The only minor problems I have are with the warm-up/cool-downs and the form of some of the trainers. The warm-up and cool-downs are very short, so it would probably be wise to do a little more of each on your own. Also, sometimes the trainers are doing the exercises so fast they they jerk around and appear to use bad form. For example, one of the girls is doing squats so fast that she’s basically popping up and locking her knees at the top – from what I’ve learned on other videos, this is bad. Since I know proper form, this isn’t a problem for me, but it could be bad for people who are new to these types of exercises.

All in all though, it is a really good, no-nonsense workout with good variety.

Pros:

I like that you can break the video up into Arms/Legs/Abs. Even though I prefer working large and small muscles at the same time. It’s nice to be able to work just one area at a time.

Cons:

There are too many trainers just sitting around during the workout. I think it would have been nice if at least one of them was demonstrating alternate ways to do the exercise for the viewer.

On my HD television, you can see the makeup that one of the trainers is wearing on her abs quite clearly and, in general, the porny baby voiced trainers do nothing for me. Since I don’t watch the show, I’m wondering if this is really the best Sky Gym has to present.

Jackie is an average to mediocre coach. She doesn’t cue well, engages in annoying chit chat with her trainers, and doesn’t point out form in a way that is useful for the viewer. Also, there is very little explanation of the moves before the trainer begins doing them.

The upper body workout was good with some unique moves but the lower body workout was really lacking IMO. I didn’t feel like I got a good workout after completing it.

I can’t help but compare this DVD to Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred because both are well known TV trainers with great bodies that seem to make all the ladies swoon. Also, both DVDs are shot on the exact same set.

Of the two, I prefer “30 Day Shred.” After checking both out from the library, it is the one I ended up buying.

Many of the exercises featured in these workouts can also be found in other programs, so they’re obviously considered effective. I was definitely sore in the beginning, though in time my body has adjusted to the workouts. My solution is to take a week or two off of Jackie’s workouts, trying something like dance or other whole body exercise programs. When I get back into Jackie mode, especially the upper body, I’m hurting all over again. -The good hurt that makes you want to show people your muscles! I’ve recommended this to friends and family, and everyone agrees that it’s a great and effective workout.