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Beachbody is all a buzz about their newest real time programs 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme. But what’s the difference and which one should you do? I’ve got all the details to help you decide between 21 Day Fix vs 21 Day Fix Extreme PLUS free weight trackers!
Let’s start with a brief description of each program.
What is 21 Day Fix
21 Day Fix is a workout and nutrition program developed by celebrity fitness trainer, Autumn Calabrese.
The Workouts
The program consists of 30 minute workouts focusing on weight training, pilates, cardio and yoga. In the original 21 Day Fix program there are 7 different workouts that you repeat for 3 weeks. But now through Beachbody On Demand 21 Day Fix Real Time is actually 21 unique workouts PLUS a bonus ab workout. I absolutely love the real time workouts. Autumn progresses the moves each week to help you get even more out of each workout. And you don’t get bored.
I highly recommend tracking your weights to keep up with your progression from week to week. A 21 Day Fix Real Time Weight Tracker is available in my free resource library.
The Meal Plan
The nutrition plan is based on the Ultimate Portion Fix eating plan which was originally created for 21 Day Fix. It uses color coded portion control containers to help you get the correct balance of macros to fuel your body. I struggle to meal plan using the containers. Using a meal plan template is very helpful.
21 Day Fix Extreme is a workout and nutrition program developed by celebrity fitness trainer, Autumn Calabrese, focused on getting more competition-like shredded results.
The Workouts
The program consists of 30 minute workouts focusing on weight training, pilates, cardio and yoga. The exercises in 21 Day Fix Extreme include more compound movements. So instead of working one muscle group at a time you are working multiple muscle groups.
In the original 21 Day Fix Extreme program there are 7 different workouts that you repeat for 3 weeks, PLUS bonus workouts for doubling up on certain days. 21 Day Fix Extreme Real Time includes 21 unique workouts PLUS a bonus ab workout.
A weight tracker is available for 21 Day Fix Extreme in my free resource library. Tracking your weights will help you push yourself and get even better results.
The Meal Plan
21 Day Fix Extreme gives you the option of following the regular Ultimate Portion Fix eating plan or Carb Cycling with the Countdown to Competition eating plan. The Countdown to Competition plan is basically two days of carb depletion followed by one day of regular eating. Carb cycling is designed to help you temporarily shed weight quickly in a healthy manner. Dropping the extra water weight and fat covering your muscles gives you that shredded look. Again, using a meal plan template makes planning your meals and following the plan much easier.
21 Day Fix vs 21 Day Fix Extreme
Similarities
21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme have many similarities. Here’s what the two programs have in common:
- Trainer Autumn Calabrese
- 30 minute workouts/7 days a week
- Weights, Cardio, Pilates & Yoga
- Modifier included
- Portion Control Eating Plan
Differences
Despite all the similarities there are quite a few differences in 21 Day Fix vs 21 Day Fix Extreme. Here’s how they’re different:
- Beginner/intermediate vs Advanced
- 1 minute moves with 15 second breaks vs Moves that vary in length with shorter breaks
- Moves focus on one muscle at a time vs Compound moves using multiple muscle groups
- Eating plan with “treat” options vs No treats and a stricter food list
Which Should You Do
21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme are both great programs. If you’re just starting out on your fitness journey I would suggest starting with 21 Day Fix. You may even want to do a couple of rounds then move on to 21 Day Fix Extreme. The great thing about the new Real Time 21 Day Fix programs is that Autumn progresses the moves each week in both programs. It’s almost like they are meant to work together. So instead of going from the simple moves in 21 Day Fix and jumping to the most difficult moves in 21 Day Fix Extreme you progress a little bit over a period of 6 weeks. Don’t be afraid to give 21 Day Fix Extreme a try. Remember both programs have a modifier so there is always a lower impact option.
I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about this or any other Beachbody program. If you’re looking for accountability or help with meal planning I’ve got you covered as well.
