Ah, the common question: Can you really achieve physique changing results with just 20-30 minute workouts? I mean, it sounds too good to be true, right? Hot programs like T25 and 22 Minute Hard Corps… Yeah, they seem fun and convenient, but do they REALLY offer great results?
The truth is, yes. And I tell you because for the past 3 years, I’ve done nothing BUT short, 30-minute or less workouts, and I feel I’m in the best shape of my life. In fact, when I occasionally participate in a 40 or 50 minute class, I can tell how used to short workouts I really am… because I truly BRING IT (and by “it” I mean the energy) in the first portion of the workout.
So why is it that short workouts lead to long-term results? Here are our thoughts as to why:
- The shorter, more convenient workout is the one you’ll do. In other words, committing to a program where you only have to squeeze in 22 minutes per day of exercise will lead to greater results than committing to a program with 40-60 minute workouts per day that you won’t do. If convenience matters to you, and if you live a crazy busy life like the rest of us, doing a short workout CONSISTENTLY will lead to great results.
- Because these workouts are shorter, the intensity is greater. Meaning you work harder in a shorter amount of time. Trust me, you still get quite sweaty, even in a short burst workout.
- The nutrition is 80% of the equation anyway. The idea behind our newer programs is to focus moreso on your nutrition than you do your workout, but make sure to move daily. 22 minutes per day, then, is most definitely enough.
- We trust that our trainers know what they’re doing. Beachbody runs full test groups (full of real people) to ensure the programs deliver results. Thus, these programs wouldn’t exist if they DIDN’T offer stellar results.
- It’s often the combination and overall strategy of a workout program that leads to results, as opposed to the length of each workout. While all of our programs differ in style and workout movements, the program calendar (i.e., what you do each day) varies per program. For example, in 22 Minute Hard Corps, you alternate between cardio and resistance training each day. With 21 Day Fix, you work a different muscle group of the body each day. It’s this dynamic of how the workouts work together that leads to the amazing results.
The truth is, exercise science is always evolving, so it’s normal to have these types of questions. We can assure you that shorter, high intensity workouts are proven to get your body guessing, thus breaking its plateau, just as well as long, drawn-out sessions at the gym.
If you’ve been eyeballing T25, or one of the programs mentioned above, let’s chat! Getting you enlisted in workouts you can do, along with Shakeology for a daily nutritional win, as well as the support of our amazing Facebook-based accountability groups, will set you up for success.
Yours in Health & Fitness,
Jenny L. Swisher
Founder, Body Electric