Thursday, February 9, 2017

Core de Force Program Review

Hello from San Diego!!  As I mentioned in my post last week, I did the Core de Force Program in January. Here is my review of the program.


Overview:

Core de Force is a 30-day program of mixed-martial arts-inspired workouts (i.e. kick-boxing style workouts). There is no equipment required. The workouts can be grouped into 3 categories:  cardio, strength training, and core. The cardio and strength training workouts are typically broken down into 3 minute rounds with a 30 second period for recovery. For the cardio workouts, you will typically do a move for 1 minute, then a 30 second high-intensity x's 2.  For the strength training workouts, you will do 2-3 different moves during the 3 minute round. The core workouts tend to be done in 45 second to 1 minute increments.

Pros:
- No equipment needed. If you get the CDs, you just need access to a computer or DVD player. If you have the on demand membership (which I HIGHLY recommend), you just need access to a laptop or device such an iPad.
- There is a lot of variety to the program.  There are 4 different cardio workouts, 2 different strength training workouts, and 2 different core workouts.
- The workouts are fun!  If you have some aggression that you need to workout, this workout is perfect because you do lots of kicking and punching.
- The workouts are fairly low impact and there is a person that does modifications for each move of the workout. Sometimes I have to modify because my hip can't handle lots of jumping moves, and sometimes I have to modify because of my level of fitness. For example, I am a looooong ways from being able to do tricep push-ups, but the modification from the knees is still challenging!

Cons:
- In the latter half of the program, you combine cardio and core work every day so it can be a big time commitment. The longest cardio workout is about 45 minutes and the core programs are either 5 minutes or 15 minutes. So in the final weeks you might be working out for an hour which can be harder to fit in. Other beach body programs feature workouts that are 25-30 minutes so you might want to try one of those program is your time is limited.
- Some of the moves are a bit confusing. They do have a 'learn it and work it' segment that is separate from the workouts. They break down the moves during these segments, but you might feel awkward when doing the workouts as there is a lot of jumping and switching legs and such.  I learned to get over not feeling like I was doing it right.  You'll do the workouts over and over and there is a person doing modifications if you need to take it down a level. Just be prepared to feel like you are clumsy and have 2 left feet at times.

Again, I want to emphasis that I am merely sharing my experience with this program. They worked great for me so I figure maybe some of you will benefit from checking them out.  I get ZERO compensation from posting about them!  But if you want to check it out, I can put you in touch with my friend (who is super nice and won't pressure you into buying it!).  Plus they have a special deal right now where you can get on demand access for one year for $99!

Have you tried a beach body program or other online program?

9 comments:

Marlys said...

I have enjoyed watching your friend on facebook do her moves and seeing how her body it toning up! Amazing! Do you feel stronger since you have been doing this for awhile now? I am sure you must feel strengthening!

Erin said...

Great post! I want to eventually try Core de Force--but probably in the summer when an hour workout is more feasible for me. I also have the all access pass and I agree--highly recommend! As you know, I just finished a round of 21 Day Fix and I had amazing results. This is my rest/reorganize week (still eating well and working out but not doing an active program). On Monday I'm starting 21 Day fix Extreme. If it is too extreme I will go back to regular 21 Day Fix.

I also am not a coach, nor do I get any kind of kickback for bragging about BeachBody. I have just personally seen how these workouts and meal plans (portion containers) ) have made a difference in my life.

Leigh said...

I haven't tried this program but have done the 21 day fix ones and loved those. I'm still doing them occasionally..they are perfect as they are all under 30 minutes in length and require no weird equipment.

Stephany said...

I've never done this program, but it sounds awesome! My apartment is small and even though I can work out in my living room, so long as I push my coffee table out of the way, I just rarely do at-home workouts anymore! But if I were to do them, I'd definitely be interested in checking these out. They sound like a really tough workout!

Jeanie said...

Yikes! Y ou are so disciplined. But that's why you look like you do and I look like I do!

Kyria @ Travel Spot said...

I haven't tried this one but I have done a lot of Fitness Blender workouts on YouTube. They are free and anywhere from 15 mins to over an hour so you can fit in a workout no matter what! I enjoy them and do feel myself getting stronger when I do them. However, I am not very disciplined when it comes to indoor workouts. It's easy to start putting around the house, as I will see something that needs to be done as I am jumping up and down...or I will be laying on the floor to do a crunch and will see that the floor needs to be swept so then I can't help myself, I have to sweep it!

Lauren @ Sassy Molassy said...

All of the beach body programs seem like they are programmed to be really effective (from someone who is an outsider and just notices others who do/coach the programs). I have tried Insanity once when I borrowed a coworkers DVDs and it was amazing how quickly I was dripping sweat and how sore I was from a 20 min workout that didn't require any equipment! Nice work, Lisa!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Nope, I've never tried any program like this. That is a LOT of cardio. I prefer walking or dancing to most other types of cardio. I don't mind bike riding, but I definitely do not like jogging or running. I don't think I breathe properly to be able to run well. I burn out quickly, and go way too fast right off the bat. I think my body is made more for sprinting ...

Amber said...

That's awesome you liked the program so much! As you know I've done 21 Day Fix and really really enjoyed it. Right now I'm doing most of my at home workouts via Fitness Blender since they are so cost effective, but I may do another Beachbody workout in the future!