21 Day Fix - Here's the Skinny

The 21 Day Fix program was created by trainer, Autumn Calabrese, and features an eating plan and a 30-minute-a-day workout regimen. It's name is based on the principle that it takes 21 days to alter habits, but you can do it for as long as you need to reach your goals. 

It teaches you about portion control using color-coded containers, clean eating and learning to be disciplined about working out. But that's not to say it's rigid. 

One of the main reasons I like 21 Day Fix, and recommend it to people just starting out, is because it can be tailored to just about anyone's lifestyle. I mean, you can still drink wine and eat chocolate (within moderation) which are HUGE wins in my book :P.

Here's what you get:

• Consists of workout DVDs (A different workout for each day of the week + 1 bonus workout + a 10-min Ab workout)

• Eating Plan Booklet

• Color-Coded Portion-Controlled Containers

• 30 Days Free Beachbody On Demand (allows you online access to the workout videos, eating plan, at least one video of the other Beachbody programs to try them out and many other fun things)

Workouts

• Workouts are only 30 minute workouts every day of the week which includes warm up and cool down

• You'll workout all 7 days

• They are easy to follow, yet still challenge you, no matter your fitness level

• You only need 2 sets of dumbbells (one light and one heavy - whatever weight your comfortable starting with...Target and Walmart sell them pretty cheaply) + a yoga mat, which is optional

• There's a person named Kat in every workout that shows you how to modify every move you do. Kat can be a savor when you first start out, lol, and even still after you've been doing it awhile

• Your butt/legs will be sore the first week (like hard to sit on the potty sore), but by week 2, your body seems to adjust

Eating Plan

• Built around the portion-controlled containers and clean eating principles, limiting processed foods

• The guide walks you through it step-by-step, telling you what types of food you can include for each container

• Easy to adapt when going to restaurants and when traveling

• Allows for treats (including wine and chocolate) and cheat meals

• The keys to staying on track with the program are planning and prepping, even if you're only doing it for the next day (I typically plan my entire week worth of meals and prep work-week breakfast, lunch and snacks on Sunday. But that's just what works for me. Others do theirs the day before)
• Another must is...engaging your coach! Thats what we're here for!!!
• There's a free iPhone/Android App that helps you keep track of the different containers you're eating every day

Beachbody on Demand (BOD)

• Allows you to access the workouts and eating plan booklet for the program that you purchased online which is perfect for traveling. If you have an iPhone/iPad, you can even download the app

• Allows you access to at least one video from the other Beachbody workout programs, so you can try them out before you buy them and there's always a workout of the day from the different trainers

• Autumn now has a new cooking show called FIXATE , where she walks through different recipes, but the first few videos go into more detail about the portion-controlled containers and how to use them. She also goes into some detail about raiding your pantry and prepping. The FIXATE cooking show is exclusively available on BOD

• If you want to check out FIXATE (or any of the workout programs on Beachbody on Demand) to learn more before you buy anything, you can create a Club Team Beachbody Membership account for 30 days. After 30 days, you'll be billed quarterly, unless you cancel it. Once you create your account, click on Beachbody on Demand in the left hand navigation. Sign in using the Club Membership credentials you just created

Shakeology

Along with 21 Day Fix, I also drink Shakeology. Its not something you have to do in order to be successful with this program. In fact, I didn't do it for the first month, because I was skeptical of all things shakes. Plus, let's face it, it seems expensive. 

Over the course of the month, I learned more and talked to my coach and people in my challenge group, then decided to give it a try. I realized that it equates to about $4 a day and actually saw my grocery bill decrease. I also learned about ways that I could defray the monthly cost. 

I haven't looked back...

I'll be writing more about Shakeology in the coming weeks, but you can learn more in the meantime and definitely reach out to me if you're interested in trying it or have questions!

Challenge/Accountability Groups

You'll hear these referred to in both ways. They are basically the same thing. A coach or group of coaches in the same line, use secret Facebook groups to connect people doing Beachbody programs. 

Secret means the only people that can see your posts are the people that have been added by a coach to the secret group. These posts will not appear on your personal Facebook page.

We share ideas/recipes, encourage each other and reach out when we're struggling. Being a part of a challenge group is totally optional. As a "challenger" you absolutely DO NOT have to post at all, but it's highly recommend that you at least be a silent observer. 

These groups are so inspiring that you may find yourself posting even if you didn't think you would! They can really help you stay on track and are designed to motivate and inspire. Sometimes just knowing you have people out there that are doing this with you makes all the difference.

Ready to Sign Up for 21 Day Fix?

You can purchase 21 Day Fix + Shakeology together or just the 21 Day Fix program. 

Don't think 21 Day Fix is right for you? 

No problem. Check out all of what Beachbody has to offer for any fitness level and preference. 

Still not sure? 

I'll be happy to answer any questions you have or help you determine what works best for you. Send me a message using the contact form to the right!