The Master's Hammer and Chisel FAQ

The Master's Hammer and Chisel FAQ

Do you have questions about Beachbody's new program, The Master's Hammer and Chisel?  If so, I have answers! Here are common Hammer and Chisel FAQs to help you decide if this is the right program for YOU.

See links to anything and everything Hammer & Chisel with in the Ultimate Guide to the Master's Hammer & Chisel.

What is The Master's Hammer & Chisel?

The Master’s Hammer and Chisel is:

• A resistance training program that includes three phases of muscle sculpting –stabilization, strength and power) to strengthen, tone and chisel your body.
• A complete 60 day fitness program with two master trainers (Sagi and Autumn) to get you in the best shape of your life.
• A simple portion-control nutrition plan that you can customize to meet your goals – whether to lean out and sculpt, maintain your weight, or build muscle.

Who is it for?

Hammer & Chisel might be a good choice if you:

• are looking for a comprehensive resistance-training or muscle-sculpting program
• enjoyed the 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix EXTREME, or Body Beast, or if you are a fan of expert trainers Autumn Calabrese and Sagi Kalev
• want to build muscle (and eliminate skinny-fat!)
• want to cross-train for other activities, like running or cycling
• want to become stronger
• are up for a challenge
• want to eat clean and need guidance on what and how much to eat to reach your goals

What equipment do I need?

You will need a few dumbbells of various weights, a bench or stability ball, and a chin-up bar or resistance band with door attachment.  I use a jump mat to lessen the impact of plyo exercises.

Check out my detailed article with equipment needs, plus ways to get weights cheap (or free).

Who are the trainers?

Autumn Calabrese of the 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme.  She is a celebrity trainer, author, and is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine and the American Fitness Professional & Associates.  She is also a bikini competitor

Sagi Kalev is known for Body Beast.  He is a personal trainer, IFBB pro, member of the IFBB Hall of Fame, and certified nutritionist.  He also was crowned Mr. Israel twice.

How does Hammer & Chisel differ from 21 Day Fix Extreme? Body Beast?

Body Beast is a bodybuilding program that focuses on muscular hypertrophy (growth). The Master’s Hammer and Chisel included aspects of bodybuilding, but also focuses on improving endurance, power, agility, strength, balance, and range of motion.

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.

What is unique about Hammer & Chisel?  Why does it work?

Hammer & Chisel is built on the three phases of SSP Training - Stabilization, Strength, and Power.  I am not a personal trainer so I don't know the science behind these training phases, but Beachbody claims that most programs focus on only one or two of these phases.  Hammer & Chisel incorporates all three to help “chip away fat and carve your muscles for a strong, sculpted body in 60 days.”  (Their words, not mine.)

Check out my Resource Page for links to all Hammer & Chisel articles.

What are the benefits?

Since I haven't completed the program as of this writing, I'm sharing what Beachbody claims:

• A strong, chiseled, perfectly defined body (OK, that is a stretch, not gonna lie.)
• Improved strength, power, cardio endurance, balance and agility.
• Muscle definition you may not have been able to achieve before.
• The flexibility to lean out, sculpt and maintain what you have, or build muscle - depending on your unique goals.

Will I look like Autumn Calabrese (or Sagi Kalev) after 60 days?

No. Unless you are Autumn (or Sagi if you are a man).  Your results depend on YOU.  Your results will vary dependent on your current fitness level, how much excess weight you have, how closely you follow the food plan, if you follow the workout schedule, your body type, and YOUR GENETICS. Not everyone can rock a six-pack in 60 days.  If at all.

Is this a good program for beginners?

This program is considered intermediate to advanced.  I totally agree.  I am in decent shape, but it is CHALLENGING.  At least that is one way to describe it.  Killer or OMG I’m gonna die, might be another.

How long is the program?

60 days.  There are also optional 30 programs for with either a Hammer focus or Chisel focus.

How does the 60-day calendar work?

It is a rotation of 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.

You can take a peek at the calendar here.... Hammer & Chisel Calendar

Can I, or should I, do more than one round?

As many as you like, though keep in mind that as you get fitter you need to push yourself harder. Basically, as long as you like your results, you can keep going.

How much space do I need for the workouts?

I would say about a 6x6 foot space would do.

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 have access to Beachbody On Demand.  Then you can stream The Master’s Hammer and Chisel and hundreds of other 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.

If you purchase a Challenge Pack you will automatically get a 30 free trial of the Club membership, or you can get one HERE.  Note: you have to purchase the program for you to stream it On Demand.

What is included in the base kit?

• 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
• 2 bonus workouts:
  • 10 Min Ab Hammer, and
  • 10 Min Ab Chisel

Here is my unboxing video...

What is included in the deluxe kit?

Everything in the Base Kit, plus:

• 4 additional deluxe workouts
• additional set of 7 portion control containers
• 25 oz shaker cup
• 8 pound medicine ball

What is included in the Shakeology Challenge Pack?

I recommend this kit for best results, because you have the nutrition component covered with Shakeology.  It's not a protein shake (though there is protein in it).  It is a whole-foods-based superfood nutrition shake to ensure you get all the nutrients that your body needs to perform at its best, and to recover quickly from workouts.

The Shakeology Challenge Pack includes:

• Hammer & Chisel Base Kit
• 30 day supply (30 meals) of Shakeology
• 30 day trial Team Beachbody Club membership (for streaming Hammer & Chisel and hundreds of other Beachbody workouts, amazing meal planner, and much more)
• Super discounted shipping

 

What is included in the Performance Challenge Pack?

The Performance Challenge Pack includes:

• Hammer & Chisel Base Kit
• 30 day supply of Beachbody Performance Energize (pre-workout)
• 30 day supply of Beachbody Performance Recover (post-workout)
• 30 day trial Team Beachbody Club membership (for streaming Hammer & Chisel and hundreds of other Beachbody workouts, amazing meal planner, and much more)
• Super discounted shipping

 

Here is a quick little video to see what it's all about...

Hammer & Chisel Nutrition (my favorite part)

Tell me about the Hammer & Chisel meal plan.

In a nutshell it is simple clean eating using a foolproof portion control system.  If you've done the 21 Day Fix or 21 Day Fix Extreme, you will recognize the same cute, color-coded containers.

You answer a nutritional quiz, found in the guidebook, and then determine how many of each container to eat according to YOUR goals.

See my (very) detailed post here:  Hammer & Chisel Meal Plan

Will I lose weight doing Hammer & Chisel?

Only if that is your goal (and you follow the meal plan).  The meal plan is totally customizable.  You choose your goal, and eating according to that goal:

• weight loss
• maintain & sculpt
• build muscle

Do I need to drink Shakeology?

No one is going to come to your house and force you to drink a nutrition shake, but it is a part of the program.  Drinking Shakeology for breakfast or lunch makes a no-brainer meal, and ensures you are getting optimum nutrition.

Learn how Shakeology can help fuel your body for Hammer & Chisel.

Do I need to take supplements?

Beachbody recommends the Performance line to help support your energy, muscle-building, and recovery.  Different supplement combos are recommended for your specific goals.  For example, if leaning out is your goal, they recommend Energize and Recover.

Learn more about the Beachbody Performance Line.

What should I do if I am hungry?

If you’re feeling hungry, try adding one extra GREEN or one extra RED container to your plan, or if you’re feeling sluggish, try adding one extra PURPLE or one extra BLUE container.

What’s this about a free Hammer & Chisel t-shirt?

When you submit your before and after photos to Beachbody, you get a free Hammer & Chisel tank.  Details are in your program materials.

What if I am unhappy with the program?

Beachbody has an amazing 30 day money back guarantee.  It's a win-win for you.  Either you get great results, or you return the program, no questions asked.

Hopefully these FAQ's answered your questions about Hammer & Chisel.  If not, feel free to CONTACT ME or comment below!

Links to everything Hammer & Chisel appear in my Ultimate Guide to The Master's Hammer & Chisel.