22
Minute Hard Corps Review and FAQ | Is Tony Horton’s program right for you?
By: Janell
Wilson
Do you
have questions about Beachbody’s new program, 22 Minute Hard Corps?
If so, I have answers! Here are common FAQs to help you decide if this is
the right program for YOU.
As always, I approach
this review from the perspective of a busy mom who has done many fitness
programs over the years. I’m not an expert, but I’ve tried many programs
and read a lot about fitness. I also come from the perspective of a
former obese person and someone with knee issues. So if you
can relate to any of these, read on!
What is 22 Minute Hard Corps?
22 Minute Hard Corps is a no-nonsense, 8-week boot camp style
workout program. It was created celebrity trainer Tony Horton, and has 8
total-body cardio, resistance, and core routines. This 22 minute
sweat-fest is designed to you in shape fast.
Who is it for?
22 Minute Hard Corps
might be a good choice if you:
- Are busy and don’t have a lot of time to spend at the
gym or working out
- Are a former member of the military and you want to get
back to the fitness level you had while in the service
- Want a basic, no-nonsense workout routine that gets
results without a lot of challenging choreography
- Like Tony Horton and his workouts, or want something
similar to T25 or Insanity Max:30
Will I lose weight doing Hard Corps?
This is a “YES, BUT”
answer. You will lose weight IF:
- Weight loss is your goal;
- You do all the workouts to the best of your ability;
- You follow the meal plan, which is designed for weight
loss.
Is this a good program for beginners?
I would say YES.
The program is intense, there is no doubt, so intermediate and advanced
exercisers will be challenged.
That said, there is a
modifier for all of the moves, who demonstrates the exercise while
removing some of the impact or range of motion.
If even the modifier
is working beyond your level, do what I often do – modify the modifier!
I started the program
yesterday and right now I am probably at the lowest level of fitness I have
been in years. (It’s due to injury, not laziness!) I have a few
back issues that are being treated at the moment and my knees are always bad,
but I was able to keep up with most of the program as is. I did modify
some of the moves so I was challenged but my body did not scream at me, lol.
Tony also points out
that if all else fails, you can march in place until you’re ready to resume.
Can I do 22 Minute Hard Corps if I am obese?
Everyone’s situation
is different, so I’ll only speak from my own experience as a former obese
person. When I weighed over 200 pounds any kind of jumping or impact was
uncomfortable because everything bounced around! So I would have
definitely modified to take out the impact. Just like I am doing now, at
a normal weight.
I would say if you are
in decent shape, or you are prepared to modify, then go for it. As
always, you should check with your doctor… you know, the usual precautions.
Can I do 22 Minute Hard Corps if I have bad
knees?
Just like the obesity
question, this depends on YOU and your unique situation. I have bad knees
and I was able to get through the workouts so far by modifying the impact.
Bottom line, I don’t jump.
For instance, instead
of doing the jumping jacks (knee impact!) I did a sort of side lunge move.
Keep in mind, I was going as hard as I could with my modified move.
So the intensity was there, without the impact.
I also do a wider
burpee (Chalene Johnson calls them sumo burpees) which is easier on my knees
than the traditional burpee.
So it all depends on
you. Be smart and listen to your body. You can take a peek at this
little 2 minute video that will give you an idea of some of the
exercises… Hard Corps Sneak Peek
Video
What equipment do I need?
For some of the
workouts you will need a pull-up bar or resistance band with door
attachment. You will also need either the PT Sandbags (included with the
deluxe kit and Challenge Pack) or dumbbells. I also use a jump mat to
lessen the impact of plyo exercises, but it’s not necessary.
What’s this about a sandbag?
The sandbag is used in
some of the workouts to challenge your stability. This forces your core
to work harder which means more strength and more calories burned! If you
don’t have the sandbag, you can substitute weights.
Who is the trainer?
Tony Horton designed this
program and he will be your personal drill sergeant. You probably
know him from P90, P90X, P90x2, P90x3 and 10 Minute Trainer. Over the
years he has toured military bases all over the world and worked with troops,
training them to reach their peak physical fitness. Now he brings that
military-style training to you and me.
Tell me about the cast.
Hard Corps is unique
because the cast members are veterans from all branches of the armed
forces. You’ll work out with Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines servicemen
and women. It really gives you a feeling of being a part of a team of
people who won’t let you down.
I found this to be
really inspiring. It reminds me to be grateful for the service these
brave men and women have given to our country.
What makes 22 Minute Hard Corps effective?
This workout is
effective because you have eight short but intense workouts and you exercise
six days per week. The workouts blend cardio plus resistance training so
your body doesn’t adapt. You are working multiple muscle groups at all
times to burn more calories build strength.
Is 22 minutes really long enough to get
results??
This is another
“YES, BUT…” kind of answer. 22 minutes is enough IF you go all
out. The workouts are intense and you don’t necessarily have to keep up
with Tony and the gang, but you do need to work to the best of your ability.
And, because the
workouts are short, you really need to focus on the nutrition side of things as
well. If you are eating Girl Scout Cookies and Big Macs then likely you
won’t get shredded in eight weeks.
So, 22 minutes is
enough if you work hard and get the nutrition right.
How long is the program?
Eight weeks and you
work out six days per week.
How much space do I need for the workouts?
I would say about a
6×6 foot space would do.
Can I stream the workouts?
Yes! If you purchase
22 Minute Hard Corps and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll have access to Beachbody On
Demand. Then you can stream this program, and hundreds of other Beachbody
workouts via any desktop, laptop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you
have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” in
Beachbody On Demand to access 22 Minute Hard Corps.
If you purchase a
Challenge Pack you will automatically get a 30 free trial of the Club
membership, or you can get one HERE. Note: you have to purchase the program for you to
stream it On Demand.
What is included in the base kit?
- 8 no-nonsense workouts on 2 DVDs
- Quick Start Mission Guide
- Basic Training Action Plan (this is your workout calendar)
- Rations for Results Nutrition Field Guide (simple meal
plan to maximize your results)
- Hell Week Challenge Card (two-a-day workout week to
push your limits!)
- Cold Start Pre-Workout Drill
- Exclusive “Battle Buddy” DVD workout if you purchase
from me – or another Beachbody Coach
The base kit is only
39.90. I couldn’t
believe when I saw the price! This is one of the most economical
Beachbody programs I have ever seen.
What is included in the deluxe kit?
Everything in the Base
Kit, plus:
- Beachbody PT Sandbag
- 3 advanced 22 minute workouts
- 7 color-coded portion-control containers
- Shakeology Shaker cup
The deluxe kit is
$79.80
What is included in the Shakeology Challenge
Pack?
I recommend this kit
for best results, because you have the nutrition component covered with
Shakeology. It’s not a protein shake (though there is protein in
it). It is a whole-foods-based superfood nutrition shake to ensure you
get all the nutrients that your body needs to perform at its best, and to
recover quickly from workouts.
The Shakeology
Challenge Pack includes:
- 22 Minute Hard Corps Base Kit
- PT Sandbag
- 30 day supply (30 meals) of Shakeology
- 30 day trial Team Beachbody Club membership (for
streaming Hard Corps and hundreds of other Beachbody workouts, amazing
meal planner, and much more)
- Super discounted shipping
The challenge pack is
on special now and is only $140. That’s like purchasing Shakeology and
getting the entire Hard Corps program plus sandbag for only $10!
What is included in the Performance Challenge
Pack?
The Performance
Challenge Pack includes:
- Hammer & Chisel Base Kit
- 30 day supply of Beachbody Performance Energize
(pre-workout)
- 30 day supply of Beachbody Performance Recover
(post-workout)
- 30 day trial Team Beachbody Club membership (for
streaming Hammer & Chisel and hundreds of other Beachbody workouts,
amazing meal planner, and much more)
- Super discounted shipping
Here is a quick little video to see what it’s
all about…
Tell me about the 22
Minute Hard Corps meal plan.
The Rations
for Results Nutrition Field Guide is built around making proper food
choices in the proper portions for YOUR goals. You can use this in
conjunction with the 21 Day Fix color-coded containers, LINK, but it’s not
necessary.
It is almost identical
to the 21 Day Fix eating plan. The only differences I can see at first
glance are:
- One extra teaspoon of healthy fats
- A suggested meal planning template for 3 meals and 2
snacks each day
- Different recipes
Hell week Challenge. Say what?
The Hell Week
Challenge is a one week optional challenge after you complete all eight weeks
of the program. You’ll essentially be doing two workouts per day.
Do I need to drink Shakeology?
No one is going to
come to your house and force you to drink a nutrition shake, but it is a part
of the program. Drinking Shakeology for breakfast or lunch makes a
no-brainer meal, and ensures you are getting optimum nutrition.
What do I get if I complete the program?
When you finish the
program you will have the confidence and pride that comes for a job well done!
Plus a stronger, more toned and lean body.
You’ll also receive a
super cool Challenge Coin. Apparently when you visit military bases there
are special coins representing the base and coins for high-ranking
officials. Now there is a 22 Minute Hard Corps coin which can only be
earned. Details are in your program materials.
What if I am unhappy with the program?
Beachbody has an
amazing 30 day money back guarantee. It’s a win-win for you. Either
you get great results, or you return the program, no questions asked.
Hopefully this review
answered many of your questions about 22 Minute Hard Corps. I’ll be
adding more thoughts of my own as I go through the program. Happy
exercising!
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