny Hops (Horse Stance)
20 Hich Kicks (Cross Hand Touch)

1st Stage (Repeat Twice)

30 Jump Rope (No Rope)
10 Sumo Squats with Round Kicks (Right Leg)
10 Sumo Squats with Round Kicks (Left Leg)
30 Jab Cross (Horse Stance, Left/Right 1 Count)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Right Leg)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Left Leg)
30 Jumping Jacks
10 Backword Lunges with Right Front Kick
10 Backword Lunges with Left Front Kick
30 Jab Cross (Horse Stance, Left/Right 1 Count)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Right Leg)
10 Elbos to knee (Front Stance, Left Leg)
30 Jump Rope (No Rope)
10 Back Kicks (alternating)
30 Jab Cross (Horse Stance, Left/Right 1 Count)
10 Knee to Cross Elbow (Ready Stance, alternating)

2nd Stage (Repeat Twice)

30 Seconds Fast Feet
10 Leg Raises (Right Leg)
10 Leg Raises (Left Leg)
30 Upper Cuts (Horse Stance)
30 Jumping Jacks
10 Step Up Side Kicks (Right Leg, Ready Stance)
10 Step Up Side Kicks (Right Leg, Ready Stance)
30 Upper Cuts (Horse Stance)
10 Front Kick, Tap, Back Kick (alternating)

Burn Out

30 Jump Rope (No Rope)
30 Jumping Jacks
10 Push Ups

Cool Down

Left Side Stretch
Right Side Stretch
Right Leg Stretch (Chest to Right Knee)
Center Stretch
Left Leg Stretch (Chest to Left Knee)
Left Shoulder Stretch (Left Arm Across Body)
Right Shoulder Stretch (Right Arm Across Body)
Neck Stretch (Left Side)
Neck Stretch (Right Side)