• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • New? Start Here!

RunToTheFinish

Online Running Coach for All Paces, All Ages

  • Training
    • Beginner Half Marathon Training
    • Sub Two Half Marathon Training
    • Marathon Training
    • New Runner Tips
    • Low Heart Rate Training
    • Group Run Coaching
    • Nutrition for Runners
  • Running Injuries
  • Gear Reviews
  • Work Together
    • Virtual Run Club
    • 1-1 Coaching
    • Brand Partnerships
  • Courses
    • Book
    • IT Band Solution
    • LHR Training Plans
  • Blog

T25, P90X3, PiYo – Can it Improve Your Running? Complete Comparison

2909shares

I love watching the Beachbody Program infomercials while I’m on the treadmill. Is that really weird?

Yes? No…admit it. It’s weird, but we do weird things to survive long treadmill runs.

Well after the great article from Katie on maintaining muscle mass while marathon training, I decided it was time to get focused again on building some muscle. And since I have seen so many of these infomercials, I began to wonder:

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?!! How does one pick a Beachbody workout program…besides just looking at Shaun T’s abs, that is kind of a selling point, right?

Luckily I know some very fit ladies who have tested out each of these programs and were willing to break it down for us. This is not a sponsored post, just something I wanted to share.

QUICK TIP: Don’t feel like investing in tons of programs, maybe all you really need is to check out Beachbody on Demand.

You can stream all 700 workouts for the next 12 months for just $99. That’s way cheaper than buying individual programs.

 

What about some totally free options?
Checkout this post for free at home workouts, it’s filled with the folks that I follow for inspiration and a lot of the moves that I do which I believe best for runners.
beachbody programs

BEACHBODY PROGRAM COMPARISON

First up a quick chart to give you an easy comparison of the products and then a more detailed description. Be sure to click on the links to their blogs where you will find more details on results and workouts that they have done with the program.

Instructors or long time Beachbody coaches were asked to provide an overview of each program and a rating of intensity 1-10 with 10 being the hardest. Most agreed that you can vary the intensity by how hard you work.

Having done classes from Insanity, PiYo, T25 and P90X I would say that is generally true, but Insanity is still no frigging joke. That’s how I displaced my rib!! Perfect for those of you who like a killer workout.compare beachbody

What is the best Beachbody workout for beginners?

The answer is always going to depend on any injuries you’ve had or what kind of workouts you have (or maybe haven’t) been doing. I’ve coached a number of my runners who have the On Demand access and it’s ideal to me because you can play around with the programs to figure out what feels best.

I would recommend starting with PiYo. It’s going to help you get some great core work to build a foundation that prevents injury, start your strength and cardio.

What is the best Beachbody workout for weight loss?

Any workout with help you with weight loss if you’re following the principles of burning more calories than you consume. The right workout program will help you to build muscle and LOSE FAT, which is going to help you get the body you’re looking for over just chasing a number on the scale.

The best workout for weight loss is honestly the one you can commit to doing. People lose weight running, walking, doing yoga. So checkout the options to see what EXCITES you and then commit for a minimum of 30 days.

Checkout my running for weight loss guide if you want more tips that work.

80 Day Obsession

This is the newest program to come out, so I’ve just added it to this comparison, but haven’t updated the charts yet.

Based on the name you might have guessed this is an 80 intense program of 6 workouts per week and maybe most importantly, a specific nutrition plan to follow. It involves eating every 2-3 hours that is going to ensure you get focused on meal planning.

There are six workouts in each phase:  Leg Day, Butt Day, Total Body Core, Cardio Core, Cardio Flow and TRIPLE A (arms, abs and ass), with continually changing weights, reps and compound movements.80 day obsession calendar

Sorey Fitness provides a ton of information on meals and all the other FAQs you might have about this program.

Favorite move: Autumn Calabrese the creator of the program actually shares one of her favorite moves on Instagram, which is the hip hinge! It’s the correct way to do what we often call a deadlift to really engage the glutes.

Results: It seems on of the biggest result is not just from the workouts, but from people learning how to clean up their nutrition.before afterFrom Sorey Fitness

P90X3

P90X3 is a complete all over workout mixing cardio, strength, yoga and pilates with a strong core focus. For me as a runner it complimented my marathon training perfectly and was just what I needed as I came back from a long term injury.

The entire program plan can be completed in 3 months and is included with the set. Each workout includes modifications and strength workouts include methods for bands and dumbbells.

6 Resistance/Strength Workouts
3 Cardio
4 Core, Flexibility & Balance

Click here to find the full program >>

Favorite move: I loved the majority of the workouts but I think my favorite was Eccentric Lower and Ab Ripper. These spoke to me so much as an injured runner with a weak core and lazy glutes.

Results: Overall P90X3 transformed me by strengthening my core, engaging my glutes and increasing my strength. I am no longer in a constant cycle of repeat injury due to bad running form.
From Marathon Mom

T25

This fitness program is unique that it is an all inclusive workout that you do for only 25 minutes a day, 5 times a week! Shaun T experimented to design a program that delivers the same kind of results you’d expect from an hour-long program, in under 30 minutes. He’s pulled out the rest to give you everything you need, nothing you don’t.

Favorite move: My favorite workout DVD is Speed 2.0! Holy moly what a great workout! I get a better speed session in during these 25 minutes than I do doing running the track! No joke!

Results: Although I didn’t document my results with photos, I did find that my speed for RUNNING increased and my core strength increased. I was stronger, fitter, and healthier.
From Rachel Steffen (Running Rachel)

Ever wondered which Beachbody program is right for you? Checkout these results and comparisons Click To Tweet

BODY BEAST

Body Beast is a workout for anyone who wants to build lean muscle mass via weightlifting at home. There’s a mix of classic resistance training along with dynamic set training, including single sets, drop sets, force sets, progressive sets, etc. Body Beast works for anyone from a relative newcomer to lifting like myself to gym rats.

At a minimum you will need: a stability ball, adjustable weights, chin-up bar.

The program is scheduled to work a different muscle group each day. You want to strength train your ENTIRE body, therefore, follow the scheduled workouts.

Favorite move: seen on Dumbells and Diapers it’s a knee twist with a push up

Results:  In progress. I only have 3 & 8 lb dumbbells and a resistance band but you can see the definition developing in my chest, back, and arm muscles.
beast body

PIYO

PiYo delivers the muscle-sculpting, core-focused benefits of Pilates along with the flexibility and power of yoga. PiYo’s low-impact compound exercises engage multiple muscle groups at the same time – while keeping your body in constant motion.

It involves a lot of core training, strength moves and yoga/pilates, different sections of the workout are more/less intense for different people. {Amanda’s Note: This might be my favorite for many runners to use as cross training because of that core focus.}

Click here to find the full program >>

Favorite move: I love them all! But on the whole, I really love the Flow sections of PiYo — they’re the most traditional yoga parts of class, and I’m a yoga addict. The right angle/extended side angle with a bind is my personal favorite BUT it’s also something only advanced and experienced students should try.

Results: AMAZING. When I started teaching PiYo Strength, everything improved: my mood, my strength, my running (I PR’d at all my distances after starting PiYo).
From Instructor – Katy Widrick

Piyo

INSANITY

Insanity is a workout there you are using Max Interval Training and your own body weight to perform Agility, Plyometric, Endurance, Cardio,and Strength movements. I personally used this for awhile and in truth…with marathon training I overtaxed my body…so use it with the right mix of running and HIIT.

Compared to the traditional HIIT training workouts of the past, you flip the method and work within your Max realm of fitness for most of the workout with shorter bursts of recovery. Therefore, you’re being more efficient with your workouts, using your own body, and increasing fat metabolism as a result.

Workouts range from Tabata drills to longer intervals, strength to cardio exercises, but all using body weight.

Click here to find the full program >>

Favorite move: Iron Legs! (Lunge, Lunge, Squat, Jump up into a scissor jump and back down)

Results? I lost 15 lbs with the original Insanity and so far almost down 5 lbs and 4-5 inches with Max:30
From Instructor Katrina Elle 

Beachbody Program comparison

21 DAY FIX

21 Day Fix is an all-inclusive wellness program that incorporates at home workouts (all 30 minutes each) with portion control containers, meal and recipe ideas to foster a healthy diet over the long term.

Click here to find the full program >>

The workouts
Each 21 Day Fix workout is different – upper body, lower body, cardio, yoga, Pilates, abs. Modifications are shown throughout each workout, and I recommend this program to participants of all fitness levels because of this.

The eating plan
The 21 Day Fix uses portion control containers that participants use each day to ensure they are eating enough nutrients. The plan is roughly 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat. A simple equation helps participants determine the exact number of containers they need – how many vegetables, fruits, lean meats, essential fats, etc. – to ensure their success. There is no calorie counting – in other words, we can enjoy our food!21 day meal plan

Intensity of workout 1-10: 7-8, depending on your fitness level. Many of the workouts use weights or resistance bands, so beginners can feel comfortable choosing lighter weights and increase the amount as they become stronger and more acclimated to the program. Intensity level really can be determined by the participant.

Favorite move: I love the entire Plyo Fix workout. 30 minutes of intense plyo moves such as jump squats, burpees, tuck jumps, high knees. All done in 30-second increments with a 30-second break between each move.

Results: I lost 7 pounds and 6 inches the first time I did it. My husband lost 12 pounds and 7 inches.
From Tracey English

Have #Beachbody infomercials caught your attention? Great breakdown on @runtothefinish of each program Click To Tweet

Belatedly I realized that all the Chalene programs were missing from this overview! So if you have experience with any of those I’d love to hear about it. And yes I have actually picked one of them to test out, so look for that!

Which Beachbody Program is best for runners?

For those who are wondering can you possibly do one of these programs and run? The answer is yes…but with a lot of nuances to that answer.

  • How much cross training are you currently used to doing?
  • How much time do you have?
  • How ON POINT is your recovery program?
  • Are you focused on muscle building or endurance?
  • Are you already stressed and an intense workout program is only going to escalate that?

You need to know yourself first. After that, I actually like a bit of a rotation with the programs to get what you really need for good marathon cross training. Which is probably why the On Demand program is more ideal.

Example
Sunday – Long Run
Monday – Beachbody On Demand Yoga Studio Workout (EASY flow)
Tuesday – Speed Workout
Wednesday – Beast Mode Upper Body
Thursday – Easy Run
Friday – PiYo
Saturday – Easy run

How do you get free Beachbody workouts?

Try Beachbody On Demand risk free. It’s the best way to look around, play with some different styles and see if you’re going to stick with any of the programs.

Here are a few workouts you can try:

  • 21 Day Fix Real-Time Sample Workout
  • Barre Blend Sample Workout

Have you ever tried following one of these?

What were your results? Or biggest questions??

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinishrunning coach

Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs

 

2909shares

Posted by amanda Categories: cross training, Strength Training

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mary says

    April 20, 2017 at 4:57 pm

    I love ChaLean Extreme workouts! Someone is always doing modifications you can follow and you basically grow with the program. I started with 7 and 10 lb dumbbells, worked up to 10-12, then 12 and 15, and now I am up to 17.5. It’s low impact (while I love the intensity of Insanity, I’m 50+ and the jumping leaves my lower back sore) the combination moves work upper, lower and core, and I love the common sense advice she gives throughout the workout.

  2. Amy says

    May 17, 2017 at 11:53 am

    I’m super curious about your thoughts on whether you can do each of these programs AND run at the same time. I’m currently doing both (21DF Extreme + running) but considering changing my workout to P90X3 or T25. Did you ever post about that?

    • amanda says

      May 19, 2017 at 3:30 pm

      Hey Amy,
      I never posted about it, but I was doing T25 and running at one point, now I lift and run. I think it all depends on your goals. If you’re doing high intensity workouts then keep the runs easy or if you’re doing heavy weights it works to do shorter sprint intervals. Again depends on your running goal..for fun or for a race? If for a race, I’d try to get in at least 3 running days, 3 cross training, 1 rest.

  3. Joy says

    September 20, 2017 at 12:16 am

    Just wanted to mention that Plyo Fix is not a part of the 21 day fix program. I believe you are referring to the Core de Force program led by Joel and Jericho?

  4. Nancy Smith says

    November 8, 2017 at 5:18 am

    I eat popcorn every night with a pat of butter and a seltzer water. Is this a bad idea while doing one of these programs? I just have to have my snack at night.

  5. Stephanie says

    March 18, 2020 at 8:50 am

    I have done several Beachbody programs alongside running. My favorite is LIIFT4! I usually run Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. When I do a program like LIIFT4 or something similar, I usually do those workouts on Tuesday/Thursday. Only doing two workouts/week, it takes me longer to get through a program, but it always seems to be a good compliment to the running that I so enjoy.

Primary Sidebar

Filter by Category
  • Select a Category
  • 10 miler
  • 10K
  • 13.1 marathon series
  • 15K
  • 30 Day Challenge
  • 5k
  • About ME
  • Abs
  • Active Travel
  • alaska
  • Amanda Brooks
  • Arizona
  • Asics
  • Austin
  • Baltimore
  • barefoot running
  • beauty
  • Biking
  • birthday
  • bloggers
  • blogging tips
  • body fat
  • body image
  • body weight exercises
  • book reviews
  • Boston Marathon
  • breakfast
  • California
  • Camping
  • Canada
  • Caribbean
  • chicago
  • ChiRunning
  • Clean Eating
  • cold weather training
  • colorado
  • compression
  • Costa Rica
  • Crockpot
  • cross training
  • CrossFit
  • dairy free
  • dessert
  • egg free
  • electrolytes
  • emotional health
  • Europe
  • family
  • Fit Together
  • fitness gear
  • Fitness Tracker
  • fitness vacation
  • florida
  • foam roller
  • food sensitivity
  • Fort Lauderdale
  • France
  • Funny Running
  • Gift Guide
  • Gluten Free
  • GPS Watch
  • Green Smoothie
  • Guides and Tips
  • habits
  • Half Marathon
  • Hawaii
  • HBBC
  • health coach
  • healthy eating
  • Healthy Home
  • Healthy lifestyle
  • Heart Rate Training
  • HIIT workout
  • hiking
  • hiking
  • Hip Strength
  • Hoka One One
  • Holistic Health
  • Hormones
  • hydration
  • Iceland
  • injury
  • inspiration
  • instagram
  • Ireland
  • IT Band
  • IT Band Recovery
  • Jerusalem
  • key west
  • knee injury
  • Kona
  • Love
  • low heart rate training
  • Maffetone
  • main dish
  • Marathon
  • marathon training
  • marriage
  • meal planning
  • Meditation
  • Memphis
  • mental marathon training
  • Mexico
  • Miami
  • Motivation
  • New York City
  • New York City Marathon
  • New York City Marathon Training
  • NYC marathon
  • Oregon
  • Orlando
  • Palm Beach
  • Philadelphia Marathon
  • physical therapy
  • podcasts
  • Prague
  • Product Review
  • Race
  • race costume
  • race medal
  • race photo
  • race report
  • Ragnar
  • Recipe
  • recovery
  • recovery meal
  • relaxation
  • relay race
  • resolution run
  • review
  • Rock N Roll
  • run club
  • Runner's World
  • running accessories
  • running books
  • running coach
  • running form
  • running fuel
  • running gear
  • Running Group
  • running motivation
  • running music
  • Running Shoes
  • safety
  • salads
  • san diego
  • Saucony
  • Seattle
  • skin care
  • Soup
  • South Beach
  • South Carolina
  • South Florida
  • speed work
  • sports nutrition
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  • Steamboat Springs
  • Strength Training
  • stretching
  • sugar reduction
  • Thanksgiving
  • trail running
  • Training Group
  • training plan
  • travel
  • travel running
  • treadmill
  • treadmill workout
  • triathlon
  • ultrarunning
  • vegan
  • Vegas
  • vegatarian
  • vegetable
  • virtual run
  • wedding
  • weight loss
  • winter
  • women's running
  • workout
  • workout motivation
  • workout schedule
  • Yoga

5 Secrets to Improve Your RUn

Start Making Quick Progress on Your Goals (I swear it's easy) no matter your current fitness level. The tips I share with the runners I coach.

Recent Posts

  • Running at Night | Tips and Safety
  • Brooks vs Saucony Running Shoes
  • How to Truly Resolve Runners Knee by Fixing Knee Drift
  • Black Toenails and Lost Toenails from Running
  • A Training Guide for Your First 5K | Top 5 Questions Answered

Must Have Gear

Comparing GPS Watches

Best HR Monitor for Running

Best Foam Rollers

Best Running Books

Running Jackets for Every Condition

fitness partners

Please note that affiliate links {such as Amazon} may pop up on RTTF from time to time. They do not cost you anything to use, but are a huge help to support the ongoing content creation process. Click here to do your shopping!

Welcome!!

Hello runners! I’m Amanda Brooks, a certified personal trainer and running coach. I’ve been coaching over a decade and distance running since 2002. My philosophy is that running isn’t about your pace or the distance or your body. It’s about showing up for yourself, loving the process and doing it injury free!

 

online running coach

Footer

Get the Free 5 Day Better Runner Challenge

Start Making Quick Progress on Your Goals (I swear it's easy)

About Amanda Brooks

Amanda Brooks is a Certified Running Coach, Certified Personal Trainer and long time distance runner with a passion for every facet of running, which leads her to do more reading, research and running than necessary. Find all the tips, tricks and tools you need from this running coach for your best injury free running. Read More…

Popular Posts on RunToTheFinish

  • 17 Funniest Running Memes – Which One’s Do You Relate To?
  • Hoka Vs Brooks Running Shoes
  • Polar Vs Garmin | Comparing GPS Watches
  • Piriformis Syndrome Exercises: Alleviating a Pain in the Butt
  • Best Virtual Races and 11 Reasons You Need to Do One

runtothefinish

Amanda Brooks : Run Coach
GIVEAWAY- 3 WINNERS🥳🥳 Can we talk about runn GIVEAWAY- 3 WINNERS🥳🥳
Can we talk about runners and gut health for a second? And then you'll understand why I love @previnex so much.
//
DID YOU KNOW: There are 500 species and three pounds of bacteria in our gut! 😱😱It’s a living and breathing factory that:

🔵impacts your energy levels and can be reason for joint pain
🟣impacts your mood and focus
🟡can cause runners trots and nausea when micro biome is off
🔴can cause more food sensitivities and intolerances when not balanced with good bacteria
//
So yesssss your gut can make you a better runner when it’s working right and probiotics are a big helper.
//
PRIZES:
Each winner gets a 2 month supply of probiotics and fish oil, the two things I use DAILY and that you’ve emailed me saying “OMG this helped!!”
+
A copy of Run To The Finish on audiobook.
.
Your chance to try a SUPER HIGH QUALITY option and see the impacts. It’s beyond superior to what’s in most stores.
//
HOW TO ENTER:
1️⃣Like and save this photo
2️⃣Follow me and @previnex
3️⃣Tell me what you’re training for

Open to US only. Winners selected Apr 17.

#runningtips #runhappy #trailrunning #guthealthmatters #probiotic #runmehappy #runforlife
☀️MORNING OR ⭐️EVENING RUNNER? Which are y ☀️MORNING OR ⭐️EVENING RUNNER? Which are you?

🐦 early birds let’s hear, what time do you get up??? These times are often 🤯🤯
//
Most of the year I’m up by 5, which often leads to “when do you go to bed?!?!” 
Early 😂.
I’ve been prepping for AARP time since we moved to Miami and it was so dang hot. 

The habit stuck, so now I’m up early and lifting it not heading out immediately in the snow.
//
In my early 20s, I ran after work and then a lot over lunch...even in to marathon training.
👇
Now I have to psych myself up for evenings which is when most groups are!
WHAT ARE YOU AN EXPERT IN? Clearly I talk, read, w WHAT ARE YOU AN EXPERT IN? Clearly I talk, read, write and learn running non-stop. But I still have so many areas I’m working to improve, like trail running!
//
But today I wanna know about you??

🤓What could you easily give a 30 minute presentation on??

😱I’m prepared to be fascinated and learn once again I might need more hobbies.
//
An expert doesn’t mean you know it. ALL, but does mean you have significant experience and knowledge in a topic.
//
I could also talk about blogging 😂dealing with brands and pizza with confidence, but maybe not feel like an expert even with running this business for over a decade.
👇👇
All right, let’s hear it!! Don’t be shy, don’t play down your strengths, own it.
.
.
.
#strongwomenlifteachotherup #runtothefinish #communitylove #urbanrunner #runforgood #denver #streetart #runnerstyle #runnerlove #runnerlife
UPHILL RUNNING TIPS: One of the best ways to get s UPHILL RUNNING TIPS: One of the best ways to get stronger and faster with less injury risk is hill repeats.
.
BUT even picking routes with hills pays off. So a few tips to SAVE AND USE to get the most from them.
//
👁 Eyes: look ahead not down this will keep your chest up and you standing tall

💪Arm swing: swipe to see the upper cut motion that will propel you ⬆️

🦶Feet: take shorter faster steps and don’t run on the balls of your feet overtaxing the calves

🥵Effort: focus on maintaining the same effort not pace.

Mentally remind yourself of the great downhill coming for recovery! For every up there must be a down (lies I tell myself 😂while running).

👉👉How often do you incorporate hill repeats??
🛑STOP ROLLING YOUR IT BAND. You can’t lengthe 🛑STOP ROLLING YOUR IT BAND. You can’t lengthen it or loosen it that way.  So while it’s inflamed that’s like pushing in a bruise and asking it to heal.🙈
//
SAVE THIS! 📌

What to do instead:
1️⃣Roll the surrounding muscles, especially glutes, TFL, quads and calves. If they are tight they pull on your IT Band causing knee pain.

2️⃣Do glute and hip strength constantly- that is what will resolve it long term. Lots of videos here and in my 30 Day Core Program for Runners that will help.

3️⃣Use heat to relax the muscles, don’t use ice on your already right ITB. It will get tighter.

4️⃣Rest doesn’t fix ITB. Stop running through pain, but you have to do the above to actually fix it.

Have you ever dealt with ITB? Did you know not to roll it??

ITB issues are no fun and often feel like a never ending battle once it starts, but I promise these things will help.😁

PS - yes I pulled out an old video today and dang look at my hair!! Miss those long locks.
Follow on Instagram
Website written, managed and maintained by Amanda Brooks, a certified running coach and personal trainer. Any advice should be taken as general information and not a personalized plan. All opinions, tips and reviews are based upon her personal life experience and the experiences of those she has coached. View our full privacy and review policy.

Copyright © 2021 RunToTheFinish

Copyright © 2021 · RunToTheFinish V2 on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in