Beachbody Body Beast Workout Program Review

Let’s get this one out of the way right now – this program isn’t for everybody. Even though Beachbody makes an admirable attempt at reaching different audiences and would-be Body Beast participants, in my opinion, it won’t be everyone’s cup of whey. Beachbody’s Body Beast program was introduced in 2014. Much like other Beachbody solutions, it is a 90-day at-home workout schedule, which incorporates a fitness guide and nutrition plan into the routines. With Body Beast, the focus is a lot more on lifting.

1The point of Body Beast is achieving the chiseled physique which many people look for when training. You can spend many hours running, lifting, doing cardio moves, but if you are interested in burning fat and growing your muscles in a way that is visible and noticeable – Body Beast is definitely the way to go. Now, here’s another fact – there is a good chance that one round of body beast (that is, 90 days) will not be able to provide you with the body of your dreams. Maybe if you’re already a graduate of some of the other Beachbody workout programs (such as Power 90, P90X, P90X2, or P90X3), or if you’ve hit the gym a lot recently, the Body Beast program will give your muscles that extra push. However, if you are a beginner – and this program does have the potential to fit beginners – it will take a lot more to get ‘dream’ definition and bulk.
The creator of the Body Beast program is Sagi Kalev – bodybuilder, fitness model, clinical nutritionist, and mentor. Kalev worked on the Body Beast workout program for a long time, and utilized cutting edge scientific studies to improve the exercises and make them that much more effective. But Body Beast isn’t just about the ego trip of looking great in a tank top. Through proper dieting and focused training, Body Beast ensures that your body is getting the nutrients it needs in order to build itself up the right way – and we’ll build you up to starting Body Beast the right way here in our Beachbody Body Beast Workout Program Review!

Body Beast Workout Routine Schedule Sheets Breakdown

212 weeks, split up into three blocks, each consisting of five workout days a week. That is essentially the breakdown of a Body Beast workout. The daily workouts are around 30-35 minutes long, and are structured in such a way as to achieve maximum muscle definition and overall fitness. When executed properly, going through the Body Beast program can be a lot cheaper and more effective than going to the gym. Plenty of folks spend time and money on gym memberships only to flounder around when they actually arrive at the gym, failing to properly utilize their workout time. If you follow the Body Beast program, you’d best believe you’ll be getting busy. You will need some dumbbells and weights, a bar, a mat/bench, and a whole lot of willpower. A pair of workout gloves is also a good idea – unless you like calloused hands!

  • Block 1: Build – this block is three weeks long and includes four workouts: chest and triceps, back and biceps, legs, and shoulders. During these first weeks, you ease your body into its transformation.
  • Block 2: Bulk – this block is six weeks long and includes five workouts: back, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs. During these weeks, you will attempt to bulk up the muscle groups you are working on.
  • Block 3: Beast – this block is three weeks long, and includes the previous DVDs, as well as cardio and abs. During these last few weeks, you will put the finishing touches on your new body. Another DVD, which is thrown in as a bonus, is the Total Body DVD routine, which provides a way for those who have completed the program to maintain their physique.

There is a daily training schedule, and following it (along with the eating plan) is guaranteed to deliver results! Who knows? You may end up resembling those guys and gals in the ads, who discovered just how great they can look. Three months can be either too much time, or very little time. It depends on you. In terms of working out, especially for beginners,Body Beast is a serious commitment. Beginnings are always tough, but it is essential that you make the decision to commit, since that – and that alone – is the key to getting the body you have always wanted. Again, it may not happen in one round, but it is a great start. As Wayne Gretzky once said, you miss 100-percent of the shots you don’t take.

Body Beast Equipment Needed Breakdown

5The basic element of Body Beast is lifting, so all you need are weights and a mat or bench. Because of Sagi’s unique method of training, they don’t need to be massive weights. Burning fat and gaining muscle definition does not require heavy weights. They only require a person to exercise properly with lighter weights. Obviously, you have the choice of lifting as much as you want, but it is not essential for quality training. Bulking up is a function of technique and form, not necessarily of the weight involved. For optimal results, have adjustable weight dumbbells, an EZ curl bar, a pull-up bar, and an adjustable workout bench at the ready.

Body Beast Lean vs. Body Beast Bulk

There are two schedules which a person can follow. The first one is Lean Beast, which is meant for those who are interested in losing weight and trimming down. The second is Bulk Beast, meant for those who are interested in gaining muscle and getting bigger. The two schedules don’t vary too much, and the results they deliver are not very different from each other. The schedule you choose depends mostly on your status before starting the program: your BMI, your calorie intake, your body’s fat percentage, your experience with lifting in general, and other elements of diet and fitness all come together and should be factored in when choosing a schedule. There is no one schedule which is better than the other. When executed correctly, both of them have the power to get you where you want to go. The workouts which are included in both schedules are the same, but the timing is what changes.

Body Beast Workouts Review

3The Lean and Bulk schedules include the following workouts:

  • Build: Shoulders – 38 minutes long, but it feels a lot longer. Sagi has you working everything, and making multiple moves in some cases, which leave you sore and burning. Actually, just take that as a given. All of these routines will most likely leave you sore and burning.
  • Build: Chest/Triceps – 48 minutes long. Did you know the tricep is the biggest part of the arm? If you’re looking to build up those guns, it’s going to take more than curls!
  • Build: Back/Biceps – at 50 minutes long, it is the longest routine of the program. There are some moves here that took me some time to learn. I had to run the DVD back once or twice, but I got the hang of it. Another thing which took a bit of time (regardless of this particular workout) is learning how to best switch between weights.
  • Build: Legs – 38 minutes long. This workout changes dramatically with the amount of weight used. Leg muscles are pretty big from the get-go (compared to others in our body), so working them properly gives them a chance to get even bigger and better. Remember – these muscles help support our upright body all day long. Respect.
  • Bulk: Legs – 41 minutes long. If ‘build’ was considered an overall leg workout, this one specifically busts your quads and hamstrings. It is difficult and punishing.
  • Bulk: Back – 29 minutes long, and it hurts. I never really used to work my back, even when I was keeping in shape, running, and working out on a semi-daily basis. I could tell this was a taste of what is still to come.

  • Bulk: Arms – 35 minutes long. I felt this was just the right amount of time to work on the arms. They felt like someone had repeatedly punched them, when I woke the following morning. I think another 5 minutes would have turned them into mush. So – a good workout!
  • Bulk: Shoulders – 35 minutes long. Increasing the weight in these was a nightmare. But all of the pain means that I am working parts and muscles that haven’t been worked in a while. The differences between ‘build’ and ‘bulk’ become more apparent over time.
  • Bulk: Chest – at 30 minutes long, this is one of the shorter workouts, and that it is a good thing. The chest workout had me feeling soooo tired by the end of the first 12 minutes. It is one of the more demanding routines for me to do, but it pays off. This workout is all about strength, and the more you lift and the better you lift, the stronger you will get.
  • Beast: Total Body – It is 38 minutes long, but since you’re moving around so much, and are working different muscles groups, it actually seems shorter. To me it did, anyway. As the name suggests, this is a beastly routine that works you all over the place.
  • Beast: Cardio – 30 minutes. You’ll hate me for saying this, but I love cardio workouts. I really do. I am as biased as they come with cardio, even when the routine includes weights. Beast Cardio is not the most difficult I have done, but it is pretty tough. Again, a lot of it depends on the weight involved, and that is a very personal thing. T25 and Insanity vets should have no problem – thank you Shaun T!
  • Beast: Abs – 10 minutes. The shortest of the Beast routines, and I suppose this makes it easier. But it does not feel easy when you are down on that mat, feeling your stomach muscles protesting angrily. Because it is an intense 10 minutes, this DVD does have some rest between some moves, unlike other Beast workouts.

Body Beast Meal Plan, Diet, and Nutrition Guide Review

1One of the sad truths of fitness is that in order to build muscle, you need to be eating a fairly significant caloric surplus. There are no two ways about it – that’s just basic science for you. The Body Beast nutrition plan lays meal plans out for your accordingly based on whichever phase of the program you are in, so whether you’re trying to bulk, shred, or maintain, you’ll be good to go. Now, personally, I disregarded the nutrition aspect of the Body Beast program altogether. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend that everyone do the same, but I happen to have a fairly decent grasp on nutrition and dieting. I would suggest eating healthy and clean for the entirety of the program while making sure you get plenty of protein. If you follow those principles, you’ll be fine. However, if you’re really trying to bulk up, determine how many calories represents “maintenance” for you and consume 300-500 more calories on top of that daily. The muscle will come.

How Long Are Body Beast Workouts?

The length of the workouts, overall, feel appropriate. Unlike the P90X2 series, which has routines which usually last between an hour and an hour and a half (!), these are a lot more “affordable” by those who are on a tight time-budget. We don’t all have an hour and a half to put into our daily workout. Hell, most of us don’t even have a daily workout. Either way, getting back to the times – I feel they are mostly well done.

Some DVDs are longer than others, because you are working different groups with varying levels of intensity as you progress through the program. It also matters a great deal where you manage to fit in your workouts during your day. Are you tired? Wide awake? Late night? First thing in the morning? Again, a very personal choice, based on your own schedule. And as we know, man makes plans, and God laughs. Committing is what counts more than anything, even if there are times when you don’t manage to complete a full workout due to circumstances. The fact that you are mentally able to pull something off, and follow a schedule, is in itself a great thing.

Body Beast Supplements Review

4Working out has a lot to do with dieting – that much is clear. This is especially true if you are interested in building up bulk and gaining muscle mass. You need to provide your body with enough energy and nutrients to steadily build those muscles up. Because of that, there are dietary supplements available for those who are working the Body Beast program, as well as other Beachbody at-home solutions.

  • Energy & Endurance: A pre-workout formula which will get you ready for your Body Beast routine. It is not unlike other pre-workout solutions, so it isn’t too necessary. If you feel you need a pre-workout aid, you can go for this one or cheaper alternatives. It can help wake you up and work you up.
  • M.A.X Creatine: Creatine is one of the building blocks of muscle tissue, so it is a good supplement to have on hand. Once again, other ones are available, so do your research and see which one would be best for you. Beachbody is not the only option around.

    Fuel Shot: A straight-up energy drink, which can be drunk before, during, or after your workout. It helps to replenish certain elements which are lost after working out. Again, it is recommended, but Beachbody’s version is not the only one around. This one is actually a bit too expensive, in my opinion, so it might make sense to go with something else – I’m a ‘5-Hour Energy’ guy.

    Suma Root: The suma root supposedly has some benefits for those who are interested in working out and bulking up. It is said to increase levels of testosterone, and to help increase levels of endurance. Some may swear by it, but I saw no real difference when using it. Not necessary in my opinion, but feel free to give it a shot and see for yourself.

Conclusion

Like I’ve said, Beachbody’s Body Beast isn’t for everyone. For those who are interested in seeing what working out with weights will do for them, but don’t quite know where to start, it is a great series of DVDs. However, beginners and more advanced lifters alike will be able to benefit a great deal from this program. Does it do everything it claims it can in 90 days? It won’t for most people, that’s the honest truth, although results will vary. I feel that it would take a lot longer to get “beastly” results – even though noob gains are a very real thing – but they will come if you keep up with the program. 90 days is not a long time for muscle development, but committing and succeeding for 90 days can make a huge difference in your life. And after all, true strength doesn’t only reside in our muscles, right?

Thanks for reading our Body Beast feature! Check out some of our fitness tech reviews – like those covering the Polar Loop, Loop 2, Fitbit Alta, Blaze, and Surge here at EduMuch!

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