Applying Program Progression to Beachbody Programs

Program progression in Beachbody?

What? Yes. We have all seen the infomercials for P90X and Insanity that are produced by Beachbody. What you may not know is that  Beachbody has produced an extensive library of workout videos that range in ability from the novice to those with a vast experience in the fitness area. These programs can last up to 90 days. With such a large volume of fitness help at your finger tips how do you decide where do you begin? And, how do you logically progress from one to another?

What Kind of Shape Are You In Already?

The first thing that Beachbody will tell you before you begin any fitness program is to get checked out by a physician to be sure you are healthy enough to begin a fitness regimen.

As you consider where to begin you first need to decide if you are looking for an entry-level program or an intermediate/ advanced program. If you have not exercised in several years lets just assume you are not ready for the intermediate /advanced programs. Yes, that means you are going to be focused on one of these entry level programs:

If you are generally healthy, have been cleared by your physician and have been training at least three times a week for the last six months, you should be ready for the intermediate/advanced programs.

Intermediate/Advanced

Sample Progressions

If you’re entry-level, Shaun T’s Cize and T25 are great entry-level programs to get you ready for the MAX Interval Training of Insanity and Insanity the Asylum. Charlene’s Piyo (a combination of Pilates and Yoga) and TurboJam (cardio) get you ready for Turbo Fire’s HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) and Charlene Extreme (circuit training).

One intermediate option is Trainer Tony Horton’s series. It begins with the Power Half Hour and P90/Power90 which progresses through P90X then to P90X2. P90X3 can be added any where after P90. One thing I really like about Tony is that throughout the videos he reminds you that you don’t need to try and keep up with what he calls “the kids”, but do what you can do without hurting yourself, “Stop and take breaks if you need them”.

I Finished My Current DVD Series, What Now?

As you train your goals and desires may change and lead you in to try the body building and sculpting programs of Body Beast and The Master’s Hammer and Chisel. Body Beast fuses old-school resistance training with sports science to promote muscle-building and growth, along with a bodybuilding eating and supplement plan.

Additional Resources

As I said  before, there are so many ways to combine the training available through Beachbody that it can be intimidating to know where to begin or you may have done so many of the programs that you don’t know what to do next.

Last year Beachbody began to offer “Beachbody on Demand”. For a fee, it allows you to log in from your computer or a mobile device and play any of the videos. This allows you not only train anywhere, but also lets you test drive the DVD packages. In addition, I recently discovered a website that can help you mix and match the different programs into a customized routine.

Check out https://workoutscheduler.net/hybrid-workout-scheduler/ . The other nice thing about many of these programs is that they each come with a nutrition program that is adjustable according to your goals and objectives. Talk about endless possibilities for designing your custom program!

One More Thing

As you work through these programs please make sure that you be wise pay attention to your body and abilities. For men, or at least, for me, pride leads me into trying to do things without listening to my body and can lead to injury. If I am injured my training suffers.