Beachbody’s The 21 Day Fix Review & Amazing Results
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Autumn Calabrese’s 21 Day Fix program combines at home workouts and portion controlled containers to help you commit to a healthy lifestyle no matter your current fitness level. Below, I review the popular fitness program with 30-minute workout videos, color-coded containers, and share my before and after photos! (Updated March 2021)
What is the 21 Day Fix?
Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix combines home workouts and portion healthy eating through portion-control containers. The quick 30-minute workouts are convenient and offer modifications for people new to fitness. The meal plan is really easy to follow too! You’ll find your calorie goal and then focus on eating healthy foods and proper portion sizes using the containers.
Quick 21-Day Fix Review:
- 30-minute workouts
- Good variety in type of workouts
- Simple nutrition plan using colorful containers
- 3 Treats allowed per week
- 7 workout days
Prefer to listen? Here’s Our Quick Recap
21 Day Fix Review
SPOILER ALERT: This is my favorite Beachbody product for beginners because it’s an effective workout plan and focuses on healthy eating without anything being completely off limits. You can even have fast food on it! Of course the best way to see great results is to 21 Day Fix plan to a T. We have a free 21 Day Fix diet meal plan with a simple grocery list of whole foods if you’d like it!
You may also like our web story on the workout program!
The 21 Day Fix Workouts
Each day of the week is a unique type of workout. My only complaint was that you have to repeat the same workout each week. For example, every Tuesday is Upper Body Fix. Since it’s original release, Beachbody created 21 Day Fix & 21 Day Fix Extreme Real Time though! These “Real Time” workouts never repeat! So you have a brand new workout every day! These are available with a Beachbody on Demand membership or Challenge Pack.
In the original program, there are 8 unique workouts with the option to add in deluxe routines.
Your 21 Day Fix workouts are:
- Total Body Cardio Fix – A total body workout using light weights.
- Upper Fix – A mix of body-weight and free-weight exercises to tone your arms, chest, back, and abs.
- Lower Fix – A mix of floor moves and free-weight exercises to tone your lower body.
- Pilates Fix – An active recovery workout that will tone your whole body.
- Cardio Fix – A calorie burner using your own body weight to tone your body.
- Dirty 30 – A total body resistance workout.
- Yoga Fix – A relaxing yoga class to end the week.
- Abs Fix – 10 minutes of different floor exercises with no rest.
Each workout is 30-minutes long and easy to follow. They also include a low-impact modifier which is very helpful for beginners.
You don’t have to be an athlete to do the workouts either. The moves are simple to learn, but they are challenging!
The workout schedule is also something you can keep using forever. I like to challenge myself to get more reps or pick up heavier weights every time I workout with Autumn.
Get the Printable 21 Day Fix Workout Schedule
The schedule includes one 30 minute workout every day for 3 weeks. You can choose to add an additional workout in Week 3 and do a 3 Day Quick Fix in the last 3 days for MAX results.
What equipment do you need for the 21 day fix?
- Light and Medium Set of Dumbbells or a Resistance Band
- Yoga Mat (optional)
- The DVDs or Beachbody on Demand
Is the 21 Day Fix for beginners?
Absolutely! These 30 minute workouts and simple meal plans are perfect for beginners wanting to lose weight and tone up at home!
Is there a modifier?
Yes! There is a modifier in every workout, and her name is Kat. She shows you proper form, and Autumn explains each modification very well.
Plus, Kat looks like a normal person (versus a fitness competitor) working out which motivated me to keep going. If she can do it, I can do it.
Is the 21 Day Fix for Men?
Yes! In every workout, there is at least 1 man doing the workouts sweating too! The workouts don’t include any silly music or girly moves. Men will follow the same meal plan based on their weight and goals. They may need to up their dumbbells to feel challenged.
What is the difference between 21 Day Fix and the “Real-Time 21 Day Fix”?
The original workouts were so popular that Beachbody & Autumn released 21 unique workouts for Beachbody on Demand. So the real-time workouts are newer and include variations each week!
Try a Free Real Time Sample Workout
Real Time Sample Workout from Kalee Dillard on Vimeo.
The new real-time workouts are only available to stream on Beachbody on Demand, whereas, the original workout program is available to stream and on DVD.
The 21 Day Fix Meal Plan
The eating plan is based on portioning your macronutrients. Autumn Calabrese used the container system as a fitness competitor and new mom.
While you could track macronutrients and weigh everything, that takes a lot of knowledge, effort and time. The meal plan really breaks it down into simple color-coded containers for you to use.
Here are a few quick things to know about the meal plan:
- No food is off limits (view the 21 Day Fix food list)
- The program also includes the Portion Fix containers
- You don’t count calories
- You have the flexibility to choose when and what you eat
- It’s also customizable to fit breastfeeding, food allergies, and other dietary needs
Grab our Free 21 Day Fix Meal Plan
Can you take First Thing and Last Thing on the 21 Day Fix?
Yes, you can take First Thing and Last Thing on the 21 Day Fix. Both are considered free foods.
Beachbody 21 Day Fix Colored Containers
The containers are at the base of this program, and I think it’s why it works so well. All you have to do is trust the meal plan for 3 weeks and use your containers.
The containers are all different sizes and each color represents a food group.
- Green containers are for Vegetables
- Purple containers are for Fruit
- Red containers are for Protein
- Yellow containers are for Starches & Treats
- Blue containers are for Healthy Fats (Nuts, Avocado, etc)
- Orange containers are for Healthy Fats as well (dressings & seeds)
The meal plan clearly outlines how many containers of each color you eat per day.
The Ultimate Portion Fix
Since the color-coded containers were so popular, Beachbody also worked with Autumn to create a standalone nutrition program, Ultimate Portion Fix, with more details and options.
Whether you’re looking for max results or just a proper diet that gets fast results, you may like the Ultimate Portion Fix as an add-on to your workouts.
If you add it on, you’ll get the full nutrition program which includes 100+ recipes, nutritional videos with Autumn, and much more when you stream the 21 Day Fix.
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You can get the nutrition program on its own or with Beachbody on Demand and/or Beachbody performance supplements too!
Learn More About the Ultimate Portion Fix
You can also order Ultimate Portion Fix (UPF) here:
- Get Ultimate Portion Fix (UPF)
- UPF + Shakeology
- UPF + Beachbody on Demand (for 700+ workouts) + Shakeology
- UPF + Beachbody on Demand (For 700+ workouts) + Workout Supplements
FAQS on Portion Fix
what does Shakeology count as on the 21 dAY fIX?
On the 21 Day Fix meal plan, Shakeology counts as a red container (protein). Shakeology is Beachbody’s meal replacement shake essential vitamins, minerals, and super foods. The nutrient dense shake includes 16-17 grams of protein and is an excellent source of fiber and a good source of Omega 3’s.
Can you have treats on the 21 Day Fix diet?
Yes, you can have treats on the 21 Day Fix up to 3 times a week if you budget for them. For every 2 yellow (Starch) containers you don’t eat, you get a 100-250 calorie treat like a glass of chardonnay or a small popcorn.
How do you follow recipes using the containers?
The original meal plan includes a few recipes that list container breakdowns. This helped me figure out what my other recipes might be. There is also a cookbook now to go along with the program called Fixate. It has 101 recipes in it!
Other Notes on the Meal Plan:
- Each container is BPA-free, microwave, and dishwasher safe, and has a lid.
- I honestly never felt deprived or hungry on the plan.
- It’s important to always get in every container.
- There are vegetarian options.
- If you want a harder diet plan look at the 21 Day Fix Extreme Countdown to Competition option.
Meal Plan Resources:
- 21 Day Fix Recipes or Vegan Recipes
- 51 Snacks Sorted by Container
- 3 Day Quick Fix Meal Plan and Tips
- 61 Shakeology Recipes
- Overnight Oats with Container Amounts
- 21 Day Fix Crockpot Recipes
Does the 21 Day Fix Actually Work?
Yes, the workouts and meal plan are extremely effective! You’ll not only burn calories and challenge your body each day with the workouts, but the meal plan helps you lose weight as well!
I lost 5.5 lbs and 11 inches on the 21 Day Fix!
View More 21 Day Fix Results
My 21 Day Fix Before and After Photos
I couldn’t believe my 21 Day Fix results! I had 5.5 pounds of weight loss, better muscle definition, and my waist shrank to 24 inches! I also wore my tightest pair of jeans to a concert, and they were almost loose! Another awesome feeling was that I wasn’t craving a cheat meal.
It’s been the best results I’ve ever gotten, and it just took 3 weeks!
My first time doing this exercise program, I just used the workout DVDs, but moving forward I will use Beachbody on Demand. Streaming with Beachbody on Demand gives me access to the bonus workouts and Autumn’s newer Real Time workouts! It was a simple plan to follow, and it gave me better results than other 90-day programs. I used the 21 Day Challenge Pack with Shakeology (Beachbody’s meal replacement product).
What is included with the 21 Day Fix?
You’ll receive 7 workouts plus your nutrition guide, workout schedule, the 3 Day Quick Fix guide, portion control containers and our support.
On top of the workouts, you’ll also receive the awesome meal plan. If you choose the challenge pack, you’ll also receive Shakeology which we highly recommend as a protein (Red) on the plan.
Get the Challenge Pack or stream it with Beachbody On Demand
You can also get the Beachbody 21 Day Fix DVD Kit for $59.95
Streaming Your Workouts
Beachbody on Demand allows you to stream your workouts from anywhere. You can even download up to 7 workouts a time if you’re not around good Internet. With the streaming service, you have access to the full program including the deluxe workouts!
You’ll also have access to 800+ other workouts including 21 Day Fix Extreme and a full Yoga Studio. You can also download and print out any meal plans and calendars. Learn more by reading our full Beachbody on Demand review.
There is a free 2-week free trial if you’d like to stream your workouts!
After that, it’s $39 per quarter after ($13 a month). You can also cancel at any time including during the trial!
Get 2 Free Weeks Free of Beachbody on Demand
Daily Support and Tips
If you decide to order this after reading our 21 Day Fix review, we’d also love to be your coaches. We’re mother-daughter and are Elite Coaches!
Our coaching service is totally free, and we’d love to be as involved as you’d like us to be. We offer monthly accountability with meal ideas, tips, and more!
To have us as your coaches, just make sure to use this link to order & make sure it says Kalee Dillard is your coach.
If it doesn’t, you can look me up with a coach ID of 1001548. You can also email thegirls@soreyfitness.com after you order to confirm we’re your coaches.
How do I get started?
It’s easier than you think to get started with your fitness journey!
It’s 4 easy steps!!
- Choose either the Challenge Pack, DVDs, or to stream the workouts with Beachbody On Demand
- Then, find our guide to create your 21 Day Fix Meal Plan
- Print your workout calendar
- Get started! If you need help – email us at thegirls@soreyfitness.com
Should You Consider Becoming a Beachbody Coach?
Beachbody coaches make 25% from any order placed through their site and get 25% off their personal orders. We also never have to have inventory on hand or hit a sales goal. It’s also free to cancel at any time.
Learn About Beachbody Coaching or Sign Up Now
You’ll see the Ultimate Portion Fix + 21 Day Fix as an option to purchase as you sign up to coach.
There are also events through the year where you could workout live with Autumn or even meet her!
So if you’ve been thinking about coaching – right now could be the perfect time!
You may also like:
- 9 Week Control Freak
- 21 Day Fix vs 80 Day Obsession
- What is 2B Mindset? [HONEST REVIEW & RESULTS]
- What is the Best Beachbody Program? [Comparison]
Important Note: You should always talk to your doctor about your fitness goals – especially if you have a medical condition. They can provide safety instructions and advise you on your calorie intake based on your current weight. This post is just for informational purposes; advice of a healthcare should always be prioritized.
I love 21 day fix! I’ve completed several rounds over the years and always have great results! It is a great workout to get in and get it done in 30 minutes every day. Each day you get to target different areas. The exercises are easy to follow. However, if it gets to be too hard, there’s a modifier to follow so you don’t have to stop. There’s also a bonus 10-minute ab workout that targets just your abs!! The meal plan is very simple to follow. It has containers to measure and a complete list of foods. If you’ve never tried it, you should.
I love 21 day fix! I love that the meal plan is simple to follow and has you focus on eating real, whole foods. The workouts go by quickly since they are only 30 minutes but you still feel like you got a great workout in. I personally have had great success and so have many others I know!
I love this program! After baby number 2 I needed something that was quick and easy. 21 Day Fix gave me my confidence back and not to mention a killer body!
21 Day Fix saved my life! I was in such a dark place prior to trying the program- a place full of self loathing, negativity, low self-esteem, weight gain from having a baby, unmanaged post-partum depression that had turned into full blown depression, crappy eating, and anger. I was an absolute mess- emotionally and physically. I had seen 21 Day Fix advertised and I was incredibly skeptical but took the plunge and gave it a try. The first two days, I wanted to quit every minute of the workouts- I threw several adult hissy fits and never thought I would get through the changes in my diet but I dug down and kept going, as a last attempt to regain control and be the person I knew I was capable of being. Fast forward to the end of the program and everything had changed- emotionally and physically. I lost 15 pounds and several inches but more importantly, I regained my confidence and I was well on my way back to finding peace and being the happy go lucky, positive, loving, kind, person that I continue to aspire to be. I do not have enough positive things to say about 21 Day Fix and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to truly change their lives for the better!
I did the 21 day fix first in February and it was a great way to reset the way I eat and think about food. I learned how to have balanced meals AND the importance of balance over the course of a day and each week. The workouts have a lot of variety. They incorporate all body parts and various forms of exercise. The great thing for me was the group support as well! I saw other people going through this program and transforming. It is very helpful to know you are not alone.
I love 21 DF – I was able to lose 10 pounds last year. now I am maintaining my weight lost using what I learned about portion control. Autumn is every easy to follow. It’s only a minute – u can do anything for 60 seconds.
21 day fix was the perfect starter program. When i first ventured into my new healthy life style i was very over weight, zero energy, mentally and emotionally unhappy. I got wore out just cleaning the house (much less keep up with my two toddlers) and had no clue how to properly fuel my body. The 21 day fix teaches how to fuel your body and gives you awsome recipes and ideas, and if great for building up your strength and energy! After 4 rounds i lost almost 30lbs and now have the ability to move forward into more challenging programs.
I love that this has all the information to make a decision if this program is right for you. I have not done the full program but have done several of the workouts from Beachbody on Demand. I like that this tells you exactly what you need and breaks down the meal plan for you. I know that sometimes when I am making my meal plan at work and have left my meal book for the program at home, I get frustrated at not being able to see the details online. And you guys have posted this for easy access all the time! I really loved the Yoga and pilates fix workout – both of them had me super sore the next day.
I started 21 Day fix postpartum and it was perfect! 30 minute different type of workouts is exactly what I needed and I never got bored so I was able to stick with the calendar. I love Autumn because she’s simple but effective. The moves aren’t complicated but they work and you can always modify to make them easier or harder. I love owning this program because I can always go back to it when I need a good push.
I haven’t tried this yet. I did another weight loss program and kept the weight off for several years but I find in the last couple of years, I’ve creeped up 3-4 pounds and don’t want this to continue. I would love to win one of these! I feel like I need something new and different to get me back to feeling the way I want to feel.
I just ordered this to start my 21 day fix journey before the New Year. I have heard so many great things about it and am excited to get started. I have tried a few of the workouts, but have never followed the meal plan. Those workouts are killer for being so short! I always feel like I got a good workout in.
I love the program. It takes all of the guess work out of what you can eat, plus leaves room for a “cheat snack”. The workouts are fun and a good variety of cardio, strength, and stretching. Just 30 minutes a day and this program gets you on the right path to a healthy lifestyle!!
Amazing workout program! I first was scared to use the containers but now I love it and easy to use. I like how everyday there is a different workout and you work your whole body!
The 21 day fix saved my life..I was in a dark place I smiled on the outside but on the inside I was screaming for help and didn’t know how or what to do I was introduced to it in 2014 and I have never looked back going two years strong and 100 pounds plus later still have work to do but the 21 helped me get here..i had to fight through the pain and it was worth it…thank you!
I really like this program. It was easy to follow. Especially since I don’t have to buy any special food or make weird concoctions that my daughter wouldn’t even begin to eat! The workouts weren’t easy but I enjoyed them. I did one round and even though only lost a couple pounds I felt great and could see a change in my body. I think it’s one of the best workout programs I have and will continue to go back to it .
I love this program and meal plan! I was a little unsure that it would give me the results it promised… but it did! Also, there is a free app that really breaks it down and keeps it crazy simple!
This program changed my life!! I have lost a total of 50 lbs with using this program! I feel like a new person!! Love the portion control containers keep me from over eating!! Best thing I have done for myself was getting this program!!!
Is there a lot of men doing this program? I’ve gotten myself outta shape over this past year and been checking to see if something like this can jumpstart my butt into getting back into the swing of things.
This looks a lot like the P90X or Beach Body workouts. I’ve tried the P90x for about a month but it kicked my butt. I think I’m set on the workouts… it’s the meal plans that keep me perplexed. I want to eat healthy, but I can’t seem to stay away from the junk food.
It is a Beachbody workout. So that explains that part. :) I agree – P90X is a tough one! I loved this program compared to it because the meal plan allows for 3 treats per week. It’s also more simple to follow than P90X’s, thank goodness!
Wow, love your results. That’s enough motivation for me to give it a go. Well done!
This sounds like a great plan, but I’ll admit, I don’t think you needed a “fix.” You already looked great. Now you look even better.
I like the idea of the color-coded portion bowls – they make things seem very simple and easy to manage. My family does a lot of mixed cooking though, like casseroles, crock pot meals, and one pot meals that are put together on the fly at the end of the day. So this might work for me during the day, but I’d have a pretty hard time managing the rest of my family if I tried to fit this into dinner time.
These are fabulous results. I’m not sure if it would ever be for me, but I’m so glad it has helped other people. I do like those containers though. They would come in handy, because sometimes I eat too much.
I am really happy for those who can keep to this kind of schedule, routine and meal planning. Just not my style but you seem to have developed a great programme here.
WOW! Look at all the successful results. This looks promising, but I’m not the type to follow routines. Let alone, meal plan and eat the same food over and over again. Life is too short to restrict yourself that much! :) xoxo
I love the idea of the containers for 21 day fix. It makes everything so easy to follow. I have a lot of friends who have had success with this program, it’s definitely a good one! :)
LOVE LOVE this review. I’m on my last week oft-25 and I’ve done the Piyo program too. This is next!
It sound like a great workout, not too intense. It’s a great way to discipline your body and make sure that you’re getting the right about of workout and the right amount of food as well.
That was an amazing review. The program was obviously working and the before and after photos was so engaging.
What a transformation. I love how your broke down every little detail of your sound regiment. Keep up the great work!
Great detailed review! I think my favorite is the color-coded containers. I’m doing a lot better with my eating habits and being more active. Have a ways to go though.
I like your article. It is such a different approach to a workout. I have never tried it. Will look more into it. Thanks
I want to try this! This looks super cool, to be honest. Great post! xoxo
You look great! Thanks for the work out plan! I am always rubbish at sticking to a routine. 21 days seems easy enough though.
Omg so many amazing results!!!!! I have heard amazing things about 21 day fix!!
Thanks for all the great info! I keep hearing about this, but I have yet to try it.
The equipment needed for the 21 Day Fix seems easy enough – we already have them here. All of the workouts sound good to me, with the exception of the Yoga Fix (I could never get into it). My mother and I have been really wanting to try out portion control containers – this was all so informative!
I totally understand on yoga – it’s a love or hate thing. My mom and I did the 21 days together too :) It was so nice having someone doing it with me. If ya’ll decide to try it, we’d love to help you get started and help with any questions.
I have been considering something. I didn’t really know much about the 21 day fix but you just solved that problem. Thanks for the great info and getting me this much closer to deciding on how to start my fitness journey.
Of course! I’m so glad it helped! If you have any questions we’d love to help.
I have heard so much about this program. It is on my list to try! I have heard so many of my friend having great results because this program is very real and easy to use!
Do you have to drink the shakeology drinks with 21 day fix?
You don’t have to drink Shakeology with it. You could do any protein (or red container) in its place; however, the before and afters you see on this post did use Shakeology. Does that help? Do you have any other questions on the program?
I believe (and can see) that the results are there! These programs are great to get people started on a more healthy lifestyle, and of course weight loss journey.
I tried this program, but it just didn’t grab me. I’ve done a lot of Beachbody programs… CLX, PiYo, Slim Series, P90, P90X, TurboJam, and some I’m probably forgetting. What really works for me right now is Tracy Anderson’s Metamorphosis, it’s like magic, and it’s so gentle.
I have actually heard a lot about this program lately. The results looks and sound amazing! Looks like an ideal way to lose some real weight!
I’ve heard some great things about the 21 Day fix program. It looks like you had amazing results I just wonder how hard it is to stick with it. :) I will have to check it out and give it a whirl for myself.
I need this kind of motivation I am so ready to go out and get active again. This plan are really in details which is very appealing for someone like me who has a busy life running errands and working full time. Will sign up soon once I finally my schedule can’t wait.
Wow! This seems like an awesome workout which lasts 21 days, Kalee. So, there is not break, you just do the workouts every day?
Yes, you have a 30-minute workout each day to help make it a habit. However, 2 of those days are “active recovery” days which means a lighter workout to stretch out your muscles. Those days are yoga and pilates. Does that help? Does it sound like something you might like?
This was the first video workout I have ever had in my life and still remains one of my favorites, which I take several times a year. I’m glad you liked it at the time, too. I do agree with all the eulogies.