Body Beast

[TheGator]

Has anyone tried it? I got it and in my second week. Holy crap. If you want to see results fast, get it.

It is another 90 day program, from the same makers of P90x, but it is not Tony Horton.

Instead of overall fitness, this program focuses on building muscle fast.

I did P90X and got great results. This program is incredible if you want to bulk up. My muscles haven't felt this sore and tired in a long time.

Beast Up!!!

[LeafUF]

Dont know the details but I am sure it will make a lot of money for team beach body. They are very good at making money.

I certainly do not buy their claim that you can build up to 20 lbs of lean muscle in 90 days.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/body-beast-workout.do

[Dreamliner]

Doesn't anybody believe in sane workout approaches anymore ? I guess they don't sell very well.

[TheGator]

All I can say about Beach Body workouts is they are convenient because you can do them at home and without a personal trainer. If you follow the workouts and nutrition plan, they will work.

I am in the best shape of my life at 40. Never been a gym rat, but getting a great workout at home that is better than going to the gym is amazing.

[ClowntownGator]

I am in my last week of Body Beast right now!

In January I was 235lbs, and I did Power 90, followed by P90X and then a couple weeks of Insanity. I lost 60lbs, and now have put on about 10lbs of lean muscle with Body Beast. I've followed the nutrition plans very closely, and combined with Shakeology, have gotten great results.

The Beast trainer was down in Orlando two weeks ago for a Beachbody training I was at (I'm a Coach) and I got to spend some time with him, even got to have lunch with him and just four other people. Was very cool and the guy is an amazing person.

I'll post my Before and "During" at the end of the post. If anyone else is looking at Beachbody stuff, feel free to PM me. Would love to help! The products work phenomenally, as my picture will show.

[LeafUF]

Any program can work if you follow it well enough. That is why there are so many different opinions in the fitness industry. Doesn't mean they are the most optimal or the best value.

The beach body products are definitely convenient in that you can do that at home but I know more people that dont make it through the 90 day programs than those that complete it. I definitely dont think it is any more effective than other programs and its probably more expensive. I just picked up two programs from Jason Ferrugia for $10.

All that said if it works for you then keep it up, all that really matters in the end is finding what is best for yourself.

[ClowntownGator]

Very true about finding what works best for you. With coaching, I unfortunately deal with a lot of people of drop off after some time. It's unfortunate when someone is so pumped to start but can't stick with it.

One thing I do, and that Beachbody pushes, are Challenge Groups. Every month I add new people to my Challenge Group and they start programs together, feeding off each other for support to keep going. The success rate in this setting is very high, but again, the person has to have that desire to really change.

[Dreamliner]

The challenge concept is a mixed-bag. It does have a high success rate. It also has a high recidivism rate. Of course Beast Body is the new kid on the block. And I wish you guys success. But almost every week I meet people who "used to do P90X."

[TheGator]

I am in my last week of Body Beast right now!

In January I was 235lbs, and I did Power 90, followed by P90X and then a couple weeks of Insanity. I lost 60lbs, and now have put on about 10lbs of lean muscle with Body Beast. I've followed the nutrition plans very closely, and combined with Shakeology, have gotten great results.

The Beast trainer was down in Orlando two weeks ago for a Beachbody training I was at (I'm a Coach) and I got to spend some time with him, even got to have lunch with him and just four other people. Was very cool and the guy is an amazing person.

I'll post my Before and "During" at the end of the post. If anyone else is looking at Beachbody stuff, feel free to PM me. Would love to help! The products work phenomenally, as my picture will show.

Awesome. Love the pictures. I have pretty similar results. I was in decent shape before P90X. I did P90X twice. Now in my second week of Body Beast. I am absolutely ripped in my chest, arms and shoulders. I can now see veins that I didn't know existed.

My only complaint is I do not have the perfect six pack, because I have slacked off doing cardio when I hurt my foot. With football season, I could never get it right, and I tried to limit my activity to Friday Nights. Now with the season over, I am trying to avoid any cardio or leg workouts until it is healed. It is almost healed and can't wait to starting working out my legs and doing cardio. :yes:

[TheGator]

The challenge concept is a mixed-bag. It does have a high success rate. It also has a high recidivism rate. Of course Beast Body is the new kid on the block. And I wish you guys success. But almost every week I meet people who "used to do P90X."

I do believe P90X is much harder to follow because it is about 60-90mins 6 days a week. It is pretty brutal to keep up that pace. I think that is why so many people drop out.

With Body Beast, most of the workouts are about 30-50mins. Much easier to do and to follow.

[Dreamliner]

Why don't you guys post your workouts, or at least a sample workout ? Is it a bodypart split ? How many days a week ?

[TheGator]

Without uploading the DVD's, here is a Sample. There are some lame vids on youtube of watching guys do the workouts.

Also, here is a good review of each different workout.

http://dysfunctionalparrot.com/health-and-fitness/bodybeast1/

http://dysfunctionalparrot.com/health-and-fitness/bodybeast2/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE_dbHglISs

[TheGator]

Here is another good video of the workout samples.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb6nM326ZRs

[Dreamliner]

Thanks! I'll check it out.

[LeafUF]

Read the reviews and it seems like your typical bodybuilding type 12-week trainer altered a little bit to be done at home. There are plenty of programs like this that you could find for free online. Check here (http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/find-a-plan-muscle-building-2039-male.html).

They all do exercises, nutrition and supplementation. The only difference is that they are focused on gym goers as opposed to home workouts.

[Dreamliner]

If you just want to look good, be muscular, etc., I don't understand why it's necessary to take a novel approach, ex: jumping from slow-tempo pull-ups to some sort of plyometric movement. For starters, the everything AND the kitchen sink is not the best approach for hypertrophy. It actually works against it by establishing competing goals.

Please understand that I'm not attacking users of this product. It's just that the results the product promises can be had with a MUCH simpler approach. And I would say the same about P90X.

[TheGator]

If you just want to look good, be muscular, etc., I don't understand why it's necessary to take a novel approach, ex: jumping from slow-tempo pull-ups to some sort of plyometric movement. For starters, the everything AND the kitchen sink is not the best approach for hypertrophy. It actually works against it by establishing competing goals.

Please understand that I'm not attacking users of this product. It's just that the results the product promises can be had with a MUCH simpler approach. And I would say the same about P90X.



I hear ya. Everyone is different and has different motivations. To me, I really hate going to the gym. It is not like I hate working out. I actually love it. The problem for me is getting in the car, going to the gym. Waiting for someone to get out of the way near the free weights. Waiting for someone to get done with a machine. Also, wiping off someone's sweat off of the bench. I don't think I am a "germaphobe", but it gross to pick up a dumbbell with someone else sweat on it. Then driving home.

The only benefit going to the gym is seeing hot women. :laugh:

I gave up on going to the gym and started doing push ups, pull ups and situps at home. I hit a plateau and couldn't get passed it. I created a home gym at my house with just about anything I need. I just need a program.

For me, what the Beach Body workouts offer, is a specific routine that I can follow from the luxury of my home. I don't have the time to research and figure out a good routine for myself. I don't want to spend the money for a personal trainer to come to my house.

The next best thing is the Beach Body workouts. I do find them motivating and challenging. Some people complain about watching the videos over and over. While I can almost memorize what Horton will say next, I still enjoy following the routine and workout.

What I found lacking in P90X, is I wanted to build bulk. After I followed P90X twice, I created my own hybrid version to try to build bulk. Then I decided to try Body Beast. The video is addicting to me. I can't wait to do the workout the next day.

Honestly, I doubt I would work out as much and with the same intensity without the videos. They are entertaining and fun. When I watch other workout videos, I get bored and find them hard to follow.

Yes it is sickening what the Beach Body company is making off of guys like me. Honestly, I believe they are the best on the market. If you want to get in shape, the Insanity videos are great. If you want to get ripped with lean muscle and be all around fit, the P90X videos do it. Now the Body Beast videos are made to build muscle and bulk. Something for everyone.

Once I complete Body Beast, I might do it again, and/or build a hybrid of the best of the videos. The best thing is with a library, you can plug in any workout that you want to try that day.

I do see an window of opportunity for another company to create the same type of videos and make millions. I often think of it myself. You can only watch Tony Horton so many times, before you want something fresh. Even the same routines by someone else would be great, as long as it is entertaining and fun to watch.

[ClowntownGator]

Great post, TheGator. You summed up exactly how I feel about the gym vs working out at home, as well had having the guess work taken out of building a routine.

[Dreamliner]

I do quite understand the need for direction. My position is that nothing is more fun than getting results. :wink:

And since you guys are game to engage me (I appreciate that), what if I told you you could get the same results, in half the time (or less) doing half the exercises (or less) ? Would you still prefer the 'flow' and the 'pace' of Body Beast ?

If so, I have no argument with you and more power to you!

[TheGator]

I would listen and try, buy there is something about the videos that makes it addicting. If I am stuck by myself following a sheet of paper, would I work as hard?? Doubt it.

If I was you, get the cheapest version of Body Beast. Make one of the three payments. Follow the program for just one or two weeks. You can return it within 30 days and get your money back.

If you like it, you can keep it. :)

I would bet money you will feel differently about the vids. You may also pick up some new exercises for your own workout, even if you return it. ;)

[Dreamliner]

I would listen and try, buy there is something about the videos that makes it addicting. If I am stuck by myself following a sheet of paper, would I work as hard?? Doubt it.

If I was you, get the cheapest version of Body Beast. Make one of the three payments. Follow the program for just one or two weeks. You can return it within 30 days and get your money back.

If you like it, you can keep it. :)

I would bet money you will feel differently about the vids. You may also pick up some new exercises for your own workout, even if you return it. ;)

I understand. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And it's not that I dislike the video, or the program. Clearly it is getting results for people. It's just a burden I bear, being a fitness trainer. I tend to view programs as overly complicated. :wink:

[TheGator]

I understand. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. And it's not that I dislike the video, or the program. Clearly it is getting results for people. It's just a burden I bear, being a fitness trainer. I tend to view programs as overly complicated. :wink:

Ever thought about creating your own vids? Not sure you look as good as Tony Horton, but I do believe there is still a huge market out there. If anything, Beach Body created it and it is big enough for someone else. I think there are plenty of p90x grads looking for and desperately wanting the next best thing.

[Dreamliner]

Ever thought about creating your own vids? Not sure you look as good as Tony Horton, but I do believe there is still a huge market out there. If anything, Beach Body created it and it is big enough for someone else. I think there are plenty of p90x grads looking for and desperately wanting the next best thing.

Nope, I don't look like Tony Horton. I look more like a 56-year old long distance runner + 5 lbs. of muscle. So, I couldn't sell my body. :wink:

But you're right, there is a huge market for vids. My thing is that my approach does not actually center on workouts as much as sustainable solutions to being overweight and such. Typically, I have my clients doing no more than three exercises. So, it's hard to imagine needing a DVD for that. Based on my approach, it would be mostly me talking.

[mwilley]

I tend to agree. There is no secret to building muscle mass. It comes down to too simple principles. Eat a lot and lift a lot of heavy weights.

The magic number is 60-80 percent of your one rep max. This is usually around 6-10 reps to failure. This specifically recruits your type 2a and 2x muscle fibers and induces muscle hypertrophy through protein synthesis and myonuclear addition. It also induces a fiber type transition in which your existing 2x fibers become 2a fibers, leading to not only bigger, but more efficient muscles.

Of course if you work out enough, you might be wondering why Herschal Walker can do body weight excercise and get huge, and I do biweekly 400 pound deadlifts and see only slight gains? The obvious answer would be genetics, which in fact has been demonstrated. Some people are more prone to undergo satellite cell mediated myonuclear addition in response to resistant training then others. To my knowledge, the specific genes involved in this are still being deliniated.

At the end of the day, the best workout is the one you can do consistently. If the videos help you stay consistent, then go for it. But I guarantee Dillman is not doing any body beast work outs. They are doing heavy olympic lifts and eating lots of carbs and protein.

If your really interested:
Adams, Gregory and Bamman, Marcus. “The Characterization and Regulation of Mechanical Loading Induced Compensatory Muscle Hypertropy.” Comprehensive Physiology.

[TheGator]

At the end of the day, the best workout is the one you can do consistently. If the videos help you stay consistent, then go for it. But I guarantee Dillman is not doing any body beast work outs. They are doing heavy olympic lifts and eating lots of carbs and protein.


I would really love to see how Dillman plans the workouts. I am pretty sure the workouts are geared for each position. I think it is interesting some question how Body Beast and similar programs can advertise putting on 10-20lbs in 90 days, but look how much weight the players put on in the offseason. Much more than 20lbs in some cases. Assuming it is natural, I can't imagine the workouts are more intense than Body Beast. Although, they maybe working out twice a day and staying in the gym longer. However, they would still need rest at some point. The muscles would get fatigued.

[Dreamliner]

Here's a little secret: when you see even young athletes putting on 20-30 lbs. offseason ... a pretty good chunk of that is fat, even after accounting for juvenile muscle growth.

[LeafUF]

Here is part of an article from Lyle McDonald who can explain why 20 pounds in 90 days is ridiculous better than I can.


How Fast Can You Actually Gain Muscle Mass?

We live in an instant gratification society and are constantly bombarded with amazing claims; while this is probably most true in the world of weight loss, it’s not much different when it comes to muscle gain.

Magazines advertise 20 pounds or rock hard muscle in a mere 8-10 weeks, a supplement promises 5 lbs of muscle in 3 days or whatever; all around we see claims of rapid gains in muscle mass. Sadly, this is all basically bullshit. Yeah, with glycogen loading or creatine you can increase lean body mass (not the same as muscle mass) fairly rapidly but beyond that, skeletal muscle actually grows fairly slowly.

How slowly?

On average, a natural male doing everything right will be doing very well to gain 1/2 of pound muscle per week. A female might gain half that or about 1/2 pound muscle every 2 weeks.

Let’s put that in perspective: over a full year of training, assuming the trainee is doing everything right, that’s 26 pounds of the good stuff for men (13 pounds for women). Which, if you think about it, actually isn’t that awful. It’s simply awful compared to what people think they are going to get based on the false promises in the magazines (or the claims of drug using bodybuilders).

That assumes that half-pound is gained week-in, week-out for the entire year. Oddly, and somewhat tangentially, it usually doesn’t work that way. Trainees may go a long time with no measurable gains and then wake up several pounds heavier seemingly overnight. I have no idea why, that’s just how it usually works.

I’d note that, under the right conditions (usually underweight high school kids), much faster rates of gain are often seen or reported. But these tend to be exceptions to the rule more than the norm and since I’m usually writing for the average male trainee who’s not 15 years old with raging hormones, I don’t consider those values very illustrative. And, occasionally, when the stars are right, and everything clicks, a true one pound per week of muscle mass gain may be seen for short periods. But again, that tends to be the exception.

Let me reiterate: the average male trainee is doing well to gain about 1/2 pound muscle per week, 2 pounds per month or about 24-26 pounds per year. I’d note that that will generally only happen in the first year of training and things slow down after that. A female may be gaining about half that much, 1 pound per month of actual muscle tissue or 10-12 pounds per year. I know it sucks but that’s reality.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/muscle-gain/general-philosophies-of-muscle-mass-gain.html

[Dreamliner]

Add two things: (1) 1/2 pound a week is outstanding and (2) most will not be able to sustain that for more than a few months, let alone a year.

What adults don't get: 10 pounds of new muscle, provided that you remained lean, would make an INCREDIBLE difference in the way you look.

Think about it: those spectacular P90X 'after pics', they've probably actually gained little if any new muscle.

[TheGator]

Well here is the catch. Part of the Body Beast workouts is taking the Supplements. Protein, recovery drink, creatine, and a supplement called Super Suma.

To me, the Super Suma is the problem. Beach Body claims it is natural and says it comes from the Suma root. Interesting enough the NFL and NCAA have banned the substance because it has similar qualities as steroids.

I have not ordered it and refuse to, because I am not sure what to think of it.

There is where you might be getting the 20lbs of muscle claims that sounds insane.

[LeafUF]

If Suma was that effective and legal like it appears to be every gym rat would be talking about it. No supplement short of real anabolic steroids is going to have that big of an effect on the bodies ability to gain significant amounts of muscle in a small amount of time. The claims are insane and since there is no necessity to prove that claim to be true the program can use it. I am sure there are even some great before and after pics of guys making these claims. They are most likely faking the photos or on juice or both.

If you don't believe me check out the documentary bigger, stronger, faster or the youtube videos of Furious Pete.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M957dACQyfU

The claims are basically always a lie. Sure people can still get results and get a good workout from just about any program but the marketing in the industry is based on 90% or more deception.