Beachbody BODI Lava Phase 1 Complete

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!

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!

Breakdown of Beachbody BODi Lava

Elise Joan

BODi LAVA Trainer

Elise Joan, the trainer behind BODi LAVA, Barre Blend, The FLOW in Fire & Flow, as well as a trainer in 3 Day Yoga Retreat.
Elise has worked with many fitness companies, instructed at major health clubs, worked with professional athletes, UFC fighters, Hiesman Trophy Winners and NCAA D1 college athletic teams.
Elise integrates her yoga background with holistic health principles with athletic movement. Blending traditional yoga with athletic, functional movements, emphasizing strength, flexibility, mindful movement, breath control, and building a strong, body for a balanced workout.

BODI LAVA BREAKDOWN

What to Expect 

What to Expect in the Program

In the BODi LAVA program,

  • 20-minute workouts,
  • 5 days a week,
  • 6 weeks long
  • Equipment: mat & yoga blocks

Program Based on:
Fusion of power yoga, primal[some animal flow] movements, and bodyweight strength training

What is BODi LAVA Based On

BODi LAVA is built on the principles of combining yoga with primal movements. This fusion aims to enhance core strength, flexibility, and agility. The program provides a comprehensive workout that targets multiple aspects of fitness, promoting overall physical well-being and functional strength.

Who is BODi LAVA For?
Intermediate to advanced
NOT A BEGINNER

What Are The Workouts?

BODi LAVA Workouts

The program includes a variety of workouts to keep you engaged and challenged:

  • Yoga Hybrid: Combines traditional yoga poses with dynamic movements.
  • Core Control: Focuses on building a strong and stable core.
  • HIIT: High-Intensity Interval Training to boost cardiovascular fitness.
  • Endurance: Enhances stamina and overall endurance.
  • Compound: Utilizes compound movements to work multiple muscle groups.
  • Primal Hybrid: Incorporates primal movement patterns for functional strength.
  • Agility: Improves speed, coordination, and agility.
  • Isometrics: Focuses on static holds to build muscle strength.
  • Metabolic Burn: Aims to boost metabolism through intense workouts.
  • Athletic Offroad: Mimics outdoor athletic movements for a varied workout.

In addition to the main workouts, the program includes 15 bonus sessions:

  • 5 Pre-Burn: Warm-up sessions to prepare your body for the workout.
  • 6 Bonus Burn: Additional workouts for extra challenge.
  • 4 Post-Burn: Cool-down sessions to aid in recovery.

Get Started On Your Results

The Benefits, Results, Nutrition & Supplements

BODi LAVA offers numerous benefits:
Improved strength
Balance
Flexibility
Endurance.

The program is designed to enhance performance in other fitness activities and sports.

Additionally, the integration of breathwork and mindset practices contributes to better mental health, helping you to stay focused and motivated.

The program also provides guidance on nutrition & supplements depending on your goals and expectations to support your fitness journey and maximize results.

Shakeology Fatigue

SHAKEOLOGY FATIGUE

8 Weeks ago, I started back. I had no expectations, no idea how I would feel about it, an open mind – I was focused on a plan, in a system, Goal: do what is required.
This what I learned:

Here is why I previously quit drinking the “super” shake Shakeology.  

Yes, I did quit drinking it for more than a year, probably close to 2 years.

Before this goes any further this is not some bait and switch headline. I did quit with a tornado if feelings and fatigue, only to have started using it again as of 2 months ago – Let me explain.

As always, I am going to be BRUTUALLY upfront and honest. I am aware that writing this, my words can be taken apart, out of context and used not for its purpose or my good will intentions. But who am I not to live in risk. lol

I Quit Because of Fatigue

I call it Shakeology Fatigue Syndrome. I used Shakeology for many years, 365 days a year, I feel with that level of usage I can call it just that.
In no particular order this was my fatigue:

  • Taste fatigue: I have been drinking it for year and was just tired of the taste. The more you add to the shake to make it taste different the more it is no longer Shakeology. The same flavors day in, day out, had me craving a change. Altering the shake too much, I felt, stripped away its essence.
  • Usage Fatigue: I was tired of using it as a snack, 160 calories were not enough for a meal, and I did not like using it with other food to complete a meal.
  • Marketing Fatigue: I was tired of seeing shaker cups, of drink this, it’s a must, it’s the solution to your health. I grew to have promotional pains that I can only describe as the incessant marketing chants and “must-drink” mantras grew tiresome.
  • Work Fatigue: I was tired of it being the main part of most offers that Beachbody/Body would put together with fitness programs and nutrition plans. It got to a point where customers, coaches/partners, and potential customers felt if they did not purchase it they could not be in my community or work with me. Which was UNTRUE. I was tired of hearing “it did not work for me” I felt the expectations  and the gap between of what it is and does were too big.
  • Cupboard Fatigue: I will be the ONLY person to admit this. My personal stash had ballooned to over 10 boxes, leading to a Shakeology surplus in my pantry. I was at the point that I was donating them to my local firehouse because I was tired of seeing them stacked up in my and other coaches cupboards. Shakeology hoarding!
  • Customer/Team Fatigue: I was exhausted talking about it, asking if they were on it, building their business with it at the same time being met with resistance from their fatigue. It turned into a what I would call a community conundrum, self-imposed of course, but continually integrating it into discussions with my team and community felt like a chore when faced with collective fatigue. I was not alone.
  • Corporate Marketing Fatigue: The hard presses exhausted me. “Eat more dessert” made me stressed and angry. Cute sayings to disguise what is healthy is not who I am, I could not get behind that slogan and it fatigued me to find new ways to market the superfood. IT’S A SHAKE not an ingredient, its in the name. The thought of putting shakes into pudding, cupcakes, cookies, pancakes etc. exhausted me.

 

I did not quit because of cost fatigue. Other than at the cost of what I mentioned above. Anything I have ever felt contributed to my health, was simple, convenient, and helped with my health, performance or well-being is never a “cost” issue to me. I value being healthy before “things.” I think we can all agree if you value something you pay for it. Starbucks would not exist if not. I mean who pays those drink prices for coffee? Those that value the feeling, experience, taste, and brand. – I believe in investing in my health. It’s about value, which is subjective, much like those willing to splurge on a premium Starbucks experience.

But where there is fatigue their ability to find energy easier. I with my extra boxes in my cupboard decided I would begin to drink it again, on MY terms. Not how was remarketed as a dessert, or only 5 days a week, or a meal replacement but as a performance/health enhancer for my post workouts. I added it to the protein shake I needed after my workout.

The protein I was drinking [Dolce Whey has 20g protein] I add Shakeology to for an extra 16g of protein [36 g total] that also added 17g grams of carbs [replacement glycogen, muscle repair and energy] and 7g of sugar for energy and helpful absorption. That’s the basics. Add in all the other Shakeology stuff, digestive enzymes, phytonutrients, super foods and more that made my post workout shake bullet proof for me.

What it also did for me rid me of my Shakeology Fatigue Syndrome. It helped me find a place for it to work for me. To fit into my life, needs and health on my terms, not a forced or marketed way.

I am not going to sit here and tell you Shakeology has changed my life, everyone needs it, you should be drinking it and if you don’t you have no chance of being healthy or working with me when it comes to your health journey. That’s not me, never has and never will be.

But I will say a few things.

  1. If you are an ex- user. I have empathy. If you once drank and stopped using Shakeology, I feel you, I get it. Your reasons are valid as were mine. This is coming from the guy that has been involved with the company for over 20 years.
  2. Shakeology is not “IT” – IT IS “One Ingredient Among Many” Health is a complex recipe, your recipe is unique and requires personalization. Shakeology can be just one potential ingredient. Health is a recipe, recipes are made of ingredients, those ingredients make meals you enjoy. Some people like more of a certain ingredient then other ingredients or not like certain ingredients in their meals.
  3. I do believe Shakeology is loaded with opportunity for anyone. Using it is about finding how it fits into your recipe not how you have to make a recipe using it.
  4. Shakeology challenges “result” expectations. To use it effectively realistic expectations must be in place. This isn’t a quick-fix solution but of an invisible solution; that reveals its value in consistent use over time. Shakeology is not the type of supplement like caffeine, you don’t feel the “surge” but it adds to your health over time. Nor is it the reason you lose weight, gain muscle or fuels you with monstrous energy. Its consistent use is why you are can become healthier. Being healthy is dynamic. As you become healthier the things I mentioned begin to happen.
    If you have not drank
  5. Enjoying the taste once again. Comes from being absent, but also from changing my taste buds from eating healthier over the last 8 weeks. There are many things that I did not eat before that I enjoy the taste now. Eat like crap, healthier food is going to taste like crap. Adding in looking forward to my after workout shake for results. Refueling became something I looked forward to, cold high protein peanut butter, banana taste that had me pumped and rested after a workout. Experiencing those visual aspects heightened the anticipation and {re}enhanced the flavors I grew to dislike.
  6. If you have not drank Shakeology or did drink and stopped, you might be fatigued or just hate it. You might also be in a place that reframing and using it in a way that fits your health path is all you need to do. Whether you’re tired of it or despise it, there’s room for reconsideration and adaptation. Reading this is an open invitation to reconsider or consider.
  7. I don’t want to hear a word about cost, everything costs something. It’s up to you to determine value. I will say this about health in general. Its costs just as much to be unhealthy as it does to be healthy. To be healthy, you are going to have to shift your spending, off, sugar, processed foods, pizza, alcohol, weed, buying things that depreciate in value, cool things you don’t need- can we agree you NEED your health? No one wants me to look at their credit or debit card statements lol. To be healthier, you have to be willing to reduce spending on unhealthy things to have it available to spend on your health.

I take a bunch of supplements, some might call me a supplement enthusiast for various reasons: performance, muscle gain, gut health, longevity, vitality, Shakeology is just one I use personally and to pair up with those it’s a good fit in their current health quest. Possibly it fits as a component in your health plan.

Please ask away any questions, If I can help you in your health, suggest, advise, get in you in a program, plan or system that helps you progress your health while not feeling overwhelmed or stressed or help you find how and where Shakeology can be an ingredient, not the solution, in your health then ask away.

I can say I am no longer fatigued. The returned energy is not from corporate agendas, marketing, slogans, or pricing. It was a process, on my own timeline, and my own experiences.

Drink it, or don’t – that choice is yours. Nor does it matter how you use it. I strongly suggest you use it in a way that positive, helpful and successful for you.  My mission is to inspire a healthier lifestyle because silence in the face of struggle is no longer acceptable.

Just get healthier I am tired of watching people I care about, and strangers suffer in silence with their health.

Thoughts anyone? Let’s talk about it all, Let’s initiate a dialogue which means you can agree and disagree with me in return I ask for the same respect given to me. We both might help, inspire or motivate each other and those reading/watching with their health.

THINK Bigger

EAT Better

MOVE More

Breakdown of ShaunT’s “Dig Deeper” on BODi

Breakdown of ShaunT's new 12 week Beachbody/BODi in-home fitness physique program "Dig Deeper"

Dig Deeper is an innovative 12-week fitness program designed to transform your physical fitness through well-structured phases and diverse workout routines. It encompasses a total of three phases, each lasting four weeks, and is tailored to those who are serious about reshaping their physique and enhancing their strength.

Program Structure

  • Duration: 12 weeks, divided into 3 phases of 4 weeks each.
  • Workout Schedule: 6 days a week, with each session lasting between 30 to 50 minutes.
  • Routine: Includes 5 days of weightlifting and 1 optional day of low-impact cardio.
  • Equipment Needed: A range of dumbbells (light, medium, heavy) and a workout bench.

What to Expect

  • Workout Types:
    • LIFTING: Dumbbells
    • Bro Splits focusing on Upper Body, Lower Body, Total Body, Chest and Back, Legs, Abs, and Glutes.
  • SETs and REPs:
    • Primarily 3 sets, but varies from 1 to 7 sets.
    • Reps range from a high of 20 to a low of 6.
  • Intensity and Effort:
    • Varied intensity, reps, sets, rest periods, and speed of exercises.
    • Emphasis on personal accountability to achieve goals.

Added Insights

  • Results:
    • Significant volume in lifting ensures muscle and strength gains.
    • Results are contingent on your own personal Intensity,Volume, Speed and Effort.
      Fror Reference:
      Intensity: Intensity refers to how hard the body is working during physical activity. This can be measured in various ways depending on the type of exercise. 
      Volume (Reps, Sets, Weight): Volume refers to the total amount of work done in a training session or over a period of time. In weight training, this is typically quantified by the number of repetitions (reps) and sets of each exercise, as well as the weight lifted. 
      Speed: Speed usually refers to the rate at which an exercise is performed.
      Effort: is a more subjective measure and refers to how hard an individual feels they are working during an exercise.
  • 4 Different Calendars:
    • Potentially offers 4 unique programs? I cannot confirm yet
  • Weight Selection:
    • Aim for challenging weights; the first set should leave two reps in the tank, and by the last set, you should be at your limit. Do not have a mindset of lift too much or always up your weight. 
  • Nutrition plan will drive your results

Phase Breakdowns

  1. Phase 1: Endurance and Hypertrophy (GIANT SETS)
    • Shaun, his coach and a cast member.
    • Focus on time under tension with 2 circuits of 5-6 exercises, repeated for 3 sets.
    • Descending ladders (20, 16, 12 reps), with the last exercise focusing on abs.
  1. Phase 2: Sculpt and Define (Super and Triple Sets)
    • Shaun and his coach.
    • Mainly 3 sets, with some 5 and 7 sets.
    • Super sets, triple sets, and a focus on sculpting and defining muscles.
  1. Phase 3: Build  Muscle Strength and Power? (Variety of Set Sizes)
    • Led solely by Shaun.
    • be prepared to LIFT and be challenged
    • Has everything as far of workouts, low rep heavy weight 
    • Diverse SETs ranging from 1 to 5 sets.
    • Incorporates single sets, super sets, triple sets, and quad sets.
    • Ascending and Descending ladder rep ranges 

Ideal Candidates

This program is versatile and can cater to a wide range of fitness goals. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, physique improvement, or simply looking for a fun and challenging routine, Dig Deeper can be a suitable choice. However, it’s crucial to align the program with your personal goals, expectations, and equipment availability.

.

The Pros

  • Combines elements of P90x and Body Beast.
  • Less of a group exercise class feel
  • Follow-along format with efficient rest and transition periods.
  • Variety in reps and sets for comprehensive strength and physique development.
  • Shaun’s motivating presence and credibility, reflecting his extensive training experience.
  • It’s a nice reflection of Shaun, his new knowledge, hard work over the last 18 months and recognized accomplishments which gives the program a level of credibility.
  • Suitable for gym, hotel gym
  • Its follow along format with efficient rest and transition periods.
  • Rest periods are good & needed! I like that they are built in, consistent and precise. If you feel you don’t need them, Reevaluate your weight selection and effort, you should require and use them 
  • Transitions between moves are adequate not as many pressing pauses with past programs
  • Shaun can be motivating – that is his superpower.
  • Shaun went through lifting and training for a competitive body building show show which makes him very familiar with style and terminology of training rather a “made for platform” program.
  • It’s a reflection of Shaun, his new knowledge, hard work over the last 18 months and recognized accomplishments which gives the program a level of credibility.
  • Plenty of variety of reps and sets to create volume, strength, and physique results.
  • Teaches the confidence and ability to lift heavier.
  • The 3 phases are great to provide results in different modalities needed to achieve results
  • Allows to go back and repeat a phase as a mini program in the future or currently.
  • Less than an hour, 50 mins, but feels like 30 mins.
  • Challenging 
  • Low impact, no jumping or explosiveness
  • Repeating workouts week to week to track progress.
  • Great evolution to Shaun from where he started in fitness,
  • Shaun is ripped, product of the product more the most part, walks the walk,

My Cons

These are my opinions, you are welcome to disagree, and not meant to attack.

  • Lack of an additional audio track for gym use. I wish there was an additional audio track to take to gym that was a “trainer track”. Without all of motivation and side talk. – I have told them that before, along with another trainer
  • Some audio issues due to recording environment; there is a bit of an echo in the audio because its on a concrete floor at times
  • Overemphasis on motivation for some users: Shaun is a motivator – I personally don’t need it. Its too much
  • IF you like variety of workout routines ALL the time the 4 week repetitiveness in workout routines might get you to
  • Lack of a specific nutrition plan or supplement line tailored to the program.
  • I want to play a drinking game for when he says Mind Muscle Connection. I despise marketing in my workouts it’s like a commercial break in a podcast. Where do I pay for the premium – cough cough – Trainer audio track?
  • I don’t need to do a mirror flex or shake my butt during a workout. I want to train – but I understand videos/workouts need a little of everything for every BODI – see what I did there.
  • Although the sets and reps do some progressive overload, I would like to have seen the sets and reps change in week 4. 3 weeks the same 4th week add volume. Just saying keep increasing weight is not going to get you stronger and build more muscle. Not a big one, there are 3 phases of change!
  • It’s an in-home fitness program that can be taken to the gym
  • No supplement line or nutrition plan to package with it – For a niche based program, I would have liked to see niche supplements and nutrition plans. I will make some recommendations based on goals.
  • At times it seems a little all over the place with exercise selection, however its a physique program, and if it worked for Shaun, then it worked.
  • Marketing leveraged on “Shaun’s Transformation” I don’t know his nutrition plan or supplements on his own physique I think people will want to know – BUT this is not do what Shaun did, this is do a program Shaun wrote and endorses. I am confident shaun covers this in his personal podcast Trust & Believe and or on his YouTube Channel.
  • Its a workout not a complete plan
  • I know the workout will be combine[fit in to] BODi’s containers. portion control and then 2b Mindet[flexible eating plan] I would like to think have seen this type of training program comes with a plan that matches the workouts and desired results.
  • No mobility. As I know most will not be doing a competitive show with their results – The about of lifting, sets, reps, intensity 5 days a week, this can cause limited range of motion and bind.

In Closing:

Additional Recommendations

  • Mobility: Incorporating a 10-minute stretch at the end of each workout. I would add in a 30-40 minute mobility and flexibility session on his LISS cardio days for overall health and physique improvement.
  • Recovery: Adequate recovery is essential for those engaging in this program at the intended intensity, effort, and speed. Get your sleep, and eat anti inflammatory foods
  • Nutrition: A specific nutritional plan is crucial for achieving significant strength and muscle gains. Eat your protein. 

Conclusion

The Dig Deeper program offers a comprehensive approach to fitness, emphasizing volume, effort, and intensity. It’s designed for a variety of fitness enthusiasts and levels, from those seeking general health improvements to those aiming for specific physique changes. With its structured phases and diverse workout routines, it promises to be a transformative experience for committed individuals.

 

And as always have fun! 

If you have any questions reach out I am happy to help, support, guide or motivate you with your goals.