I am DONE with Focus T25! I know I say this about everything, but the 10 weeks just flew by! I can honestly say that I am proud of myself for (more or less) staying on schedule and incorporating some running into the mix.
Before I share my overall thoughts, here’s what week 5 of the Beta phase looked like for me:
Monday – Rip’t Circuit
Tuesday – 3.25 mile run (in the morning) + 2 mile power walk (in the evening)
Wednesday – Rip’t Circuit
Thursday – Speed 2.0
Friday – REST!
Saturday – 3.0 mile run with my sister
Sunday – REST!
Monday – Rip’t Circuit
*For a more detailed explanation of what each workout entails, please read my week one beta post.
This week was a little all over the place. My sleep schedule was completely off, we took a day trip on Friday, and the heaviest dumbbells at my parents’ house are 3 pounds. So I adapted. The run with my sister was killer – GA heat and humidity will do that to you! And because I want to say that I finished the program in its entirety, I completed my final T25 workout this Monday.
I’ve thought a lot about the program over the past week – what I liked, what I didn’t like, if I would recommend it to others. I even talked to Bijal (my cousin), Erin (my coworker), and Robin (my friend) about their experiences since they also did some of the program with me. And it’s funny because for the most part our thoughts align.
What I liked about Focus T25:
- I could do all the workouts from the comfort of my own home. And if you travel, this is an easy program to take with you. I was able to do the Alpha workouts in my tiny NYC hotel room.
- You don’t need a ton of equipment – just a mat and some dumbbells (for the Beta phase).
- You sweat A LOT! I loved knowing that in just 25 minutes I was getting a good solid workout.
- Shaun T is a great instructor – very motivating and fun.
- The modifier option is awesome. I loved how every workout came with a modifier and that it was the same person. Very helpful, especially in the beginning.
- It’s just 25 minutes…and they honestly fly by!
- I was able to incorporate some running into the weekly plan.
What I didn’t like about Focus T25:
- It’s A LOT of cardio. I love cardio as much as the next person, but I know for a fact that my body responds better to strength training, so that was little frustrating in the beginning.
- Not all the workouts are challenging. Don’t get me wrong – by no means was this an easy program. I just felt that some of the individual workouts were a little on the less strenuous side. If I’m only going to work out for 25 minutes, I want to work as hard as I can.
- Risk of injury is high if you aren’t super careful. Because I have a knee that acts up every now and then, I took it easy when needed. I know that Robin and Erin both experienced some leg pain when doing some of the moves, so it’s a very real possibility.
- This is probably more my issue than anything else, but I didn’t get the results people talked about on the Focus T25 forums. Of course, I didn’t follow the nutrition plan nor did I drink the Shakeology drinks. I ate the way I usually do (which is healthy for the most part) and started watching my portion sizes around week 3. I most definitely feel a lot stronger, especially in my quads and even my core, but the inches didn’t melt off the way they supposedly did for some people. Erin and Robin also felt the same way. Vishnu thinks it’s because we didn’t have a ton to lose in the first place. Regardless, not the most devastating thing but I definitely pictured my final results to be a tad bit different. Haha.
Would I recommend Focus T25 to others?
So here’s what I think. If you are someone who needs a structured plan to get you back on track in terms of exercise, this is a great program to help you do so. If you have substantial weight/inches to lose and are willing to put in a lot of hard work both in terms of exercise and eating, this may be for you.
If you are prone to injury and have had issues in the past, Focus T25 may not be for you. If you are already in decent shape and are looking for something to take your results to the next level, this may not be for you. If you don’t enjoy tons and tons of cardio, this is definitely not for you!
Would I do the whole 10 weeks again? Probably not. Did I enjoy it? For the most part, yes and am glad I tried it.
My final results:
I honestly didn’t weigh myself on a weekly basis but can say with 99.9% confidence that my weight remained the same. I still fluctuate in the same range I did pre-T25.
And I think I lost a total of 4 inches. I say think because my way of measuring is not an exact science. I tried to be as consistent as possible but I could be a little off here and there. Not too shabby I suppose.
If you have any questions regarding Focus T25 and/or my experience, please feel free to email me at any time!
And that is it…no more Focus T25 posts! If you’re interested in reading my weekly recaps, please find them below…
Alpha Week 1
Alpha Week 2
Alpha Week 3
Alpha Week 4
Alpha Week 5
Beta Week 1
Beta Week 2
Beta Week 3
Beta Week 4
Thank you so much for the recap, P. I’ve really enjoyed it and appreciate your honest opinion. At the start, I was keen to try it out but now, I think cardio is not somethng I’m keen on so might keep checking out weights workouts. Saying that, the concept and idea of doing it at home makes it appealing to have as an at home workout!
Thank you! And if cardio isn’t for you right now, I would avoid T25. A lot of the workouts have some good body weight moves, but I don’t think this a muscle building kind of program.
Yayy I’m so proud of you for completing T25- way to go! Your experience with the program reminds me of mine with Body for Life. Like you I didn’t see the results that the testimonials claim but again, I didn’t follow the diet aspect of it. Given my diet is pretty healthy overall, I still did expect some change. However I did love the structure of knowing exactly what workout I was doing each day. Is it to premature to ask what the next step is in terms of your workouts?
Thank you, K! And I plan on running (2-3 times a week) and strength training (3x a week). I loved the Best Body Bootcamp program and saved a lot of the workouts, so I plan to bust them out again.
Before you started your reviews, I was on the fence about P90X3 vs T25 – I do love cardio, but, like you, my body responds to strength training better than tons of cardio. I so appreciate your candid recap and recommendation – because of it and the fact that I run a good bit, I am gonna go ahead and put my order in for P90X3 as I need help and motivation in the strength dept more – thanks so much Parita!
Shashi @ runninsrilankan recently posted…Mystery Ingredient “Cheese” cake
You are a beast, my friend! Let me know how you like P90X3. I don’t think I’d last an entire workout! And I’m glad my reviews helped you decide. 🙂
Good for you sticking with it! That awesome you lost inches and not weight – that’s muscle. 🙂
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Yeah – I’m glad I lose inches and not pounds too! But these programs really sensationalize the results people get!
I love your recap. Sorry I haven’t posted my P90X recap yet, but I will for sure! I haven’t been consistent with it to be honest but now that I am done with traveling I’ll be able to commit myself better.
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Thanks, P! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on P90X. Good for you for staying focused!
Hi Parita,
Thanks for sharing your experience with T25. I definitely agree with a lot of your points. Working out from the comfort of your home, the modifier, 25 minutes and it’s done and the structured plan, really helps people who need that direction.
Lee
Lee recently posted…T25 Review
[…] approximately 39 days ago I received my order of P90X3! After following Parita @ My Inner Shakti’s journey through T25, I decided to change things up; to take a break from running and a gazillioneth […]
Would you recommend t25 for someone who is new to working out?
I would only because there is a person modifying all of the moves so it’s easy to follow her and work your way up. Good luck!