Take your fitness up a notch with the MMA-inspired, sweat-inducing workouts from Core De Force!
This post is sponsored by Beachbody.
Welcome to another great Wild Workout Wednesday Link Up where Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Jen from Pretty Little Grub, Michelle at Fruition Fitness and I bring you workout ideas, motivation, inspiration and recipes to try. Join us each week by reading along, linking up and grab the button to proudly display on your blog/in your posts!
Running is always a staple in my fitness routine, but when it comes to crosstraining, I like to switch it up. I’ve tried different boutique classes, I’ve done crossfit, I’ve lifted weights. I love it all. Switching it up is how I stay motivated, and it’s also how I challenge my body to do more.
So when Beachbody reached out to me about trying one of their newest programs, Core De Force, I was all about it. They challenged me to try Core De Force along with their famous Shakeology shakes for 2 weeks and see how I feel. Before I dive into my review, how’s about a little background?
WHAT IS CORE DE FORCE?
Core De Force is an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)-inspired workout program. Workouts are 30-45ish minutes and consist of a series of 3-minute “rounds” filled with combinations taken from boxing, kickboxing, and muay-thai. There’s no equipment needed beyond a mat; it’s all bodyweight! The program comes with a 30-day calendar, 8 MMA-inspired workouts, and an eating plan.
WHAT IS SHAKEOLOGY
Shakeology is a super-food packed protein shake designed to help you fight junk food cravings, increase energy, and improve digestion. All of the Beachbody workout programs suggest that you take Shakeology along side them since they’re all part of the same company.
MY CHALLENGE
Try Core De Force for two weeks and supplement with Shakeology. I’m going to break this up into my thoughts on the workout and my thoughts on the shake.
CORE DE FORCE REVIEW:
I haven’t been following the program precisely since I’m training for Disney Princess Weekend. Instead, I’ve been doing 3 Core De Force Workouts mixed in with my 3 running days.
I have to say, I LOVE this program. Each workout is filled with so many moves that I’ve never tried before. They’re challenging without being unobtainable. The two trainers (Joel and Jericho) break down the moves in a very easy-to-understand way.
Because the workouts don’t require any equipment, I can do them at home and keep an eye on Mr. Moose.
Don’t let the bodyweight thing fool you, though. As I mentioned, these moves are challenging. I definitely feel the workouts the next day, in the best possible way. My muscles are good sore, which I like. It lets me know that I worked hard but not too hard (I’m looking at you DOMS).
Want more proof? Will wanted to get in an upper body workout one day, but the gym was really crowded. I asked if he wanted to do a Core De Force workout with me instead. He asked if it would work his chest and tris. My reply? “OH, YES!”
We did the Dynamic Strength workout, which was filled with different kinds of push-ups and balancing moves. We were both dripping sweat at the end, and he definitely felt like he’d gotten a good workout in, despite not using weights.
PROS:
- no equipment needed
- fun but challenging moves
- likeable trainers
- do it at home
- offers up modifications and advancements
CONS:
- advertised as 30-45 minute workouts, but some days suggest combos which make the workouts longer (60 minutesish)
SHAKEOLOGY REVIEW
I was really interested to try shakeology. I’ve heard great things, but also know it’s pretty pricey. I received samples of the Chocolate, Vanilla, and Café Latte flavors.
My first thought is that it really does taste good. It mixes well with almond milk; there weren’t any chunks or grainy textures happening, and the Café Latte flavor was MWAH! Delish! I also blended it into smoothies, which made them nice and creamy, and oatmeal. It was delicious no matter how I prepared it.
However, it’s a whey protein isolate. I thought this would be alright as whey isolates are typically lactose free. Unfortunately, my tummy was not happy with the dairy. It left me feeling bloated and yucky.
Next time, I’ll have to try the vegan version. They don’t have as many flavor options, but I think my tummy will be happier for it. If you’re lactose-intolerant like me, I suggest trying their Vegan Chocolate or Vegan Vanilla.
PROS:
- great taste
- blends well
- gives smoothies a thick, creamy texture
- Vegan option for lactose-intolerant folks
CONS:
- the regular Shakeology is not suitable for lactose-intolerant folks (but see PRO for Vegan option!)
- pricey
FINAL THOUGHTS
Even though my two-week challenge is over, I still plan on supplementing my running with Core De Force because the workouts are just so fun! Some of my favorite workouts from the program are MMA Speed, Dynamic Strength, and Core Kinetics.
Now is an awesome time for you to try it, too! Why? Well for one, it’s a kick ass workout that will make you feel like a badass, but also Beachbody is offering a great deal! Right now, you can get access to Core De Force and EVERYTHING else Beachbody has to offer for only $99.95 for the WHOLE YEAR. That means you get access to every type of Beachbody workout, from classics such as Insanity and p90x to newer workouts such as Core De Force and 22-Minute Hard Corps to online exclusives such as the Fixate Cooking Show and The 20’s (a reality TV series). Stream it all for 365 days only $99.95.
Before I send you off to test out all the workouts, we have a sad announcement here on Wild Workout Wednesday. Michelle from Fruition Fitness is leaving the Wild Workout Wednesday crew. She’ll still be blogging and linking up from time-to-time, but today will be her last day co-hosting this rodeo.
Have no fear! The link up isn’t going anywhere! Annmarie, Jen, and I will still continue to share our Wild Workouts, and you’ll still be able to link up. Please join me in telling Michelle, “YOU ROCK! YOU’RE AWESOME! And we’re going to miss you and your rocking awesomeness!”
Let’s send her out with a bang by making this the most linked up Wild Workout Wednesday link up of all time. Whatdaya say? Check out the full link up rules here and get to linkeruppering.
Let’s Chat:
Have you ever tried an MMA-inspired workout?
Are you a shakeology fan?

I used to take Karate and let’s just say that I got INTO it 😀 I was also a huge kickboxing person! I haven’t done anything like that for years, I wonder if I’d still dig it!
I have the On Demand Access Pass and LOVE it! I haven’t tried Core de Force yet though, Insanity Max 30 is my favorite. And I’ve been really sore from lots of Bodypump training over the weekend so I’ve been doing lots of yoga this week.
Patricia @Sweet and Strong recently posted…Les Mills Bodypump 100 Initial Training Experience
I have been thinking of trying Core de Force ever since Beachbody started advertising it! I love MMA style workouts. I’m always hesitant to start a new program though, because I like to add in my own things pretty regularly. I get “workout guilt” and feel like I’m cheating on my program!
Jessica recently posted…How To Meal Plan Effectively
This sounds so fun! Hope to see you are Princess!
Steff @ Run Steff Run recently posted…I Saw The Sign
That sounds like a really fun workout! Awesome you got Will the do it too. I have these visions on how great it would be to do workouts like this with the Hubs… sadly he has other ideas. lol!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt recently posted…7 Steps to a Perfect Valentine’s Day at Home
Some of those moves seem super intense! I would like to try it out!
Kimberly G recently posted…#TunesTuesday 2.7 – It’s Britney B*tch!
This sounds like a great workout! I also like changing things up with my workouts, especially since I havent been running as much lately.
Lisa @ Mile by Mile recently posted…30 Minute 90s Themed Spinning Workout
This sounds like an amazing workout! And it looks super fun. 🙂
Rachel recently posted…You Should Try Running Barefoot
Ooh it looks really fun! My form is always so bad when it comes to martial arts; doing something like this would probably help!
Emily recently posted…WIAW: Eating More Food and Doing Less
It’s amazing how tough body weight workouts can be- this sounds like a really fun way to mix things up!
I’ve heard great things about the program, but I’ve learned that working out at a gym is better for me!
Michelle @ Fruition Fitness recently posted…Life Updates and Announcements
I didnt know that beachbody had a mma workout! I learn something new everyday, it looks like a great combo with the shakes!
Autumn @ AutumnPTW.com recently posted…Super Immunity Boost Skinny Shake
Love a good core workout- looks intense and like something I’d like to try!
Annmarie recently posted…Beeting Heart Smoothie Bowl {Dairy Free}