Want the scoop on the 21 Day Fix Extreme? Here are the answers to ALL your questions, and a few I’ll bet you didn’t even think of. I asked my Challenge Group participants what they wanted to know about Beachbody’s new 21 Day Fix Extreme by celebrity trainer, Autumn Calabrese.
What’s the difference between the 21 Day Fix and the 21 Day Fix Extreme?
The 21 Day Fix was created for people who need a fast approach to portion control and fitness so they can lose weight in a short period of time.
The 21 Day Fix Extreme takes your workouts and nutrition to the next level.
Autumn Calabrese spoke about this new program in a phone call to Team Beachbody coaches in January. “The level of intensity, both in the workouts and in the nutrition plan, have definitely been turned up a notch or three,” she promises.
The workouts are more intense. They’re still 30 minutes, you still get the variety of seven different workouts throughout your week to keep your body guessing so you see maximum results, but you will be working harder.
There is still the portion control from the original 21 Day Fix, but the nutrition is “more dialed in” and there are two nutrition plans to choose from in this program.
The Fix Extreme is the program celebrity trainer Autumn Calabrese uses to prepare for the stage.
“There definitely is a no BS attitude to the 21 Day Fix Extreme,” says Autumn. You have to be ready, you have to have your mind in the right place, and you have to be ready to GO ALL IN for 21 days.”
IS THE 21 DAY FIX EXTREME RIGHT FOR YOU?
“Here is the long and short of it. 21 Day Fix Extreme is for people who like intensity; it is for people who crave intensity; it is for the people who are looking to see just how far they can take their fitness in 21 Days,” explains Autumn.
This program is for 21 Day Fix graduates, athletes, people who have an event coming up and a short amount of time to get ready for it, it is for anyone who is looking for a CHALLENGE.
Can a beginner do 21 Day Fix Extreme?
While the original 21 Day Fix was created for anybody and everybody – whether you’ve been working out for a long time or are new to fitness, the 21 Day Fix Extreme is not a program for beginners.
The 21 Day Fix Extreme is meant for someone who is already exercising and has a baseline of fitness. It is not designed for someone new to working out, or just getting back in shape after sitting on the couch for 15 years.
If you’ve done the 21 Day Fix, T25, P90 or another Beachbody program, or are a runner, cyclist or if you work out at the gym, then you should be ready to tackle the 21 Day Fix Extreme.
Autumn Calabrese explains, “I tell people all the time – even if you don’t get through the full 30 minutes or even if you follow the modifier for the entire 21 days, that’s fine. You have to start somewhere and build up.”
It’s for people who want to take their fitness to the next level. You don’t have to be at your peak level of performance yet. As Autumn says, “that’s the whole point of this program – to take you to that level.”
Is the 21 Day Fix Extreme designed for people with a lot of weight to lose?
It’s designed for people who DON’T have a lot of weight to lose, but who are looking to get “shredded, cut arms, those ripped shoulders and toned legs.” Those are Beachbody’s words, not mine. Let’s just say you’ll shed that last bit of fat to display the muscles you worked so hard to build.
Does that mean you can’t do the 21 Day Fix Extreme if you are obese? Not at all. I think the important thing is that you are used to exercising. You may not see a 6 pack after 21 days if you are 50 pounds overweight, but you’ll dump a good bit of weight and you’ll improve your fitness level.
Can you do 21 Day Fix Extreme if you haven’t done the 21 Day Fix?
Although it is the follow up program to 21 Day Fix, 21 Day Fix Extreme is a stand-alone program. That means you do not have to do the original Fix in order to do Fix Extreme.
PROGRAM SPECIFICS
How long is the program?
21 days.
How many days a week will I work out?
Seven.
How many workouts are included?
Seven workouts are included with the program:
- Plyo Fix Extreme. An explosive lower-body workout that uses jumping and resistance to burn calories and sculpt muscles.
- Upper Fix Extreme. This no-rest upper body workout works opposing muscle groups to sculpt and tone the chest, back, shoulders and arms.
- Pilates Fix Extreme. Using a resistance band for every exercise (ouch!) this intense mat workout works the entire body, especially the core.
- Lower Fix Extreme. 30 minutes of challenging resistance work, targeting the glutes, quads, hamstrings and calves.
- Cardio Fix Extreme. This is an interval workout of weighted cardio moves.
- Dirty 30 Extreme. This workout uses seven compound moves, focusing on multiple body parts at a time, to burn extra calories while defining muscles.
- Yoga Fix Extreme. A fast-paced yoga class, combining strength, balance, flexibility and power.
- BONUS WORKOUT when purchased from a Beachbody Coach (like me!) – The Fix Challenge. Burn off calories with this quick resistance workout.
What equipment do I need?
Resistance bands are required. These are not included in the base kit. You’ll also need a set of light, medium and heavy dumbbells. It is recommended to have a yoga mat, but it’s optional.
Is there a modifier?
Yes. All the workouts have a modifier.
There is a modifier in every workout but, as Autumn shares, “the modifier is still working too. The modifier is definitely keeping it at that higher intensity level as well.”
What does this mean? You can modify and you will still be challenged; cut the the impact and the plyo moves and still get results.
How much space do I need to do these workouts? Can this be done in an apartment?
About 6 square feet of space is recommended. Unless you modify, you will be jumping, so hopefully you have a solid floor beneath you if you live in an apartment.
Is there an app to track your progress?
No, but this is a perfect opportunity to utilize your free Team Beachbody membership if you’re not doing so already. (If you’ve ever purchased from Beachbody you have a membership, or you can sign up here for FREE: Team Beachbody Membership
The gives you access to the SuperGym, where you can track your workouts, and log and update your personal statistics like weight and inches lost. The Team Beachbody site has a wealth of tools to help you rock the program.
If you have an iPhone, you can use the Reminders app to track your food. See my article: 21 Day Fix Tracker App Using iPhone Reminders
What is the music like?
It’s instrumental techno music. I don’t really notice it at the beginning of the workouts, except that it keeps me on the beat. Toward the end of the workout, when I’m hot, tired and sweaty, I find the music a little annoying. That’s just me.
Are there men and women of all shapes and sizes in the workout DVD’s?
Um, no. Everyone is extremely fit and rockin’ visible abs. One of my challenge group participants posed this question. She likes to see all sorts of people of different sizes in workouts. I do too, HOWEVER, it is motivating to see what you or I might look…
What makes the 21 Day Fix Extreme different from other programs?
- It is intense
- It a short term program – only 21 days
- It has 30 minute workouts that everyone can squeeze into their day
- It has two meal plans and will tell you exactly what and how much to eat – no guesswork
- It comes with portion control containers
- It has the incredibly motivating Autumn Calabrese as your trainer
- It will challenge you mentally and physically
NUTRITION
Does the 21 Day Fix Extreme come with the portion control containers?
Yes, the containers are identical to those used in the 21 Day Fix.
I have containers from the 21 Day Fix. Can I purchase the Fix Extreme WITHOUT containers?
Yes. There is an option to choose the kit without containers (although it’s always handy to have an extra set).
Does it come with a food plan?
Yes, it comes with TWO food plans.
Plan 1 – 21 Day Fix Extreme Eating Plan.
The basic nutrition plan is simply no more cheats, no more treats. Sorry friends, your wine and chocolate are gone. Ouch. But, it’s only 21 days and we can do anything for 21 days, right?
Portion control is a piece of cake (not allowed on the plan!) using the color-coded containers included with the program. The food lists have been changed up from the original 21 Day Fix. Some foods have been added, and some foods have been taken away.
Plan 2 – Countdown to Competition Plan.
The second is the Countdown to Competition plan which requires focus and determination. “It’s definitely a mindset that you have to be ready for to take on the Countdown to Competition plan,” cautions Autumn, “but it’s what I do leading up to me taking the stage.”
The Countdown days are essentially low carb days. You eat protein, veggies and some healthy fats.
For Countdown to Competition you alternate two Countdown days with one Extreme day and repeat for the 18 days. The last three days are all Countdown days.
Which plan should I choose?
You can choose either plan to follow, or you can mix things up. There is a calendar included in the program that gives you several different versions of how to apply the eating plan, depending on how intense you want to go.
How hard is the food plan to follow?
Bikini competitors, like Autumn Calabrese, have to be strict with their diet and extremely focused. So for me, who likes my daily chocolate, it will be a challenge.
However, if you’re comfortable following the original 21 Day Fix eating plan, you should be able to transition quite well.
“It’s fun, it’s intense and you’re definitely not going to starve on it,” promises Autumn. I shall take her at her word!
Does the eating plan have gluten free, vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes.
Will l like the foods on the meal plan?
That depends. You will be eating clean, so no processed foods. Lean meats, fruits, veggies, limited carbs and some healthy fats. It might be a big jump if you’re used to a fast food diet, but you’re strong, right?
How difficult are the meals to prepare?
Literally as difficult (or easy) as you want to make them. You can combine your ingredients into gourmet recipes, or you can simply eat some baked chicken, grilled fish, roasted veggies, a piece of fruit, etc. I like things simple and easy and you can bet I’ll personally leave complicated recipes to someone else.
Can I eat at restaurants following the plan?
Yes, IF you are focused and adhere to the plan guidelines and portion sizes. In other words, be careful!
Does it have recipes to help me out?
Yes! “We’ve been asked for recipes, so we added a bunch of new fun ones to the book,” explains Autumn. “And they’re really more recipes, they’re not just how to do a poached egg or something like that. There’s a recipe for a new taco mix which I love.”
The turkey chili recipe is my new favorite.
You can also use recipes from the Fixate Cookbook when planning your meals.
Click to see the Fixate Clean Eating Cookbook.
Does it have a shopping list?
No, but you can download a printable shopping list here: Shopping List
Is the plan regimented enough to help form new habits and break old ones?
That would be a YES. Strict clean eating, without treats, may cleanse your palate and help you desire healthy, wholesome foods. Hopefully you will be turned off by fast food, sugary desserts and junk food.
Working out every single day, even if only for 30 minutes, will create the habit of daily exercise. Following the program will definitely lead to new, healthy habits.
RESULTS
What results have people gotten?
As of this writing, a few days in advance of the 21 Day Fix Extreme launch, the only results are from the Beachbody test groups. It will be interesting to see what results REAL people get.
These are before-and-after photos provided by Beachbody. Once the program is released and “real people” experiment with it, I’ll update with more results.
How long did it take people to get those results?
This was a great question from one of the ladies in my challenge group! Often we see dramatic “before and after” photos and it’s confusing – did they get those results after only 21 days? Or did they repeat the program 15 times??
For the photos above, the results were obtained in 21 days.
May I please see results from people who didn’t already look like super models??
This was the question of one of the ladies in my accountability group, and she has a good point. At this writing, the only results we see are the official photos released by Beachbody since the program won’t be launched for a few more days. All of these people were very near their goal. A five to 10 pound loss does wonders for revealing muscles and yes, those 6 pack abs.
Once “real people” start working with the program I hope they post their results. I look forward to seeing “non-super-model” results from people who are overweight, from middle-aged moms, and from guys with a beer belly. Hopefully I’ll have my own to share
Can I lose weight on this program?
If you follow the food plan – yes. You will be doing intense workouts that burn a ton of calories, but if you’re scarfing down McDonald’s every day then you’re not going to be rocking a six-pack any time soon.
The food plan is strict for a reason – to strip off a layer of fat and reveal your amazing muscles. But you have to FOLLOW the food plan.
How do I purchase the 21 Day Fix Extreme?
You have four options: the Base Kit, the Deluxe Kit, the Challenge Pack and the Kickstart Challenge Pack (best value). Here are the details…
What’s included in the Base Kit?
The Base Kit retails for $59.85 and includes:
- 7 DVD workouts
- Color-coded portion control containers to take the guesswork out of eating
- 21 Day Fix Extreme Quick Start Guide
- 21 Day Fix Extreme Eating Plan
- Countdown to Competition Eating Plan
- Bonus DVD: The Fix Challenge
- Shakeology Shaker Cup
- 30 day money back guarantee (Beachbody wants you to be thrilled with your results, as do I!)
What’s included in the Deluxe Kit?
The Deluxe Kit retails for $119.70 and includes everything in the Base Kit, plus:
- Power Strength Extreme Workout
- ABC Extreme Workout
- Extra set of 7 color-coded containers
- 32 oz. light blue container
- Pro-grade resistance band
- 1 pair of resistance band handles
What’s included in the 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack?
I always recommend the Challenge Pack because it contains everything you need for success in one box AND it’s the best deal. The Challenge Pack is always a great value; it’s like purchasing Shakeology and getting the entire workout program for as little as $10! (Depending if Fix Extreme is on special in a particular month.)
The challenge pack includes everything in the Base Kit, plus:
- One month supply of Shakeology in your choice of flavor (my favorite is chocolate!)
- One month free trial in the Team Beachbody Club
Purchase the 21 Day Fix Extreme Challenge Pack HERE.
What’s included in the 21 Day Fix Extreme Kickstart Challenge Pack?
The Kickstart Challenge Pack includes everything in the regular Challenge Pack plus:
- 3 Day Refresh
May I be perfectly honest with you? I am not a fan of the 3 Day Refresh, sorry Beachbody. It’s basically a three day “cleanse” where you drink most of your meals, including a concoction called “Fiber Sweep.” I did the 3 Day Refresh just to try it out, and I personally was miserable. I’d rather eat “real food” in smaller quantities. But if you want that extra kick start, then by all means choose this package.
Purchase the Kickstart Challenge Pack HERE.
Will I have help or support as I do this program?
Yes! Here are just a few ways you can receive support:
- From me! All of my clients who purchase the 21 Day Fix Extreme have the option to join one of my Facebook accountability groups. The groups are totally free and provide daily support and motivation. Just contact me to join one of my groups.
- From Team Beachbody. If you purchase the 21 Day Fix Extreme you will automatically be given a membership to Team Beachbody (if you didn’t have one already). The Team Beachbody site has articles, food tracker sheets, the SuperGym to track workouts and stats, discussion forums, and much more.
- If you purchase a Challenge Pack you will receive a one month free trial in the Team Beachbody Club which gives you access to even more perks, like video streaming, live chats with trainers, a customizable meal planner that generates shopping lists, a 10% discount on any purchases, and much more.
Is there a guarantee? What if I’m unhappy?
All Beachbody products come with a 30 day money back guarantee. Beachbody wants you to be happy with your purchase and they stand behind all of their products.
Phew! If you can think of a question I haven’t answered, then please comment below and I’ll do my best to help you out.
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