The Next Beachbody Hybrid - The Focus T25 with Shaun T!

I'm like the unenergetic Energizer Bunny.

c/o Pinterest

As I'm really enjoying the Hybrid programs, and they keep me workout out, I decided to combine Piyo and Focus T25.

I'll review Focus T25 here (I didn't review it previously, but completed it early 2015), and Piyo Here.

What is Focus T25?

25 MINUTES. 5 DAYS A WEEK. 100% RESULTS.

The only thing standing between you and the results you
want is TIME.

Shaun T experimented for the last year to design a program that delivers the same kind of results you'd expect from an hour-long program, in under 30 minutes. He's pulled out the rest to give you everything you need, nothing you don't.

The result is FOCUS T25—and the name implies the intent: If you focus your intensity for 25 minutes, and you do it 5 days a week, you WILL get results.

This program includes 5 workouts in 3 different levels (so 15 different routines), including: Cardio, Speed, Total Body Circuit, Ab Intervals, and Lower Focus.

I'm trusting Shaun T will help me gain back the cardio workouts I've been lacking for most of the winter (My Bad), and make me hate him all over again.

I love to hate Shaun T - he pushes me to my limits, and I get results.

As usual, I'll follow my own detrimental meal plan, and hope for the best!

c/o memegenerator.net

1) Alpha Round (aka Learning the moves while sweating like a banshee)

Cardio

25 minutes of calorie-burning, sweat-drenching cardio

After the first 12 minutes, I was kind of guffawing at Shaun T - this program really brought me back to the basics and my beginnings with Beachbody.

Then we got halfway through, and he made us do squats of various forms. The intensity, immediate sweat, and burning come on all of a sudden - it is awesome!

I appreciate the 2-3 steps from more basic moves into more intense and burning movements - it forces me to focus and work my way from modifying to almost doing the non-modified movements.

I really found this Cardio routine fun, and it was over just as quickly as it began!

Speed 1.0

Ignite your quickness. Burn the fat. Fast-paced for fast results.

This was my first routine of my second round of T25.

I totally forgot that Shaun T had hair...and he looks smaller in this routine compared to his more recent videos (Max 30 and Cize). I'm ok with this.

He didn't glare at me either.

I think I'm not as intimidated by him now, therefore push harder.

This routine is full of quick cardio moves at minute (?) intervals and stretching moves for the following 30 (?) seconds.

Tania is the modifier, and I generally follow her and intensify it up a bit as Plyo moves still don't make my body happy.

There are no breaks in this routine, unless you're weird like me and consider the stretches a "break."

Prepare to be sweating within a few minutes of starting Speed 1.0. It only gets more intense!

Total Body Circuit 

Focus on strength and resistance—without lifting a single weight.

Whew - 5 minutes in, and I'm dripping sweat!

In usual Shaun T fashion, the moves are introduced in a basic method and then work their way up through increasingly intense intervals.

As this is my second time around, I find I'm integrating the advanced move with the more basic moves as I can push myself a little bit more now.  Not quite ready for some of those plyo moves, but I certainly feel every movement and sweat drip.

This particular routine works out your entire body - arms (stupid push ups and planks), legs (stupid lunges and squats), abs (olique twists and side crunches with arm/leg moves), cardio, and core.

Most of the workout I do off my mat, otherwise a slip & fall would be happening - the moves are dynamic and move around.

If you have weak wrists, wear your workout gloves - mine come about 4" above my wrists, and are the only way I can plank and push up at all.

Ab Intervals

Cardio and ab intervals that shred the fat from your midsection.

This is definitely one workout that I need my wrist protection for - most people use them for weight lifting, but I have weak wrists, so need the extra support when planks and push ups are involved.

Each set includes a basic move, intermediate move, and the full move, followed with a cardio interval.

I grunted and groaned my way through this workout, but that's a good thing, right?

Not quite a sweat induced by some of the other routines, but the following day, my abs told me I did a good workout!

Lower Focus

Focus on your lower-body muscles—the key to burning fat and kicking up your metabolism.

Your behind will burn and curse Shaun T with the amount of Lunges, Squats, and other butt burning moves - and Shaun T does NOT let you rest. 

On the other end, this is where your workouts start to really burn away the bad cells and brings in strong legs that can balance your body enough to push a tent trailer up your driveway because you're not skilled enough at backing it up with the car.

Seriously.

c/o Pinterest

2) BETA Round (Aka Sweating Even More with even more aches and pains!)

You have been warned - resistance is futile and weights are added to increase your full potential for awesomeness!  Start with smaller weights and work your way up to avoid extreme pain for 2-3 days after your workouts.

Core Cardio

Get your sweat on! This progressive cardio-core workout is about you getting shredded fast

Cardio mixed in with a bit of fun!  I actually really enjoy this routine. 

The Air Planks are pretty fun - and I even did the regular version instead of modified - don't get me wrong, you still get a fabulously sweaty workout with the modified moves, but it is nice to eventually push your limits and go full out some days

Speed 2.0

Rev up with Shaun's calorie-scorching, core-focused speed drills.

Speed to has your legs higher, no breaks, and your cardio going off the charts.

NO BREAKS.

Shaun t is hardcore, and I want to slap him silly mid way through, but I actually love the beats of the music in conjunction with the moves - it keeps me going strong the entire workout.

Rip't Circuit

Cardio … upper body … legs … abs … repeat! This is how you get ripped in 25 minutes.

More weights. Don't overdo it, or you won't be able to make it through the routine!  10lbs or less, or you will regret it!

You'll enjoy more squats, planks, curls, and push ups - most of them with weights!  Working two body parts out at the same time is efficient and boosts your body into working while you're not working out!

Dynamic Core

You'll go from vertical to horizontal and back again in this dynamic, crazy core routine.

Shaun T tries to break you with this routine.  You really ARE up and down - abs work, contractions, and beyond - there are 7 standing core exercises, and 7 seated moves.  Then Shaun T is a jerk and makes you repeat the rounds! 

Your abs will "thank" you the day after this routine!

Upper Focus

Shaun will help you develop the upper body of your dreams. All you have to do is FOCUS.

I am not strong with my arms, and this routine pushes my limits with push ups, row, presses, curls, and weights!

You do have the option of using a band, but I prefer weights for the mostpart. 

Definitely do some extra stretching of your arms afterwards to avoid extreme pain the following day!

Conclusion

I love Shaun t, and will integrate this program over and over again with any other program as a Hybrid.

Shaun T's intense glares of love fuel me through each and every routine!

My Review on Beachbody's Brazilian Butt Lift

I've wanted to try out Brazilian Butt Lift for quite some time now.  I was WAY too excited about Cize to try this in the summer, so it was left on the backburner.

After my Hybrid Cize/21 Day Fix fiasco, I've decided Hybrids are the way to go to keep Systic motivated.

After this program, I'm excited, as I'll be submitting my results to Beachbody for a pair of Booty shorts for my Boom Boom!

What does Leandro promise us?

"THE SUPERMODELS' SECRET TO A PERFECT BUTT.

We're not all lingerie and bikini supermodels. But who says we can't learn their secrets to getting a firm, lifted butt? Leandro Carvalho, trainer to famous supermodels, combines Brazilian dance, cardio, and his own signature lower-body sculpting moves to help you make your booty your best feature.

Leandro's proven TriAngle Training method works all three major muscles of the buttocks from multiple angles to lift your butt, reduce your hips and thighs, and tone those stubborn trouble zones.

6 booty-blasting workouts that combine cardio with lower-body sculpting moves.

The Routines

c/o www.arenaathletic.com

 Sculpt - 47 minutes

In this video, Leandro takes you through a total-body workout with a sexy Brazilian twist to sculpt your entire body while focusing on your glutes. Look like a sexy supermodel—lean and toned, without the bulk.

I was quite excited when I realized this day includes weights - my arms won't lose ALL of their muscle over with this Hybrid combo!  

I recommend starting out with a lower weight, as you are using them for the majority of this particular workout.  You'll burn your arms out and have nothing to give pretty quickly otherwise.

This really is a total body workout - and still includes squats and lunges.  But not as many as some of the other routines.  My hips didn't totally max out, and I was able to walk up the stairs the remainder of the day without feeling it.  

The day after this workout....the backs of my legs are killing me!  This is an awesome feeling, as I know something is working, and my muscles are building. 

I did have to miss out on about 3 minutes of the planks-type workout.  My neck can't hold up to the strain, and I really wasn't sure how to modify it.  Know your body, and know its limits to prevent injury.

Today was also the day I realized that the girls who are exercising on the beach...are likely just exercising in front of a green screen.  I will still dream of going to the beach with the waves at my feet, the sun beating down on me while drinking some sort of alcoholic beverage that is pink, fruity, yet knocks me off my feet.

I don't call that a cheat day, I call that not feeling guilty when I'm enjoying life. I work damn hard and deserve it!

Bum Bum - 35 minutes

In this video, Leandro takes you through a total-body workout with a sexy Brazilian twist to sculpt your entire body while focusing on your glutes. Look like a sexy supermodel—lean and toned, without the bulk.

Squats, side squats, and more variations of squats.  

The moves start out basic, and Leandro builds upon them, increasing the intensity of the workout throughout each move.  The Rapido version of moves is REALLY intense, usually with your leg behind you up in the air pulsing until your boom boom (what Leandro calls your bum) is on fire.

The girls like to smile. Toothy smiles.  I was I was so smiley and sweat free during MY workouts.  

Half way through this routine, my hips like to stiffen up, and I have to work that much harder.  

This program forced me to search for hip opening yoga, and opened up a whole new world of stretching for me. I have now replaced the lame Beachbody stretches with more productive Yoga stretching afterwards. 

I wasn't sure at the beginning if I would like Leandro, but he growing on me.  He's quite uplifting and positive actually.  I just don't feel we could hang out every day (yay Hybrid routines)

Cardio Axe - 30 minutes

Feel like you're dancing in the streets of Brazil with Leandro's signature axe (pronounced "ah-shay"), a fat-burning, cardio-blasting, dance-based workout that delivers all-over slimming results fast.

Oh, Leandro!  He asks us to feel sexy and touch ourselves within the first 5 minutes.  It's awesome!

My hips weren't quite as tight with this one - I think it's the Brazilian Step that does my hips in - you step with your hip at an angle to the side while facing forward.

This particular class showcases some Brazilian dance moves - and the foot work + arm work wasn't quite happening for me, so I started out with just the foot work.  I am not coordinated enough for dance classes.

It was over as quickly as it began!

So, despite my lack of dancing co-ordination, I had fun, time passed like a snap, and I didn't feel defeated afterwards.  Winner! Gagne!

c/o Pinterest

Tummy Tuck - 15 minutes

Leandro's surefire way to get flat, sexy abs in just 15 minutes. 

This workout starts off with basic crunches, but Leandro adds his own twist with "Short" movements (pulsing), and some Brazilian Flare.

The latter movements are a bit more difficult for me and my weak arms (no biking = loss of arm strength) as they consist of plank work.

This is a great quick abs workout for helping with core and arm strength!

c/o pinterest

Bum Bum Rapido - 10 minutes

This extra bonus workout is the express version of Leandro's signature "Bum Bum" workout for when you're short on time.

This may be a quick workout, but it burns.

It's full of intense squats, lunges, plies, and side leg lifts.  And yes, Leandro has 3 levels of "fun" with each move, so you get the pulsing "short" lifts when your behind and hips are already burning.

This is a great quick leg/bum workout if you want to add in some abs work afterwards or just need a quick fix.

Because sometimes when you miss a day working out because you are busy with life, you get twitchy and REALLY need a workout.

As Leandro says, this is the way to a Latino boom boom.

High & Tight - 35 minutes

Focus on all those stubborn trouble zones: the hips, glutes, and saddlebags. Leandro uses his secret weapons—the Booty Resistance Band and ankle weights—to lift your butt to new heights.

For this particular workout, you require a booty band, ankle weights, and a yoga mat.  I failed on 2 out of 3 of these items, and have a kick arse thick workout mat my lovely mother-in-law got me for Christmas that is MUCH better than a Yoga mat in my workout area (aka the basement living room).

But even without the equipment, it BURNS!

It works out your thighs, butt, and hamstrings.

It starts with variations of squats...and eventually move your to the ground for the evil Clamshells (hip + clamshells = OMG), and into a variety of donkey kicks (which normally aren't bad...but after the previous workout moves, is more difficult than usual).

I love it! It's probably one of the more challenging workouts in this series.

c/o foolsfitness.blogspot.com

Leandro's Secret - 25 minutes

Want a targeted toning workout that delivers results in just 20 minutes? Leandro takes aim at your trouble zones and helps you transform them, using a simple hand towel. The routine is short, but you'll feel the burn and see dramatic, visible results. Pretty soon, your better bum bum will be anything but a secret when you slip into your favorite "skinny" jeans.

This is a separate workout from the original Brazilian Butt Lift, but is a great compliment to the set.  Apparently on the Beachbody site, you can get this for free with the purchase of the regular Brazilian Butt Lift program  best value for your $.

As usual, there's a variety of squats, lunges, side and back lifts. It works the large muscles, so it's definitely a sweat inducing workout!

There are minimal "short" lifts, so it's a nice change for my tight hips.

There is only one fitness girl in this video...which takes place in California or New York City. I can't remember. My brain is mush.  And the fan in the background is turned off to induce sweat from both Leandro and the girl.  I didn't need to do that - it just happens naturally.

The stretch at the end is about 5 minutes, so longer than most.  I prefer my 15 minute Yoga stretches at the end now.

Variety is good, right?

c/o www.quickmeme.com

Conclusion

This program is fabulous at helping with those trouble areas - abs, butt, thighs, and hips.  Over the last few weeks, my hips have gotten a bit stronger and more flexible, my behind is looking pretty perky (if I do say so myself), and I really do have fun doing this program.

Leandro takes a different take on working out, and expects you to have fun with it.

I am motivated by the beach in the background and of course, looking forward to my Booty Shorts at the end of the program!


***I am not a Beachbody Coach (nor will I ever be), I just really enjoy Beachbody Workouts for a fuller, healthier lifestyle***

My Review on Beachbody's Hip Hop Abs Fitness Program

When I first "met" Shaun T, I didn't like him. 

His Stare through the TV is intimidating. And he doesn't give water breaks.

But After completing T25, Insanity Max 30, and even Cize, I have learned to embrace him.  Shaun T is good for my body.

I've also become quite fond of Hybrid workouts since my Cize/21 Day Fix Fiasco.  It means I become less bored, and stay motivated with a different instructor daily.

I know my only fallback on this Hybrid will be the lack of working out my arms.  I just REALLY want to get my mid section under control this year.  Arms will come later.

So I'm reviewing Hip Hop Abs here, and Brazil Butt Lift in a different blog page.

What Does Hip Hop Abs Promise?

"Dance your way to hot, sexy abs.

If you love to dance and you want to lose weight and tighten your midsection without doing sit-ups or crunches, Shaun T can show you how. Shaun uses a technique called “Tilt, Tuck & Tighten” to help you burn fat as you dance your way to six-pack abs.

In Hip Hop Abs^®, Shaun breaks the dance moves down into steps, so almost anyone can do them. And the workouts are set to hot dance music, so they're high energy and fun.

You’ll get 4 routines (plus bonus routines) to learn Shaun T’s training techniques, burn calories, sculpt your abs, and lose fat all over. And you’ll have fun dancing to the hottest hip hop music.
Hip Hop Abs also includes the Step-by-Step Nutrition Guide to help you lose weight, the Results on the Run Diet Guide that shows you how to eat at your favorite fast food restaurants, the 6-Day SlimDown plan, a 30-Day workout calendar, 24/7 Online Support, and measurement tools to keep track of inches you lose." - Beachbody Site

The Routines

Fat Burning Cardio - 30 minutes

30 minutes of stand-up ab crunching moves!  The dance moves were simple, and set in about 5 minute increments with 3-4 moves incorporated into each set. 

After Cize, this was a breath of fresh air.  I could actually keep up and one doesn't have to be super co-ordinated to keep up.

I think I have to crunch more, as a day after the routine, I expected to feel my abs from all the side crunches...but I don't feel the pain from the routine the following day.  I probably just have to up my game and add some weights in.

Hips, Buns, and Thighs Workout - 25 minutes

Lift and firm those stubborn problem areas.

I did this the first time after completing Brazil Butt Lift's Bum Bum.  My Boom Boom was quite stiff getting off the bus on the way to work after 2 days of extreme booty workouts.

I got a bit of sweat on with Shaun T throughout this workout.  We learn some "dancy" type moves to get our behinds into gear - for REAL! 

The last 5 minutes of the workout were intense - with pulsing and holding the entire time.  I LOVE it! 

I don't get the cardio I normally do with Shaun T, but I am enjoying the variety of moves in this workout.

There is a "modifier," but she doesn't really modify anything.  So I just went full out in my squats and pulses.  The 25 minutes just flew by!

Secret to Flat Abs - 13 minutes

Shaun's exclusive training techniques target your upper abs, lower abs, and obliques while you burn fat.

No, it's not a miracle cure like the Ab-Hancer pictured above...but it's all about the standing up and moving while getting an abs workout.  I felt this one mainly around the sides with some funky oblique twists, which is good, as these love handles have to go!  

If you have done a Shaun T Abs workout before, this one isn't as intense as his other abs workouts, but it does target some different areas that the other don't.  

I recommend this program after one of Shaun T's other routines within the program to get a full body (minus the arms) workout.

c/o pinterest.com

Total Body Burn - 45 minutes

A head-to-toe workout that combines cardio and total body sculpting with even more ab-defining moves. 

This workout includes weights.  And a LOT of squats and oblique twists.  And push ups near the end.  

I am glad for the arm workout, as I was beginning to get a bit weak in the arms without my regular fix.  

Near the end, my hips were getting quite tight with the movements - I found the cure for this is not the flimsy "cool down" exercises, but I did a quick You Tube search for Hip Opening Yoga which has been my saving grace lately.  I think too many squats leads to tight hips for me. 

c/o www.hungrygatorgal.com

Ab Sculpt - 25 minutes

More moves to get you the six-pack you've always wanted without a single sit-up or crunch. 

First off, by this point, I dance and sing along with Shaun T to his corny rap at the beginning of the workout. I can't help it. 

Don't judge me.

With this workout, I feel I could do a million of these abs moves and still go. Obviously that would lead to me not being able to walk the next day.  So, just follow the program.  

I am sweating like anything after the first 10 minutes - moving all those big muscles definitely works.

The majority of the workout is standing up abs, with lots of hip lifts and gyrating your mid-section.  

I do not feel I could do this in a fitness class with others, as I would be giggling too much.  How old am I??

The last 5 minutes before stretching is on the floor - and includes more oblique-type twists and a fun move called the bow & arrow (it's pretty much the movement you think it is - like shooting a bow an arrow from the ground).

c/o www.quickmeme.com

Conclusion

I give Hip Hop Abs a 4.5/5.

It's slowly getting rid of my one pack, and I'm starting to tuck in in all the right places.  I don't feel pain in my abs the following day though, hence not the 5*. 

I need to feel pain for there to be a 5*

You can make the moves harder with light weights - and feel ALL the pain.

This program also taught me that my hips are really quite tight and I need to focus on more stretches and releases for them - hence incorporating Yoga into my programs instead of the flimsy "stretches" the Beachbody programs offer at the end of each workout (that's another Blog Post for another day). 

The dance moves were easy to follow, and I always get my sweat on with Shaun T.  It's not his most intense program by far, but part of exercise is having fun with it and exploring new programs so your body doesn't plateau. 

Again, I just feel pressure with meal planning, so I didn't follow the meal plan.  I try my best to eat well, and that's all I have the energy for. 

I am looking forward to finishing up Hip Hop Abs/Brazil Butt Lift so I can score myself another t-shirt!  

***I am not a Beachbody Coach (nor will I ever be), I just really enjoy Beachbody Workouts for a fuller, healthier lifestyle***