It seems that I’m always reviewing a Jillian Michaels workout DVD. She’s like that damn Hansel, so hot right now and showing up everywhere. Her latest mass market DVD is Kickbox FastFix.

Kickbox FastFix features three 20-minute programs.Each workout combines aerobics with short toning segments that  focus on a different area of the body–upper body, lower body, and abs. (Need I say the workouts are kickbox-inspired?)

Each of the workouts follows the same basic formula: two sets each of four circuits followed by a brief cool-down and stretch. There’s also a brief tutorial about kickboxing on the DVD.

While I like the concept of this DVD, the actual product was poorly executed.

First, Michaels goes right into the workout. There’s not really a warm-up. Some of Michaels’ kickboxing combination are unnecessarily fussy. Given that it’s a twenty-minute workout, you want to be focused on moving, not trying to figure out complicated combos. (Although with repeated viewings, you get used to it.)

As mentioned, Michaels repeats each circuit twice.

But, with some of the circuits, some combos are left out on the second set. Also, Michaels does not alternate sides of the body on the second set. You can switch sides on your own, but then you lose the “mirror” effect following the DVD (which is important given the complicated choreography).

There are a lot of twists and turns in this workout. It can be difficult to do, especially if you have carpet. It can also be hard on the knees.

If you can resist, I would say pass on this DVD.

Instead, to get your Jillian Michaels fix, may I suggest:

• Michaels put out a five-disc series called The Biggest Winner:  How to Win by Losing in 2005. These are thirty-minute workouts, and there’s one that is cardio kickboxing.
• Jillian Michaels’ 30 Day Shred is available on amazon for a great price right now (under $7). That workout seems to be a favorite of Aerys staff writers!
• There’s an awkward moment in Kickbox FastFix when Michaels makes a comment about “Daniel-son.” Then, she isn’t sure we’ve all seen Karate Kid. So go ahead. Indulge her. Find some martial arts inspiration and see the original.