HONEST Natacha Oceane Hybrid Program Review

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. Let’s get into my thoughts on the Natacha Oceane hybrid program…

Natacha Oceane Hybrid Program Review (running and strength training program) | Vitality Vixens Healthy Lifestyle Blog

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, easily 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 Natacha Oceane Hybrid program comes in.

Natacha Oceane 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 want to train for 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 blend 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 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 the Natacha Hybrid program my best bet. 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 had 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 initially started the program in a less traditional way. Since I lived in Florida and it was disgustingly hot in the summer, I had no desire to attempt to run in the 100+ degree heat.

However, I did 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 injury-free. I’ve struggled with shin splints and hip pain in the past and didn’t want that to factor into my running this time.

I figured, if I can build up a solid foundation, work on my strength (where it matters), mobility, and baseline cardiovascular health (by walking) – I’d be in a much better position to start running in the fall when it cools down.

So my plan was to do only the strength training from the program throughout the summer (1 leg day, 1 upper body day, and 2 shorter running-focused strength workouts).

In addition, I was aiming for 2 cardio sessions per week (generally I’d 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 came around, the temperatures would be more bearable for running. At that point, I’d start the program over, incorporating running this time.

My goals

By the end of the program, I wanted 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 with progressive overload

If this requires me to complete the program 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 you want to do every customization of the Hybrid program 30x each, you could do that.

That would be insane, but it would be possible lol.

Thoughts After Completing the Hybrid Program

After completing the Natacha Oceane Hybrid Program all the way through, I have to say, I loved it!

It was so easy to do at my own pace, customize based on my schedule, and not feel unmotivated if I had to take a week off for whatever reason.

The workouts themselves are great. You can tell she put a ton of work into making the strength workouts very running-based, strengthening all the right muslces.

In most other general strength programs I’ve done, they focus on the major muscle groups (glutes, quads, hamstrings, shoulders, chest, bis/tris, back.) Which is great!

Natacha incorporates all of these major muscles groups into her strength workouts as well, to build a solid foundation. But she also includes exercises that work more running-specific muslces, like the hip flexors, calves, core, gluteus medius, etc) along with a lot of stability work.

This makes me feel 100x more well equipped to start a running journey pain-free.

In addition, the beginner running program makes it really easy to work your way up slowly. It’s also super customizable, so I ended up repeating certain weeks’ runs for multiple weeks in a row if I felt like I still needed to improve before moving on to the next week.

My only complaint is that the strength workouts are pretty dang long. The upper body and lower body days would end up taking me around an hour each. And then you’re also supposed to add one of the run-specific trainings (~20-30 minutes) onto the tail end of the strength training.

For me, this just isn’t realistic in my schedule. I also personally don’t enjoy being in the gym (or working out at home) for an hour and a half. I’d rather stick to a 30-45 minute workout.

So I ended up customizing this aspect too and only doing half of each of the full strength workouts at once, then doing the second half the following week.

This worked way better with my schedule. But since it felt like I was doing only “half” a workout, it was a little demoralizing.

In Conclusion: Natacha Oceane Hybrid Program

Overall, the Natacha Oceane hybrid program is incredible! I’m planning on completing this program again, but doing the 5K running plan instead of beginner.

If you’re looking for a blend of strength and running, and have found other fitness programs to not be quite what you’re looking for, this program is for you.

If you enjoyed this honest review and want to see more, check these out:

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