Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

**Updated- scroll down for completed program updates** I purchased this set directly from Beachbody since it was not yet on Amazon. Other workout programs I have done are: P90x, Turbo Fire, Insanity (2 rounds), T25, and Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution (I know, I know, that one isn't Beachbody). That being said, I am NOT a natural athlete and I do all of these programs out of necessity not out of a love of working out. With these programs I have lost 45 lbs not once, but twice (once for wedding prep and once after giving birth) so I can tell you they all absolutely work- as long as you find the program that is right for you. So, leave a comment if you are curious as to how any of those aforementioned programs stack up if you wanted a baseline comparison. I just started the third week and so far I love 22 minute hard corps. First up, the format: The program is 8 weeks long. Three days a week you are doing cardio, three days a week you are doing resistance. On cardio days, you can add a core workout, so your total workout time is closer to 32 minutes for those 3 days a week. There is also an optional "Cold Start" workout that runs 10:24. It is actually not listed on the calendar but could be added to any day where you want a more gradual start to your workout. Lets be honest though, folks, you want this program because it is 22 minutes (or maybe that's just me? :) Next up, style of workouts: Cardio 1: *3 Rounds of: T- Jacks, Bear Crawls, Lateral Shuffle, Forward Lunge Twist, Basic Burpee, A-Skips, and Run Lunge Squats (22 second breaks in between each round) *Bonus Round of 22 Bear Crawls and 22 Burpees Cardio 2 and 3 follow a very similar format, but with different variations of the moves (for example, Frog Burpees instead of Basic Burpees. The numbers of each moves increases or decreases each round. Core 1/2: 9 minutes and 10 seconds/ 11 minutes 19 seconds. At around 10 minutes each, you have no excuse to not fit this in on the day the calendar calls for it (paired with cardio workouts- so 3x a week) Resistance 1: *Short Warm-up (2 minutes) *3 Rounds of: Push-Ups, Squat Thrust, Pull-ups, Chopper Lunges, Sit-up Punches *Bonus Round of Sprint, Burpee, Push-ups Resistance 2 and 3 again, follow a similar format but each move is modified in a slightly harder variation. Overall, the moves are not complex- more of a "back to basics", but they are there for a reason. They work. Equipment: You will need weights (I am using 10lbs but will be upping to 15lbs next time), a pull up bar (or band- I can't do pull ups yet so I am modifying with bands), and a surface you can jump and plank on comfortably (so either a mat or just a softer surface). Now, the big question: Is this workout right for me? Well that depends: *Are you looking for something HARDER or on par with Insanity or P90x? No, this will not be hard enough for you. With Insanity, I was literally dripping sweat on the ground by the end of each workout. If you are looking to be more intense than that- move on to Insanity:Asylum. *Are you finishing up p90x/Insanity/any other hour long workout and just thinking: "Dang, I'm getting into this 'working out every day' routine, but come on- AN HOUR?" Then yes, this is perfect for you. At about half the length of Insanity, this is a good maintenance program if you are looking to continue your good habits but just need a little break from committing upwards of an hour a day (or 90 minutes... I'm talkin' to you, YogaX). This is probably who I would recommend this program to the most. *Are you a true beginner just starting out on your workout journey? Maybe. You *will* be challenged and you *will* take breaks. You will probably have to modify some of the moves depending on your strengths/weaknesses. But, that's ok. If you follow the schedule, you *will* improve and to be honest, the only person who you are in competition with is the person who you were yesterday. If that sounds like a great challenge- then yes, I recommend this program whole heartedly. If it sounds a little scary, I'd start with something like Jillian Michaels' Body Revolution and then try this. Other things I love: -Military theme, using vets as his cast -Abs are scheduled 3x a week (so I can already feel a huge difference!) The only thing I don't love (but others might) is that the meal plan uses the same concept as 21 Day Fix with the colored food containers. For me, that is a pain to keep track of and I would have rather just had some good ol' fashioned recipes. But, if you are finishing up 21 Day Fix, this is a great next step for you. I will update in the coming weeks as I finish the whole program! **Update 4/22** I just finished week 5 and I think this is my favorite Beachbody program so far. I love that even being over halfway done with the program, I am still challenged with "just" a 22 minute workout. I love having ab work 3x a week and I am seeing the best results in my abs and arms. **Completed program update 5/13/16** I just finished the last day of this program (8 weeks) and wanted to provide a quick update. Overall, I am so happy I did this program and would still recommend it to others, however here are some updated notes/details/thoughts: -I noticed the most difference in my abs and biceps. Having an ab workout 3x a week really toned my abs and there is a pretty big focus on biceps and shoulders. I found that my triceps and butt could have used a little more of a workout- so if you are specifically looking to tone those areas, I would recommend adding something else to your routine. -I still love the concept of cramming in an intense workout into 22 minutes- hands down my favorite part of the program. -After 8 weeks, the workouts are still a challenge because you can always modify them to make them harder- so if they start to get easy you can up the weight or do more reps. However, I *am* getting a little tired of the same workouts over and over so for my next challenge I will be doing a T25 and 22MHC hybrid. My goals with that are to add in some variety, add in the opportunity to tone my triceps and butt, and keep with the under-30-minutes time frame. **I am not a Beachbody Coach- just a fan who has done several of the Beachbody programs**