The Master's Hammer and Chisel Review

My husband and I just completed our first round of The Master's Hammer and Chisel.

How did we like it? Well, if it's any indication, we decided to do a second round!

I'll admit, I was a little bit concerned if we would finish this program. About halfway through the program, we had to take a last minute flight back to my hometown for my grandmother's funeral. We went off course for just under a week.

That didn't stop us though. As soon as we got home, we got back on track with the program. And I'm so excited to say that we finished!

Best parts about Hammer and Chisel:

• Different workouts each day. While there are 12 total workouts, each day was different and not in the same pattern each week. This helped with muscle confusion and by not knowing what was coming each day of the week prevented boredom and/or dread.
• Two trainers. As much as I have enjoyed programs with just one trainer, I really liked having both Autumn Calabrese and Sagi Kalev. It was nice to get two perspectives and to mix it up each day. Both offer killer workouts and at this point, I'm not sure who I would choose as a favorite. 
• Simple nutrition. Hammer and Chisel uses the same portion container system as the 21 Day Fix with adjustments to portion quantities based on your goals. For example, my husband was looking to gain some muscle and he has to eat...A LOT. I want to lean out so my portion container bracket was the same as when I did the 21 Day Fix. The color coded containers make it super easy to know how much to eat and what you should be eating. 
• Strength Training focused. If I had to choose between strength training and cardio, I'd chose strength training all day, everyday. I love the idea of building muscle. I'm not scared of it! We did Focus T25 over the summer which is mainly cardio, and while it was a great workout, I did miss lifting weights.

Worst parts about Hammer and Chisel:

• Sweat. Okay, so that's probably an obvious "side effect" of working out, but man oh man, do you sweat in these programs - especially in the more cardio focused workouts. 
• Workouts longer than 30 minutes. I'll say it. Doing a couple rounds of 21 Day Fix as well as Focus T25 made me super spoiled about a quick workout. While none of the Hammer and Chisel workouts are over 45 minutes, on days when you also have to do 10 minute abs, it's just under an hour. Granted, it could be longer, but I love me a quick workout. 
• No dedicated modifier. I understand that because this is more of an advanced level workout there's no dedicated modifier. All of the workouts do have a modifier for if you don't have a bench and uses a stability ball instead. Also, some of the workouts have a modifier for some moves, but unlike other programs, most of the moves are done full out. I don't think it's a problem per se, but it would be nice to know how to do the moves if you're unable to follow the regular move. 

Overall, we really liked Hammer and Chisel. As a 60 day program, I think it's easier to get through than a 90 day program. I really like having the workout program calendar posted where it's easy to see every day to keep track of what workouts we have done and how many more to do. I love being able to write a check mark in the box to show that we have completed that day.

For the next round of Hammer and Chisel, we'll be trying out Beachbody Performance Line products - Energize and Recover. After each workout, Sagi and Autumn talk about the products and I'm totally interested to see if it makes a difference or not. I'm sure it will, but I'm always a little hesitant to try products if I don't really "need" them. On that note, I'm looking forward to trying them out. 

The Master's Hammer and Chisel

Have you ever been both totally excited and also a little terrified of your next workout program? I know I am when it comes to The Master's Hammer and Chisel! I'm super excited about getting hammered and chiseled in 2016, but I'm not going to lie, I'm also a little nervous. I'll be doing the program with my husband, as well as our test group, so it will be awesome!


Learn more about the program here:

WHAT IS THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL™?

For the very first time, trainers Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese have teamed up to create an expert program designed to help you craft a powerful, perfectly defined body. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is an innovative resistance training system that incorporates three muscle-sculpting phases—Stabilization, Strength, and Power—or SSP Training. This is how Sagi and Autumn help you efficiently build, chisel, and refine a masterpiece physique in just 60 days.

ABOUT YOUR TRAINERS

Co-creators Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese are experts when it comes to incredible physical transformations. Sagi has been crowned Mr. Israel— twice—and is a Master Professional Personal Trainer, IFBB Pro, member of the IFBB Propta Hall of Fame, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist. Autumn Calabrese is a celebrity trainer, best-selling author, and working mom who has held certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA), and has competed at the national level in various bikini competitions.

WHAT MAKES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE & UNIQUE?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is built on the three phases of SSP Training— Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Other workouts only focus on one or two phases, which might give you decent results. But The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program incorporates all three methods to help you relentlessly chip away fat and carve every muscle for a strong, visually stunning body in 60 days.
12 brand-new, 30- to 40-minute workouts that combine Sagi and Autumn’s proven techniques for 60 days of hardcore resistance training.
Sagi and Autumn make eating for your goals simple. That’s why they included their easy-to-follow and completely customizable nutrition plan, along with 7 portion-control containers that show you how to portion out the right amount of food to help you reach your unique fitness goals.
Flexible nutrition that allows you to lean out, sculpt and maintain, or build muscle.
Includes options to adapt certain exercises if you have limited access to equipment.
Includes a modifier who demonstrates some moves at a lower intensity.

TEAM BEACHBODY® EXCLUSIVE WORKOUT: THE MASTER’S CARDIO

Ever wonder what Sagi and Autumn’s favorite cardio moves are? Find out as they tag-team this challenging workout that will get you shredded fast. You can get this workout when you order your Challenge pack through ME! If you don’t have an account and aren’t working with a coach, click here to sign up!!

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

A few dumbbells
A bench or stability ball
A chin-up bar or resistance band with a door attachment kit

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:

Shakeology® is an important part of The Master’s Hammer and Chisel nutrition plan
Beachbody Performance™ for better endurance, stamina, focus, and recovery (I personally will be using Energize and Recover!)
ActiVit® Multivitamins

WHAT’S IN THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL BASE KIT?

• Portion-control containers + workouts
• 12 hardcore workouts on 6 DVDs — Efficient 30- to 40-minute resistance-training workouts that will help you build muscle, sculpt incredible definition, and lose weight for a strong, visually stunning physique.
• 7 color-coded, portion-control containers –Whether you want to lean out, sculpt and maintain what you have, or build more muscle, you don’t need complicated meal plans to reach your goals. With 7 color-coded, portion-control containers, this is one nutrition plan that’s easy to follow.
• Resources
• The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide –A comprehensive guide that shows you how to use your portion-control containers and nutrition plan. Also includes easy-to-make recipes and expert tips from Sagi and Autumn on how to get the most out of your workouts.
• Quick-Start Guide — Your simple 3-step blueprint for building the body you’ve always wanted.
• 60-Day Workout Calendar — For efficient and effective training, the order of your workouts matters. With this calendar, Sagi and Autumn have you covered for the next 60 days. Also includes your Nutrition Plan “cheat sheet” and Food Lists on the back!

Deluxe Kit

In addition to everything featured in the Base Kit, you get an 8-lb. medicine ball along with 4 advanced workouts designed around this piece of equipment. You’ll also receive an extra set of 7 color-coded containers for more convenient meal planning and cleanup.

BEACHBODY® ON DEMAND

When you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” on Beachbody On Demand to stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel workouts.

——

THE MASTER’S HAMMER & CHISEL FAQ

Q. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL CHALLENGE PACK?

12 workouts on 6 DVDs
A set of 7 portion-control containers and a shaker cup
The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide
Quick-Start Guide
60-Day Calendar
30-Day Supply Shakeology
Free 30-Day Premium Club Membership including access to live streaming via Beachbody On-Demand
Access to my Test Group starting June 4th
Me as your FREE coach!
2 bonus workouts: 10 Min Ab Hammer and 10 Min Ab Chisel

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL DIFFER FROM BODY BEAST®?

Body Beast is a bodybuilding program that focuses on muscular hypertrophy. The Master’s Hammer and Chisel includes aspects of bodybuilding, but also focuses on improving endurance, power, agility, strength, balance, and range of motion to sculpt a tight, defined physique.

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL DIFFER FROM 21 DAY FIX EXTREME®?

21 Day Fix EXTREME is a shorter, goal-specific program, whereas The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is a full 60-day program with slightly longer workouts. 21 Day Fix EXTREME focuses on getting you shredded, while The Master’s Hammer and Chisel also helps you improve other aspects of your fitness, such as muscular endurance, power, strength, and agility. It’s a whole new approach to getting you ripped.

Q. WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED FOR THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL?

A few dumbbells of various weights appropriate to your strength and fitness level.
A bench or stability ball.
A chin-up bar or a resistance band and a door attachment.

Q. HOW DOES THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL NUTRITION PLAN COMPARE TO BODY BEAST, 21 DAY FIX®, AND 21 DAY FIX EXTREME?

Like the nutrition plans in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, The Master’s Hammer and Chisel uses the portion control container system. However, it is tailored to meet your specific goals and the nutritional demands that a challenging body-sculpting program like The Master’s Hammer and Chisel requires.

Q. CAN YOU CUSTOMIZE THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL NUTRITION PLAN TO MEET YOUR UNIQUE GOALS?

Yes! If you want to gear your nutrition toward building more muscle (a surplus), or toward shredding fat (a deficit), you can use the Nutrition Plan Quiz to recalculate your calories to help you reach your goals.

Q. HOW DO THE CALORIE CHARTS FOR THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL WORK?

The Nutrition Plan Quiz included in the program and nutrition guide will determine your appropriate calorie chart based on your goals. Like the calorie breakdowns in 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix EXTREME, the ones in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide also include the number of color-coded, portion-control containers your bracket requires each day to meet your goals.

Q. HOW DOES THE 60-DAY CALENDAR WORK?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel program is a 60-day rotation of hardcore strength training built on the three phases of SSP Training—Stabilization, Strength, and Power. Sagi and Autumn strategically structured these workouts to train in all three phases efficiently, so following the calendar is important.

Q. HOW DOES THE BEACHBODY PERFORMANCE™ LINE FIT IN TO THE PROGRAM?

Because these workouts are so demanding, I highly recommend you consider adding Beachbody Performance supplements to your regimen to help support your energy, muscle-building, and recovery.* Instructions for incorporating Beachbody Performance into your nutrition regimen are included in The Master’s Hammer and Chisel Program and Nutrition Guide.

Q. IS THERE A TEAM BEACHBODY EXCLUSIVE IF YOU ORDER THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL THROUGH ME?

Yes! Customers who purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel through me will get a FREE bonus workout—The Master’s Cardio (a $19.95 value)! When Sagi and Autumn want tough, fat-chiseling cardio, The Master’s Cardio DVD includes their go-to moves. Short, but intense, this workout boosts aerobic capacity, power, and muscular endurance—without impacting your lean-muscle gains.

Q. CAN I STREAM THE MASTER’S HAMMER AND CHISEL WORKOUTS?

Yes! If you purchase The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and become a Premium Team Beachbody Club member, you’ll get unlimited access to Beachbody® On Demand, where you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of proven Beachbody workouts via any desktop, laptop, tablet, TV, or mobile device—wherever you have an internet connection. Just look for “Purchased Programs” in Beachbody On Demand to access The Master’s Hammer and Chisel.

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is NOW AVAILABLE!! Reserve YOUR spot in my Test Group beginning January 4th, NOW!

Challenge Pack with Shakeology | Performance Pack with Energize & Recover

How I lost 40lbs

The worst part about PCOS is the whole "trouble losing weight" symptom.

Is that really a symptom?

But anyway, it sucks.

I see people who have lost inches and pounds in a mere matter of months, and I've struggled to lose 40lbs in the last two years. It's really kind of crazy.

I have to remember that I can't beat myself up though. I have hormonal imbalances that make it tricky to lose weight. And my doctor was actually impressed with my weight loss, which made me super proud.

So how did I do it?

Hard work. Resisting temptation. Saying no to sweets. 

I lost the first 20lbs doing TurboFire, at home, however, I often found myself yo-yo-ing in my weight due to no having a great meal plan. I always knew about the eating guides that come with the program, but there was never an "easy" way to get it done.

In February of this year, when I finally hit a breaking point that something had to change, especially being in the midst of infertility and if I wanted to have fighting chance at conceiving on my own, I needed to change.

You mindset is half the battle. Your mind needs to be in the right place if you want to make a change. You have to know why you want to change. For me, it was because we want to start a family and have been having a hard time. It just wasn't happening. 

In February, a friend invited me to do the 21 Day Fix. I had heard about it, but never really looked into it. I finally did, purchased the program and well, I was hooked. Who knew that little containers could make all the difference in the world. They are so simple and yet so effective.

This was the missing piece that I needed. My issues have always been portion control. My eyes are typically bad at measuring. With the 21 Day Fix containers, it eliminates the need to count calories or to weigh food. You just put the food in the container (if the food is approved) and if it fits, you're good to eat it.

After finishing three rounds of the 21 Day Fix, I did one round of the 21 Day Fix Extreme, and then my husband and I did Focus: T25. 

I hit the 40lb weight loss mark about Week 9 of T25.

I'm still not at my goal weight. I still struggle with food (I love it...especially carbs!). But with every step forward, every step in the right direction, I know I will get to my goal!

Fixate is now available!

So excited! Autumn Calabrese's new cookbook that pairs perfectly with the 21 Day Fix is now available!

I'm super excited to get my copy - each recipe has the container breakdown.

I struggle most with what to make for dinner, something that satisfies both me and my husband. I think this cookbook will give me some great ideas!

You can order your copy here:

Fixate Cookbook

or

with containers:

Fixate Cookbook and Containers

Fixate is coming!

To say that the 21 Day Fix has been a game changer in my life this year would probably be an understatement. The program has literally changed the way that I eat and think about nutrition. 

Over the course of 21 days, I thought about my macronutrients in terms of "reds" "yellows" and "greens". And because of those little, seemingly insignificant, containers, I began to think about how I ate and how much I ate in a brand new way.

Now, over three months later, I still use the container system because it's easy and keeps me on track for my goals. I'm still in weight loss mode, so I'm still following the container count from when I was doing the 21 Day Fix, although now I'm doing Focus: T25. 

I really believe it's the structure and simplicity of the program that makes all the difference. Plus the fitness portion has difference workouts every day which helps to bust any boredom. And with it only being three weeks long, it's short enough to stick to through the end...and then you can repeat it all over again.

Honestly, the 21 Day Fix is a remarkable program...so simple, so approachable, and so effective. 

I'm super excited that Autumn Calabrese is releasing Fixate, her book of recipes that works seamlessly with the 21 Day Fix. 

Probably the biggest thing I struggled with during the program and generally speaking was finding recipes that not only tasted good but were easy to make. One of the things I dread (and why meal planning saves the day) is figuring out what to cook for lunch and dinner. 

I can't wait to see what's included in the cookbook. The best part is that each recipe will have a breakdown of the container count. So perfect!

The book comes out in a couple of weeks at the Beachbody Summit in Nashville.