Shaun T's Focus T25
If you have ever heard of the Insanity Fitness program from Beachbody, then you've heard of Shaun T. He is the creator of Insanity and the Asylum, but he also has a relatively new program out that is a little less insane than his previous creations: Focus T25. If you're looking for an introduction to or want more of Shaun T T25 is the next fitness regime you should try.
In this video program, he asks you to focus for 25 minutes a day, five days a week, for 10 weeks. Two and a half months may seem like a long time, but compared to some of the other workout videos out there that want you committed for three months or longer, time will fly by. In the words of Shaun T T25 stands for time, and since it's only 25 minutes a day, you can fit in an intense workout at any time and get on with your day.
In this video program, he asks you to focus for 25 minutes a day, five days a week, for 10 weeks. Two and a half months may seem like a long time, but compared to some of the other workout videos out there that want you committed for three months or longer, time will fly by. In the words of Shaun T T25 stands for time, and since it's only 25 minutes a day, you can fit in an intense workout at any time and get on with your day.
There are two phases that make up the 10 weeks: the Alpha phase and the Beta phase. Alpha lasts for the first five weeks and builds up your strength, stamina, and speed with bodyweight exercises and cardio. Beta takes up the second five weeks of the program and builds on the base you created in Alpha by adding weights and making the cardio more intense. Beta also focuses more on building muscle than the previous phase or any of Shaun T's other programs.
During both phases, the workouts are mixed up between cardio, core, upper and lower body strength, and speed. Each routine has you working hard right up until the clock runs out, and after each is a short cool down which you will need to do and really makes the workout longer than 25 minutes. For Shaun T T25 is a no nonsense program that warms you up quickly and gets you sweating considerably in a short amount of time. There are no scheduled breaks during the videos, so if you need one, be sure to take it or follow along with Tania for the low-impact modifications of all the exercises.
One video remains the same throughout both phases, and that is the Stretch video. Stretching is very important for muscle recovery and fitness, but the video day itself isn't included in the "Five Days a Week" promise. You could skip it, but you could also end up with poorer results at the end of the program. While most days you stick with one workout a day, he does ask you to double up your videos on Fridays, which takes closer to an hour to complete, for maximum results. If you want to spread your videos out rather than do two in one day, you're looking at a program that has you exercising six to seven days a week rather than five.
There is a third phase, Gamma, which is sold separately and is additional four weeks. It adds even heavier weights for greater muscle building and more intense cardio. You should really only do Gamma if you've completed Alpha and Beta and are looking for even more of a challenge.
Of all the programs by Shaun T T25 is probably the best to start with if you're looking to lose weight or get in shape. It takes less time than most programs but promises the same results. It's not as daunting as some videos, so you're more likely to stick with it, and it offers low-impact modifications of all the exercises, which is something you won't really get anywhere else. If you order from Beachbody.com, Focus T25 can be your introduction to the rest of their videos and a fitter, healthier you.