When you start collecting Beachbody programs and mixing and matching your favorite workouts, that’s what we call a HYBRID PROGRAM. Before you create your own hybrid workout, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Keep your goals in mind. Sure, you may love cardio – but if your goal is to get ripped your efforts are misdirected. Include the appropriate programs that will help you achieve your goals. If you’re not sure what they are, ask your coach.
- Make sure your program has a complete mix of these three things: cardio, strength and flexibility. Think of fitness as a 3-legged stool and each fundamental practice being completely necessary for total-body conditioning. Beachbody programs are created with this in mind, so when you create a hybrid program you run the risk of leaving out one of the fundamentals.
- Alternate muscle groups to allow for recovery. If you are pushing your legs to the limit one day with a workout like Lower Fix Extreme, give them a couple days off before hitting it hard again. The next day, work cardio, flexibility or core.
- Include a rest day. Not only will a rest day allow your body to repair sore muscles, it is good for you to create balance in your own life. It’s not necessary to work out seven days a week.
This Hybrid Workout Scheduler is a great tool to use. Input the programs you’d like to work with, your time limits, goals, and it will deliver your very own hybrid workout. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include an option to input your own workouts (for me, running and other cardio machines) but I can tweak as necessary. These are a few of the hybrid programs it generated for me:
