I get this question all the time, especially from people who’ve already tried (and LOVED) 21 Day Fix.
I mean, it doesn’t get much easier than simple 30-minute workouts and a simple meal plan that lets you eat ALL the food groups. What’s not to love?
21 Day Fix creator Autumn Calabrese came back with 21 Day Fix Extreme for even better results. But what’s the difference and where should you start?
Well, that depends. Let’s talk about both programs.
Both programs use the color-coded container system for nutrition and they both consist of 7 workouts per week, averaging about 30 minutes a piece. Both require the use of dumbbells and both programs still have a modifier for each movement. And of course, both programs still encourage you to drink Shakeology daily.
Basically, Autumn brought back everything you loved from 21 Day Fix, so not much has changed there.
The biggest difference between the programs is intensity.
21 Day Fix is a great program for beginners. 21 Day Fix Extreme is best suited to those looking to amp up their workouts and is more of a moderate to advanced program. So, if you’re just starting out, 21 Day Fix is probably more your speed.
21 Day Fix Extreme workouts a typically harder and the movements are slightly more complex. There are also shorter breaks in between movements and the warm-up is much shorter than the one in 21 Day Fix. Extreme’s workouts—mainly Pilates—uses a resistance band as well. Extreme also requires the use of two sets of dumbbells, one light and one heavy (though, I recommend investing in a nice set of adjustable dumbbells since they come in handy during most Beachbody workout programs!).
That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that Extreme still comes with a modifier for movements, so if you’re looking for a challenge, I don’t want you to feel discouraged. Use the modifier and challenge yourself!
I think the biggest adjustment between 21 Day Fix and 21 Day Fix Extreme lies in the meal plan. 21 Day Fix’s meal plan was far more flexible, including fun foods like multigrain waffles and treats like chocolate and wine. Extreme has cut out the waffles and the less nutritious options on the food lists, making for a more restricted meal plan, but also yielding even better results. There are also no treats on Extreme. In that regard, I would say Extreme definitely isn’t for someone looking for a lot of flexibility with their nutrition. It is definitely more dialed in.
Extreme also comes with Autumn’s “Countdown to Competition” meal plan which is an even stricter meal plan that you can choose to follow for even better results. Autumn herself follows this plan when she’s preparing for bikini competitions. So, if you’re looking to get seriously shredded, Extreme is definitely the better option.
There you have it. The answer is in the name.
21 Day Fix Extreme is a much more extreme program, from the movements, to the intense workouts, to the tighter meal plan. It is definitely not something I’d recommend to a beginner, but it’s great for those of you looking to kick things up a notch and get even better results!
21 Day Fix is the better option for beginners looking for a little more flexibility or people just starting out with cleaning up their nutrition.
If you’re still curious about both programs, I’d say start with 21 Day Fix and then make your way to Extreme. After all, Extreme still includes everything you loved about 21 Day Fix, and then dials it all in for even better results! Try one or try em both! You’ve got this.
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