Joe Wicks, aka The Body Coach, is the man taking social media by storm. His #leanin15 recipe videos on Instagram of tasty, filling meals that you can make in 15 minutes promise to get you lean. These aren’t typical recipe videos though, Joe’s sense of humour is what sets him apart. The transformation photos from clients of his were so impressive I just had to find out more. The Body Coach offers several different plans that promise to get you eating right and whip you into shape. After reading the breakdown of the 90 Day Shape, Shift & Sustain plan, I was hooked. However, I still believed I knew the best way to lose weight on my own so I didn’t sign up. That was a month ago, but now I am signed up and officially a client.
Why I signed up to the 90 Day SSS Plan
One girl’s body transformation picture in particular stood out to me and was the catalyst to me signing up. I look so much like her before picture and her picture after only 8 weeks was incredible. In fact, all of his clients get great results, the plan clearly works! As well as this, Joe is a shining example of what eating and training in the right way can do for your body, plus he’s hot, which always helps with motivation (am I right ladies?!)! I always do better when I have a clear plan and although I had made my own detailed plan to follow, it was too easy for me to have off days and not follow it as closely as I should. A month later and I definitely did not look like any of the 4 week transformations that Joe achieves for his clients. I finally came to the decision to sign up, I was ready to invest in my health and I wanted results.
The Sign Up Process
After signing up via his website and submitting my payment, I was emailed a questionnaire to fill out. It was quite comprehensive, asking for my details, weight, health issues and concerns, how often I workout and to what intensity, food intolerances and a food diary to show him what you typically eat. Once submitted, as well as some dreadful before and after pictures (let’s just forget about those, shall we?) I was informed my plan would arrive within 3-5 working days. I received mine after 3 days (super speedy) and am starting today, on Monday because well, that’s the rule, isn’t it?
My First Impressions of the Plan
The Body Coach tailors the plan according to your questionnaire answers. I really like this as my needs are not the same as someone twice my size, nor the same as someone with very different goals to me. I put in my questionnaire that I do not drink cow’s milk, so any recipes that used milk (there were very few) Joe has replaced it with my milk of choice, almond milk.
Cycle One is about timing the consumption of carbs after workouts to refuel your body. There are high carb and low carb options for breakfast and main meals as well as snacks. The meal plan is very flexible, it is up to you to create a weekly meal plan using the recipes provided. There are 38 recipes in my plan, but others may have more or less depending on how many recipes meet their needs. I would have liked more recipes personally, more choice is always good. I have reservations about low carb, but this plan is more about macronutrient timing than it is low carb and that, I can agree with.
Training wise, Cycle One is purely HIIT, high intensity interval training. Cardio and I do not get along, I avoid it as much as I can, but there is no denying the benefits of cardio. I am going to jump in with both feet and run through my hatred. At first, I was disappointed that there were only 2 pages on the training. However the plan clearly breaks down the timing of the HIIT cardio which you can do on a treadmill, elliptical, bike or outside and The Body Coach also provides links to videos of HIIT workouts that you can do with no equipment (think burpees, squat jumps and mountain climbers). I was worried about doing the same workout over and over again 4-5 times a week, however with the video workouts there should be enough to keep me from getting bored. I can’t deny, I will miss the weights area, but I will look forward to being reunited in Cycle Two.
So today is day one, I will keep you posted on my progress and how I’m getting on. If you have any questions about the plan, leave them in the comments below and I will answer them as best as I can. Please note, this is not a sponsored post, I decided to sign up and paid for the plan myself.
Let me know if you’ve signed up to the 90 Day SSS Plan, I’d love to have someone to share this with!
The Body Coach 90 Day SSS Plan | £147
Lean in 15: 15 minute meals and workouts to keep you lean and healthy | £6.99
So excited to hear how it goes! I follow Joe on Insta and think he’s great but I had similar thoughts to you i.e. ‘I know enough to go it alone I just need to knuckle down’. His recipes look good too – not too extreme.
Also I never know whether results on Instagram are real or not (on various pages) so will be extra keen to hear how you find it and whether you see results.
Good luck! X
I hope I can be the guinea pig for you and put away both of our doubts :) x
Wow this sounds great – I can’t wait to read more! :)
Definitely super intrigued. Good luck lovely!
Rhiannon xxx
Thank you lovely! :) xx
Hey, great blog post…I’ve been waiting for someone to do something like this for the 90 day sss plan! I’m also interested in doing the plan but its hard to know what you’ll actually get when you pay the fee and sign up and I guess thats what has been putting me off. He could really do with some written testimonials on his website…not just the pictures (some which seem just too good to be true!). I really hope that you find that this plan works for you and that you see some good results as it may just be the motivation I need to join too. One of my major worries is that I do not have access to a gym, from your initial experience of cycle 1 would this be much of a problem? I’m also surprised to hear that you have only 38 recipes when ‘over 100’ are advertised. Anyway, enough rambling…good luck girl! I hope to hear more of how you get on with the plan.
Rose x
I completely get what you mean! So many online plans are turning out to be scams these days, but Joe really seems like the real deal and so far I am very pleased :) I will definitely be updating my blog on my progress so check back. I don’t think you need a gym for Cycle One at all as you can easily do your HIIT cardio by running outside and also home workouts such as circuits of burpees, mountain climbers etc. However, in Cycle Two you start lifting weights. I’m starting Cycle One again, so in November I’ll get my Cycle Two & I’ll let you know what it’s like then x
Sounds excellent!
Thanks :) x
Good luck! This sounds very exciting – looking forward to following your journey. Sometimes I think you need a shake up of your routine to motivate yourself xx
Thank you! :) x
HIya. Found your blog last week and look forward to your updates :)
Ive recently joined the bodycoach and start my journey after my holiday a week monday eeeek. If you would like to buddy up let me know. I follow you on twitter lolacouchpotato :)
Good luck today and keep smiling x
Yay, perfect! I’ll follow you back and we can keep each other motivated. I’m so excited! :) x
This sounds really interesting, I’ll definitely be checking out your progress as your post really speaks to me and I feel like I’m in a similar position, so Go girl ! Loving your blog and I’ve recently started my own, fingers crossed we may even get to collaborate one day xx
http://www.builtlikeaboss.com
@builtlikeaboss
Thank you so much! Oooh best of luck on your blog lovely!! x
This sounds great – can’t wait to hear more.
Lizzie’s Daily Blog
Thank you :) x
How did you find the plan so far? I’m week 2 into cycle 1 & interested what your results have been like..
Hey,
Would love to hear about your experience so far!
I ordered it 2 days ago & I’m pretty excited to start.
Cheers!
Author
I’ve struggled to start, but I’ve made a promise to myself to just do it! Hopefully I’ll have an update soon of how I’m getting on. Best of luck, let me know how you’re finding it :)
Hi there Cantara, sounds that u and I r in the same boat I just signed up a few days ago and received my plan yesterday so today’s my 1st day. But I honestly don’t know what to choose for when?? But I’m really looking forward to shedding the pounds…. Pls keep us posted and let us know how u chose ur breakfast/snack/lunch etc plan..
Best of luck
Author
For me, I have seriously struggled to start it. I managed about a week and a half on and off, but I really struggled with the meals. Having a bowl of mince or a bowl of chicken curry with some broccoli on the side isn’t my idea of a meal to look forward to and that’s the thing, I look forward to meal times and if I don’t enjoy what I’m eating, it’s incredibly hard for me to stick to. I haven’t given up completely though – I still have the plan and can start it at any point, so I am planning to give it another go back in Jan/Feb. Let me know how you get on xx
My brother did this plan and his results were so good. Joe has used my brothers before and afters on instagram twice so I can vouch they are real :) He did struggle during the low carb phases of the diet though, he got grouchy!!!
Author
Wow, congrats to your brother!! The results that Joe achieves for his clients are just incredible. Unfortunately I couldn’t get past the grouchiness of the low carb phase :(
Hi, how did you get along with this? It’d be great to hear about your experience after the first part?
Author
To be honest, I didn’t get very far at all! I’ll be writing a follow up post to explain all, but I found the meals difficult to enjoy which was a big barrier for me. Because of that I couldn’t get started on the plan so I never really made it past the first week! I’m sure I would have enjoyed month two when weights and more carbs are introduced, but I just couldn’t stick it out. I’ll explain more soon x
thank for the honest review. I just have a few question before purchasing the program. do I have to do HIIT fasted in the am? I would usually go to the gym after work at 5ish can I still do that? and how about the food n cycle 1 I’ve read from more than one source that Joe suggests eating carbs after your workout so if I work out in the evening can I still eat carbs?
thanks!
Author
No problem! Joe says that HIIT in the morning is best, but you can do it at anytime to suit your schedule. You can only have your carb meal after your workout, so instead of you having carbs at breakfast, you’ll have it at dinner if you gym after work. Therefore your breakfast, lunch and snacks will be low carb and your dinner high carb. Does that make sense? x
Amazing! thanks again im excited for my email just bought the program yesterday lets hope I am able to stick to it without any bumps or hiccups!!! many thanks again and best of luck
How did you get on ?I have just bought the programme
Hi thanks for doing this post. One question, ive a damaged ankle, do u still think its possible to do the 1st months workout. Also, is there alot of exotic foods that will put your shopping cost up, i believe you recieve foods through the post is that correct?
Thank you….that was 3 questions :)
Author
Hi Rachel, I would consult your Doctor or Physician about your ankle as the first month’s workouts is all HIIT, such as running, sprinting, burpees etc so will be quite strenuous on your ankle. For the food, I didn’t think there were a lot of exotic foods, mostly meat and veg such as spinach and broccoli, nuts and yogurt as a snack… You should be able to get everything you need from a supermarket. You don’t get any food with the plan, just recipes and meal guidelines. You have to go and buy the ingredients yourself to make the recipes, the ingredients do not come with the plan. Does that answer your questions? x
Hi there. I’m thinking of signing up for the 90daysss and just wondering how you got on/what your take is on the plan? Would you recommend it for the price?
Thank you :) Look forward to hearing your thoughts…
Author
Hi! Thanks for your comment, I actually wrote a follow up post to this explaining how I got on and what I thought of the plan overall – it’s called Update: The Body Coach 90 Day Challenge, I hope you find it useful :)
Hi I am a large lady aged 48, I am currently trying slimming world and getting slow but sure results. If you could please advise me on anything that could possible help me achieve my goal then I would be extremely grateful. I suffer with high no but am on medication. Thanks in advanced.
Author
Hi Pam! Thank you for your comment. Firstly, congrats on getting results! Healthy weightloss that you can keep off isn’t supposed to be quick. Aim to lose 1-2lbs a week, maybe more at the start of your weightloss depending how much you have to lose. My tips would be this:
1. Start slowly. Don’t try to change everything at once. First, focus on making home cooked meals with fresh ingredients, Slimming World has some great recipes for homemade meals. Next, focus on your snacks and try to replace sugary, processed foods such as flavoured yogurts and cereal bars for fruit, vegetable sticks, greek yogurt and nuts. Then focus on your drinks and swap fizzy and sugary drinks for water and herbal teas. Carry on in this way until you’ve really limited the amount of junk, sugary, processed foods in your diet.
2. When you’re ready, add in exercise. Again, start slow and build up. Put on a pair of trainers and go for a long walk. Walking is great exercise. Go swimming, go dancing, lift light weights and build up to heavier weights as you get stronger.
3. Pick exercise you enjoy and cook meals that you enjoy. If you’re enjoying yourself it will be easier to stick to in the long run.
I really hope you find this helpful Pam, let me know if you have any other questions x
I’ve just signed up to the body coach plan today, anyone done it? and how would you rate it?
Author
Hi Aoifr, sorry that no one has replied to you on here. As you know, I didn’t get on with it. I hope you like it though and get the results that you want from it x
Can I sign up even though I’m breastfeeding?
Author
Hi Laura, I’ve never breastfed and am not qualified to answer, so I’d recommend speaking to your Doctor/Midwife or emailing The Body Coach himself as he and his team are very helpful and should know the answer. Good luck, and congratulations on your new baby! x
Absolutely! I’m a certified personal trainer for women and mother of 2 — I think you’ll find my YouTube video on Breastfeeding + Exercise very helpful! : ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qHW49k2K3w
Author
Thank you for sharing!
Hi do I need to buy a bike and weights for this plan as I have no fitness equipment and I’m thinking of joining in the new year thank you
Author
Hi Kellie, I’m sorry for not seeing your comment sooner! No, you can do the bodyweight HIIT workouts, or go for a run using intervals and varying speeds to make it HIIT. You will need a watch or running app to let you know which speeds you are doing when you run though. I believe in Cycles 2 and 3 Joe introduces weight lifting, so you will need weights or a gym membership for that. I hope this helps!
Ive just read that Joe and his team set u up on 20 min workouts etc – what if you normally go to the gym and work out for an hour or do an aerobics class? Do you have to do the SS plan on top of that? Hope this makes sense
Author
Hi Alex, you are supposed to follow Joe’s plan instead of any current workouts you do. He has you doing 20min HIIT workouts 5 days a week in Cycle one. Honestly, 20mins of HIIT 5x a week is more than enough to sculpt your body. I’d trust in him and give it a go instead of your usual aerobic classes if you do sign up to the plan. Check out his YouTube for example workouts x
Hi,
I’m currently 7 days into cycle 1 and I must admit feeling pretty bloated.
I had so much enthusiasm at first however I feel that with the amount of food I’m consuming is just crazy.
I’m enjoying the hit in the mornings but getting headaches in the afternoons and feel as if my body is craving sugar, I’ve also surprisingly put on weight!
I’ve never worried about my weight before but having an office job and with two children to care for, I’m not finding the time for any additional exercise.
I’m sure this plan all makes sense on paper but I’m worried my body is not responding to how it should be?
Did you experience any of the above?
Author
Hi Rachel, I don’t know what your diet was like before so can’t say for sure, but the bloating could be caused by an increase in fibre from fruit & veg, headaches could be caused by caffeine withdrawal and craving sugar is normal if you were eating sugar before and have now reduced or cut it out. Don’t worry about your weight, keep an eye on your measurements and take pictures of yourself to compare. If you are really worried I’d email Joe & the team. I emailed him when I was struggling with the recipes and he was supportive and helpful. I hope this helps Rachel! Xx
Probably seems like a silly question but can you still have milk on the plan?
Author
It’s not a silly question at all! You can still have milk on the plan x
Hi,
I’ve just signed up to the plan. I currently do bootcamp 3 times a week which from what ive researched looks identical to what Joe’s plan involves. Same moves, HIIT training etc. Just HIIT, no cardio. It’s 45 mins at bootcamp. Can I still carry on going to bootcamp alongside the 90day plan?? I really dont want to give up bootcamp as I love it so much. I also run quite regularly, about 5k.
Thanks for any advice you can give me.
Author
Hi Elizabeth, in the plan that I got, Joe just gives you guidelines of how to do HIIT and not actually specific HIIT workouts. This may have changed because I bought my plan in 2014, but I would say bootcamp is absolutely fine to go to! If Joe’s plan wants you to workout more than 3x a week then just add in another workout besides your bootcamps. You might have to change or stop bootcamp from Cycle 2 onwards, as that’s when the plan starts to focus more on weights than HIIT I believe. If in doubt, just shoot Joe’s team an email, I’m sure they’ll be happy to help. Good luck Elizabeth! x
Can you drink coffee?
Author
Hi Michelle, I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment sooner! I’m not sure if coffee is allowed on the plan or not as I’m not a coffee drinker. Try sending an email to Joe’s team and they should be able to tell you x
Hi i thinking of signing up to the 90 day program, is the cost of food high? it costs £150 to sign up for and then dont want there to be crazy costs for the food???
Author
Hi Chelsea, I’m sorry I didn’t see your comment sooner! In terms of food, when I had my plan it was really just meat and veg. Meat can be expensive when you’re buying lots of different types, but you can buy in bulk when they’re on offer and freeze them. So the cost will be higher upfront, but will work out cheaper per meal if that makes sense? If you don’t have a lot of seasoning then it can be expensive getting all those, but they will last a long time so again, will work out cheaper per meal. I hope that helps! x