22 Minute Hard Corps Review and FAQ | Is Tony Horton's program right for you?
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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!
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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.
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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.
Check out 22 Minute Hard Corps.
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.
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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.
Check out 22 Minute Hard Corps.
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 workout six days per week.
How much space do I need for the workouts?
I would say about a 6×6 foot space would do.
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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
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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!
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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.
Learn how Shakeology can help fuel your body for Hard Corps.
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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