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Since my original review of 21 Day Fix program exploded with over 280 comments, I thought it might be time to answer some of your most frequently asked questions all in one place.
Then as I began writing this post, I quickly realized it could end up being 10,000 plus words, and for that reason, this is going to be a two-part post.
This post will go over the 21 Day Fix most frequently asked questions related to the workouts.
While I understand this may not cover everything and will most likely be expanding at some point, I hope this post gets people immediate answers and not have to wait for a comment back.
And of course, if there’s a question you still have after looking through these 21 Day Fix FAQs, please leave a comment below.
And just as a reminder, I am neither the creator nor producer of this popular at-home workout program. These questions and answers are based upon my personal experience with the programs and from the people I have coached.
Here they are in no particular order.
Q. Do I have to do the workouts?
A. While it is said diet accounts for 60-80% of your results, exercise is also a crucial component to your overall health and well-being.
If you do your own exercise program or go to the gym everyday and just want to follow the 21 Day Fix diet with the containers, please take a look at the Portion Fix. The Portion Fix is basically the program without the workouts.
If you believe the workouts are going to be overly intense for you to begin with, but you’d like to do them in the future, I would suggest ordering the complete program with the workouts to save money in the long-run. Then, begin with a walking program and then start to slowly incorporate some of the easier workouts like Yoga. Follow the workout to the best of your ability and make use of the modifier – they are there for a reason!
So to be brief, yes you should be doing the workouts as this is how the overall program and eating plan was designed to be followed to get you the best results.
Q. Can I do the 21 Day Fix workouts and go to the gym?
A. I would advise against following the program and going to the gym, at least if you’re an exercise newbie. When you do both, you could risk overdoing it, which can actually prevent you from getting the results you want, rather than help you get the results you want quicker.
The program is designed to get you into the habit of daily exercise and is 7 days a week. Not all of the days are as intense as others as the lesser intense workout days give your body time to recover.
Remember, your body is not changing during your workouts. Change comes when you are resting and recovering. The workout is the stimulus.
Also, if you are following the diet exactly as it’s prescribed, the eating plan assumes you are only doing the 21 Day Fix workouts only. This means if you do add extra workouts, you may need to add a container or two. Remember…always listen to your body.
Q. I have “x” injury, will I be able to do this program?
A. I am not a doctor or a medical profession. If you have a concern about a medical condition, I suggest talking to your health care professional before beginning any new exercise program.
If your doctor asks what type of exercise the 21 Day Fix workouts involve, you could tell them this:
The workouts are ½ hour each. Some days are cardio-based workouts, other days a strength-based and there are also Pilates and Yoga workouts. There are modifiers who show less intense and low impact versions of each exercise, so it is not crazy like P90X or Insanity.
And above else, if you feel pain, stop the exercise immediately, and then modify or walk it out. If it is muscle burn, keep pushing!
Q. I’m “x” amount overweight will I be able to follow the workouts?
A. We all have to start somewhere. If you are injury free with no major illness or disease, you should be fine. Just take the workouts at your own pace, take it a day at a time, and you will start to see improvements in energy and endurance before you know it.
Once again, when in doubt, nothing can replace the advice of a health care professional.
Q. At what time should I do the workouts?
A. You should do the workouts at a time that is most convenient for you. That is always the best time to work out.
And scientifically speaking, there is no clear best time as studies are often contradictory. Yes, people may burn a few more calories working out in a fasted state in the morning, but that same person might burn more calories by working out later in the day when they have more energy to put into their workouts.
That being said, working out in the morning before the day gets hectic is often the most convenient time for the majority of people. So, if you struggle to get in your workouts in or if something always seem to come up, maybe get up a little earlier to get your workout taken first thing.
Make the workouts a part of your daily schedule. Put them in your planner, and that way, you won’t make excuses!
Q. What should I do when I finish 21 Day Fix program?
A. You have completed three weeks of the 21 Day Fix, congratulations! But don’t stop now! The 21 Day Fix is such a well rounded program you could literally follow it for life by just beginning over again.
Here is what I suggest: Reassess where you are at.
- Are your goals the same as when you began?
- Do you still find the workouts challenging?
- Are you getting bored with the workouts?
- Do you want to take it to a more extreme level?
Take a look at these questions and then decide if you want to do another round of the 21 Day Fix or move on. For instance, if you love Autumn, but want to update the workout intensity, you should definitely take a look at the 21 Day Fix Extreme program to take your workouts up a notch.
I have coached people who continuously cycle through the 21 Day Fix program. When their day 21 ends, they are on day 1 again. I also have another person who found 21 days on, 7 days off, and then repeat the program again works amazing for them.
What you do after is entirely up to you. Just be sure to keep with the healthy lifestyle choices that the 21 Day Fix teaches. You can always contact me if you need help deciding on what program would next be best for your goals.
Q. How heavy of weights do I need?
A. It depends upon your fitness level. For beginner’s, I would recommend a 3 lb , 5 lb , and 8 lb pound dumbbell set for women. For beginning men, 5 lb, 10 lb, and 15 lb pound dumbbells to start. Intermediates and advanced should add 5-10 ibs to those numbers.
Q. How long are the workouts?
A. Each workout is around thirty minutes in length. They are short but intense, a great workout without wasted time.
Any More Questions?
If you have any questions or additions regarding specifically the 21 Day Fix workouts, please leave a comment below.





I have started the 21 day Fix extreme. I enjoy the workouts and the variety with the meal plan.
But one thing I can not give up is my coffee in the morning with a little bit of light cream in it. I never put my sugar in my coffee but I need this to survive my long days. Do you think this will limit my results?
Also Im a figure skater and skate on the weekends do you think this program is ideal for an athlete?
HI Danielle, I think black coffee is fine on the diet.
I just started the 21 day fix 9/1/2015. Of course there was a hick up, I threw my back out. In the past its taken 3-5 weeks before I can move freely. My plan was to do 1 cycle and reassess now it looks like I will have to do cycle 1, no exercise and add cycle 2 with exercise. Is that ok?
Yes, just be sure you are ready to go in round 2.
I am considering this program but I am an avid cyclist and ride my bike 5-7 hours per week and usually burn 2,000 on a 2 1/2 hour ride. How will this affect me on the program??
Hi Kim, You may need to increase your containers, but I would start at the recommended amount to start.
Thanks!!
Hi, I am still coming off an injury and allowed to start walking 30 min at a time. I am 250 lbs. is it possible to loose weight by just following the food program. I feel like there is such a large volume of food for my current exercise ability.
Hi Lisa, The diet alone should create a calorie deficit. You can always monitor your weight and adjust as you need to.
So, according to my weight (170), I’m supposed to be in the 1,500-1,799 calorie range (1,520 calories a day). I’m *so* close to the 1,200-1,499 range, and I’m afraid that I’ll be consuming too many calories, especially since my weight can fluctuate a couple pounds based on what time of day I weigh myself (for example, I weighed 168 two days ago, putting me in the 1,200-1,499 range, anyway). In your opinion, which calorie range should I follow for the best results? This is my first time doing the Fix, and I want to make sure I follow the plan correctly!
Thanks!
~Shannon
Hi Shannon, Don’t worry, you’ll be fine, you are definitly not going to be eating to many calories. Daily body weight fluctuations are completely normal, you can read more about that here – https://thefitnessfocus.com/health-nutrition/normal-body-weight-fluctuations-explained I would suggest weighing yourself in the morning after restroom usage, preferably on a Wednesday and use that number to calculate your calorie level. Bethany
Hello,
I started the 21 day fix on Friday. I had already begun to eat well before that, just no exercise. Today (Sunday) I am super sore, cannot even get out of my bed without holding on and moving slowly. What do u recommend I do? I am an online student and stay-at-home mom. I need my legs to feed my children, lol. btw: I did not feel like doing the upper fix because I couldn’t even walk.
Hi Daisy, One you get the blood flowing you should feel a little better. Here is a link an article I wrote about foam rolling, it can also help with muscle soreness. Bethany
I just started the 21 day extreme on Monday and I’m only able to do about 15 min of each workout. worried I’m not going to get any results.
Hi Dorey, Just do your best with the workouts and you will get results. If you can’t finish the workouts I would suggest walking it out or pausing the DVD until you can get back into it.
Hi there. If I am doing my workouts in the morning after a morning walk, should I eat something before? Or just wait until after to have my breakfast after the workout?
Hi Cecilia, It is up to you. Some people prefer an empty stomach, some people like to have a little something in their bellies. Either way works.
hi Bethany-
Two questions: one) I already eat a 1400 calorie diet without gluten and dairy, and my target range is 1200-1499. Is it OK to just follow my regular eating plan that I have for myself?
Two) I am going away this weekend to a place w/o a dvd player. Is there any way I can watch the videos online?
Hi Katy, You can do the Fix diet without gluten or dairy. You can stream the workout with BOD, here is the link for a free 30-day trial.
I was just curious what fix calorie burn means and was also wondering if you don’t meet your caloric deficit each day can you still lose weight? I only ask because bridge I started this I used my fitness pal and it told me to consume avout 1320 a day and I was having a hard time doing that and noticed that my weight loss stopped and I’ve actually been gaining even though I barely eat. Another question I have is should I eat the amount of calories my fitness pal told me to or this one because they are wayyyyy off from one another?
Hi Shawna, You must create a calorie deficit to lose weight. But, if you create to much of one, as in not eating enough to support your bodies functions over a long period of time you could go into starvation mode and not lose or even gain weight. I would advise following the program how it is setup in the 21 Day Fix, myfitnesspal is a great tool for tracking calorie intake, but I think it does lack in some other areas.
Hello, first of all I think you’re an amazing person just because you answer all of the question since long time ago. Second, I tried many different Beach Body DVD’s. I did Insanity, T25, Insanity Max 30 and many others but here’s the thing. I can’t seem to complete till the end any of them. I’m restarting 21 day fix alternating with 21 day fix extreme I really hope this is the time that I stay commited. What would you reccomend to stay commited for the entire program?
Hi Andreia, A challenge group might be the answer, the group setting of people all going through the same program really seems to help people. You can use the contact page to get in touch with me if you would like to discuss further. Bethany
I go to a Strength and Conditioning gym where we do functional fitness. Deadlifts, backsquats, push press, tire flipping, rope climbing etc. Can I skip the 21 day fix workouts and continue going to my gym while following the nutrition plan? I train hard for 45 mins 5 – 6 times a week. I will take more rest days depending on how sore I am.
Hi Sonia, The 21 Day Fix eating plan can be used with gym workouts. Bethany
Hi! I’m on day 2 and aside from the workouts trying to kill me I love this program! Craving high carb stuff (I’m a carb addict!) but I think the variety of food is great. My question though is what can I do about my caffeine withdrawal headache? I had been drinking water with crystal light energy packets but quit because I was unsure if they were OK for the program or not. I can’t afford the shakeology right now and am told that helps. I’m also not a coffee or hot tea drinker. Suggestions? Do I just have to live with it for a few days? Thanks in advance!!
Hi Megan, Other than black coffee or tea I don’t know. Aspirin, maybe? This is not something I’m to familiar with. Bethany
Hi. I’m 194 lb. Recovering from major leg surgery. Should I follow 1500-1799 plan without exercise or I can use 1200-1499 until I start walking again and then go back to 1500-1799.
Hi Dragana, You would want to discuss this with your doctor, but remember your body is healing its self making proper nutrition a key component. Bethany
I am a very active person. Im on my feet 4-6 hours a day at work plus chasing lil ones at home and then I take at least an hour class 3-4 days a week at the gym. on top of that I also run 3-4 days a week anywhere from 3 miles to 10 miles. I take 1-2 rest days a week. Weight wise i fall into the 1200-1500 calorie catagory but I dont think that is enough for my acitve life style. What catagory should I start with. Thanks
Hi Brittany, You know your body best. If you want to start higher for your active lifestyle go for it, you can always adjust once you get started. Bethany
I am 48 years old and 4’10” 115 lbs. I never weighed 100 lbs until my first child. My Dr. says you just keep on a few extra pounds every few years as we age. I am already worried about being 115 at my height. I purchased the 21 day fix but was concerned because it’s more carbs than I usually eat. I would ideally like to weigh 105 or less. Is it harder for someone who only needs to loose 10 to 12 lbs. nothing seems to work as I get older. Is it possible to store fat if I’m not eating enough?
HI Missy, Yes, your body can go into something called starvation mode and try to store fat if you don’t consume enough calories. Bethany
Hi Bethany
I just ordered the 21 day fix and I plan on doing it until I reach my goal weight which is 65 pounds away I’m worried that my body will get used to the program and then I will stop losing weight what do you think I should do ?
Hi Areena, You drop down container levels as you go, so you should not hit any plateaus. As long as you are creating a calorie deficit you will lose weight. The plateauing that I believe you are referring to is not something you should be concerned with, that is more elite level bodybuilders who would experience that. Bethany
I run everyday between 3-6 miles per day. Can I still do that and follow the 21 Day Fix Program?
Hi Lynette, You know your body best. If you nutrition is proper I don’t see why not. Depends on your fitness level really. Bethany
I am using the 21 day fix program and I want to lose the weight fast so can I do the workouts twice daily and get faster results?
Thanks,
Portia
Hi Portia, I would suggest following the program as scheduled if this your first time through. The third week is doubles week because you should build a foundation of fitness first. Bethany
Before exercising, I typically use a pre-workout powder like ON’s Essential Amino Energy and was wondering if something like that is allowed during the 21-day Fix? Thanks!
Hi Jason, I would think so, basically it is form of protein after all. Bethany