I am so excited to finally be reviewing this program. I’ve done many different Beachbody programs in full over the last year, plus many other workout programs before that, and Hammer & Chisel has been my favorite by far. The schedule kept me from ever getting bored, the workouts were never more than 45 minutes, and I felt amazing doing the program.

What is Hammer & Chisel?

It’s scientifically designed to combine the best of strength training, agility, power, endurance, and sculpt your body to be lean AND strong. Talk about improving your body image!

This program will get you in the best shape of your life…just in time to kick off the new year What is The Master’s Hammer and Chisel™? It’s a 60-day total body transformation program that helps you craft a defined, jaw-dropping physique using breakthrough resistance training. You will sculpt your body into a masterpiece with 14 brand-new workouts from celebrity trainers and winning fitness competitors, Sagi Kalev and Autumn Calabrese.

How does The Master’s Hammer and Chisel work? You’ll focus on building muscle, power, and strength with The Master’s Hammer™ workouts and trainer Sagi Kalev, while you shed fat and sculpt definition with The Master’s Chisel™ workouts and trainer Autumn Calabrese. Plus, it includes a dedicated modifier who demonstrates moves at a lower intensity and adapts exercises for those with limited access to equipment.

Why Did I Do This Program?

I decided to do this program because I’ve found that I am most confident when strength training and enjoy those programs quite a bit. I used to be a “cardio queen,” spending hours running or on various cardio machines with my only focus on the number of calories I burned. Strength training days actually gave me anxiety because of how few calories I burned during them. Learning how good strength training is for my body helped me to realize that “more” isn’t better and fitness isn’t about calories in and calorie out.

I’m not going to lie, I was intimidated to start the program. Yes, I work out on a regular basis, but I also don’t make being really fit a huge part of my focus, so I was afraid the program would be too difficult for me. There were certainly some moves at the beginning that were hard or I couldn’t complete, but that just gave me a challenge to work towards, rather than staying in my comfort zone.

What Did I Think?

Well, I’ve mentioned this before, but I loved the program. The schedule is set up in a way that always keeps you guessing. There’s no clear pattern to the workout schedule, so you don’t know what’s coming what day. It’s also great for your body because not only did the trainers organize the workouts to maximize fitness results but it also keeps your body guessing.

My other favorite part of the program was the nutrition plan. It’s based off a similar concept as the 21 Day Fix, using portions of food groups rather than calories, but what I loved most was it’s emphasis on eating to fuel your workouts. I got to choose whether I wanted to focus on building muscle, maintaining muscle, or leaning out, which meant that to gain muscle it was about eating MORE food. Also, the lowest bracket is 1,200-1,499, which means you’re eating much MORE than the 1200 Calorie Diet amount (which).

I also loved that the workouts were split between two trainers. It kept me from getting bored/annoyed with any particular trainer and, again, made the whole program much more dynamic and interesting. The fact that one is a woman and one is a man also makes it helpful for showing the program is for both men and women.

I think the biggest difficulty, however, is that a lot of equipment is recommended for the program. Since I don’t have a lot in my apartment, I made due with their modifications. Here is a video I made about how I did Hammer & Chisel in my studio apartment:

What Were My Results?

I know, I know, this is what you’ve been patiently waiting for! As you all know, my life took a very right in the middle of doing this program. I stuck to the nutrition plan pretty well in the first month, but when I lost my job that went to the backburner. Despite not having the best nutrition, I still felt amazing by the end of this program. It makes me want to do it again and be better about what I eat!

Non-Visual Wins:

+ Clothes fit now or fit more loosely

+ Feel strong and confident

+ Empowered to accomplish more

+ Gained muscle & feel so much more fit

When I went into this program my goals were to gain muscle and for my clothes to fit better. Check and check! There are dresses that have been hanging in my closet that were too tight and finally fit well, and many of my regular work clothes became really loose.

Along with that, I feel so much stronger and more confident in myself. I lifted weights and did moves I’d not been able to at the beginning of this program and that confidence always translates into the rest of my life. If the chubby, unathletic girl growing up can do those moves and increase weights, then what else can I accomplish?

Things That I Let Hold Me Back:

+ Stress

+ Trouble Sleeping

+ Emotional Eating (SUGAR!)

+ No Consistent Eating Plan

As I mentioned before, there were many factors that kept me from getting even better results. But I’m giving myself a lot of grace on this one. I am so happy with my results and yes, maybe the could have been better, but being incredibly fit isn’t my number one, especially right now.

The best part of doing Hammer & Chisel was doing it at the same time as many of the women on my . Having them to constantly reach out to, share my frustrations and my wins with, ask questions, and even commiserate, made the whole experience so much better. If I hadn’t had them and my challengers to check in with, I’m not sure I would have made it through! Having that community of women who understood what I was doing and were not only doing it right alongside me but were so supportive and uplifting made all the difference.

If you’re interested in chatting more about the program or doing it with my next or just with me as your coach, feel free to send me an email at peaceloveandoats@gmail.com. I could talk all day about Hammer & Chisel!