I’ve been looking for a fitness program that really suits my needs for a long time now. Something that motivates me, while combining functional strength training and cardio. When Natacha launched her Hybrid program (a running/strength combination program) I knew I HAD to try it.
In the past…
I’ve tried out different fitness apps/programs, creating my own schedule, etc., but found issues with both approaches.
With the apps, I never found a program that combined strength training AND cardio the way I wanted. I used the EvolveYou app for over a year and liked aspects of it, but it was always just strength (for the most part, maybe a couple of sprints here and there).
I also have had a hard time sticking to the strictness of these apps. For example, with the EvolveYou app, you can’t really go at your own pace, skip a week, etc.
It’s 5 workouts a week (the amount varies based on what trainer/program you choose) and you have to stick to it no matter what. I’d find myself missing workouts or full weeks if I was having a slower week, was sick, on vacation, etc. It didn’t feel realistic to stick with for the long term. And that’s one of the main things I want with a workout program – something that I can use for a long time without getting burnt out.
With the apps, I also didn’t like that it’s a subscription-based model. So you have to pay every month even if you’re not really using it. That’s also not a long-term approach for me, because I don’t want to be stuck spending $X amount every month or every year for the rest of my life.
On the other hand, creating my own fitness schedule is fun and works in the short term. But I don’t feel as committed to sticking to it or striving for any kind of results if I’m being honest with myself. I’ll work out to stay somewhat in shape and for my mental health (which are both amazing reasons to work out, to be fair). But I’m getting to a point where I want to actually get stronger and be able to run a few miles again.
SO, that’s where the Hybrid program comes in.
Natacha Oceane’s Hybrid Program
This program is a blend of running and strength training.
It’s extremely customizable. You can choose between running-focused, strength-focused, or a 50/50 option for the workouts. You also get to decide where you’re starting in your running journey. If you’re a beginner vs. if you can already run a 5K, 10K, marathon, etc.
Since I’m just getting back into running after years of not running really at all, I’m starting with the beginner running program. I also chose the 50/50 between running and strength.
Another major win: Natacha’s programs are not subscription-based. You buy the program once and have it for life, to complete over and over again if you want to, which I absolutely love.
With subscriptions, I feel like I’m wasting my money after a certain number of months. Especially with fitness programs that end up being repetitive. If I’m not learning anything new from it, I feel silly throwing away money every month.
That’s just me personally. For some people, a month-to-month subscription might make way more sense. For example, if you’re just trying something out and not sure if you’re going to like it, just paying for one month of a program sounds way more palatable than paying for the full program and having no idea if it’ll actually work for you.
The point I’m at in my fitness journey made Natacha’s Hybrid program seem like the best bet though. I already knew I was going to like it. I’ve followed Natacha for years and always loved how science/fact-based she is.
She also has been training for a 100-mile race for a while and really getting into running. So I trust that she has all kinds of tips and tricks for starting out running and avoiding injuries.
Starting the Program
I’m going to be starting the program in a less traditional way. Since I live in Florida and it’s disgustingly hot in the summer, I have no desire to attempt to run in the 100+ degree heat.
However, I do want to start the running-focused strength training, to build my base for running. The most important element to me is to be able to run without injury. I’ve struggled with shin splints and hip pain forever and don’t want that to factor into my running this time.
I figure, if I can build up a solid foundation, work on my strength (where it matters), mobility, and baseline cardiovascular health (by walking) – I’ll be in a much better position to start running in the fall when it cools down.
So my plan is to do only the strength training from her program throughout the summer (1 leg day, 1 upper body day, and 2 shorter running-focused strength workouts). In addition, I’m going to aim for 2 cardio sessions per week (generally I’ll do a 30-minute incline walk on the treadmill or a longer walk at the park) and one mobility/stretch session.
By the time fall comes around, the temperatures will be more bearable for running. At that point, I’ll start the program over, incorporating running this time.
My goals
By the end of the program (so after I do the full program in the fall), I want to be able to:
- Run a 5K pain-free
- Run for 30 minutes (at a slow pace) without taking walk breaks
- Improve my cardiovascular health
- Improve my strength (I’ll make more specific lifting goals as I start the strength workouts)
If this takes me doing the program all the way through a couple of times, I’m totally fine with that.
One of the best parts of Natacha’s program style is that you can customize it and go at your own pace.
So for example, if you wanted to stretch out “one week of workouts” over 1.5 weeks or 2 weeks, you can do that. If you want to skip a week because you’ll be on vacation, you can do that too.
In addition, once you buy the program, you have it on the app forever, So if I want to do every customization of the Hybrid program 30x each, I could do that.
That would be insane, but it would be possible lol.
Overall, I’m feeling really excited, motivated, and hopeful for the future of my running!
I’ll keep updating my journey with the program on the blog and do a full review once I’m done. Chat soon! 🙂
