BODI LAVA Phase 1: My Honest Review of the First Two Weeks
Welcome, everyone!
I’m diving deep into my Phase 1 experience with BODI LAVA, a new Beachbody program. As someone who regularly reviews and breaks down in-home fitness programs (often Beachbody’s), this one intrigued me due to its unique focus on mobility, flexibility, and bodyweight strength
Who Is This Program For?
After completing the first two weeks, I would definitely say this is not for beginners. If you struggle with flexibility, you’ll face some challenges. Additionally, this program is not ideal for anyone with shoulder injuries. With my own shoulder impingement, I’ve found that some of the movements aggravated the injury rather than alleviating it. **If you’re dealing with mobility limitations or injuries, this may not be the program for you.**
For those like me, who have spent years focusing on weightlifting and neglecting mobility and flexibility, BODI LAVA is a great way to regain what you’ve lost over time. I’m currently dealing with an ankle injury and a shoulder impingement, and I’m hoping to regain some of my former mobility through this program.
What Are The Workouts?
My Initial Expectations
Going into BODI LAVA, I wasn’t expecting any miraculous results. I hoped for some improvement in my mobility and flexibility. The program seemed like a great way to challenge myself with something completely different from my usual weightlifting routine. However, I didn’t have any specific goals or expectations for dramatic changes.
Week 1: A Reality Check
Day 1 was tough. After years of sitting at a desk and lifting weights without incorporating much flexibility work, I was reminded of just how tight and immobile I had become. It was a reality check, to say the least. I struggled with movements that I used to find easy, and it was clear that I had a long way to go.
However, the short workout duration (about 20 minutes) helped ease me into the program. Before I knew it, the workout was over, and I didn’t have much time to dwell on my struggles. The short format also made it easier to commit to waking up at 6 AM every day for the first five days, ensuring that I could complete the workout and start my day on the right foot.
The Importance of Mindset
The biggest takeaway from Week 1 is the importance of mindset. I had to shift my focus away from immediate results and instead look at the first week as an assessment period. This phase was all about data collection and awareness—learning what I was capable of, where I was tight or weak, and how I could improve over the next few weeks. If you approach BODI LAVA with the mindset that the first week is for assessment rather than instant results, you’ll find it much easier to stay motivated.
Week 2: Progress and Consistency
By Week 2, I was still being challenged by many of the same movements, but I had already started to feel a bit more mobile. This week felt like an extension of the first, but with slight progress. The exercises were often repetitive, which helped me practice and improve over time. While I didn’t see any physical changes (I wasn’t expecting any this early on), I did notice some mental and physical benefits—mainly increased awareness of my posture, mobility, and flexibility.
Get Started On Your Results
Calorie Burn and Physical Changes
Let’s be real—this isn’t a calorie-torching workout. I was burning around **110 to 130 calories per session**, so if your goal is fat loss or major physique changes, you’ll need to **focus on nutrition** as well. **BODI LAVA is more about improving mobility and flexibility than it is about losing weight or building muscle. If you’re looking for drastic physical transformations, you need to dial in your nutrition plan and possibly incorporate additional strength training.
The Importance of Equipment
Although the program markets itself as equipment-free, I quickly realized that yoga blocks are essential for getting into the proper positions and maximizing the effectiveness of the workouts. If you don’t have blocks, I highly recommend getting them. They make a huge difference, especially if you’re not very flexible.
Pros and Cons: My Honest Thoughts
Pros:
1. Increased Awareness: The program forces you to confront your mobility and flexibility limitations. If you’ve been neglecting this aspect of your fitness, Body LAVA will bring it front and center.
2. Short Duration: At just 20 minutes per day, this is a quick and manageable addition to your daily routine.
3. Easy to Follow: The exercises are relatively simple, and the repetition helps you get better over time.
4. Minimal Equipment: All you really need are some **yoga blocks and a mat**, making it an accessible program for anyone.
Cons:
1. Not Athletic-Based: Despite being marketed as an “athletic-based” program, I found that it was more of a **yoga fusion workout** than anything resembling athletic training.
2. Lower Body Focus: There’s very little upper-body work in this program. It’s primarily focused on lower-body flexibility and mobility.
3. Group Exercise Feel: This is more of a group exercise class than a true training program. If you’re looking for personalized, targeted training, this might not be the best fit.
4. Modifier Misstep: The program features a male modifier, but I feel like the role could have been more empowering. Instead, it perpetuates the stereotype of men needing modifications while women lead the charge.
Conclusion:
Conclusion: Is BODI LAVA Right for You?
If you’re looking to improve your **mobility, flexibility**, and want a program that’s quick and easy to follow, then Body LAVA might be a great fit for you. Just don’t expect drastic physique changes or intense calorie burns. This program is all about consistency and awareness.
In the end, the first two weeks have been a success for me—not in terms of physical transformation, but in terms of becoming more aware of my body’s limitations and what I need to work on. If you have any questions about the program or need help choosing a workout that’s right for you, reach out—I’m here to help you hit your fitness goals!
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Feel free to share your thoughts or ask any questions about BODI LAVA, and I’ll be happy to guide you on your fitness journey!
