Piyo vs 21 Day Fix Extreme, which one is better?
So many of us are looking for new, quick, and easy ways to tone our mom bods. After pregnancy, I was looking for new ways to lose the baby weight, but without the time I used to have.
My friend, and mom of 4 (yes she is crazy!) recommended these top female workouts – Chalene Johnson’s PiYo program and Autumn Calabrese’s 21 Day Fix.
I tried out both of these, I love to mix up my workouts and try new exercises. I had recently found my inner motivation and was ready for a new challenge.
My name is Sara Stevens. I’m not an expert, not a personal trainer, nutrition expert or guru…but I do have a big interest in helping moms and other women like you figure out how to restore fitness after birth.
My main aims were to lose my post-baby weight and increase my energy. I really did think I was asking for a miracle, but I was pleasantly surprised. I found pros and cons for both female workouts, so, if you’re interested in which one might be best for you, keep reading.
Baby Weight? Nope. This is just all the AWESOMENESS I’ve put on since becoming a Mom!
PiYo Review
What is the Piyo workout?
Simply put, the Piyo workout is a combination of Pilates, Yoga, Dance, Martial Arts. So, you get the beauty of flexibility mixed with toned muscles and, of course, the strength.
Chalene Johnson is the Fitness Coach behind PiYo. Engaging, fun & energetic. Her career is impressive to say the least – She holds The Guiness Book of World Record for having starred in the most fitness videos.
PiYo is about movement and flexibility. Using your body dynamically rather than high impact. Make no mistake this is a workout suitable for women of any age – it isn’t strenuous bit you do feel like your body has benefited from each workout.
It lasts 60 days, which flies by, especially when you’ve got a new baby in the house. I was a bit sceptical, especially considering Chalene stated that it was low-impact and for beginners.
That being said, I was pleasantly surprised by how easy this was for me, especially post-baby. Easy but not too easy that it wasn’t worth doing – i definitely worked up a sweat!
Another important thing to note is that it doesn’t require any equipment or weights. Something which would appeal to so many people. A true home workout for women.
It offers a really great alternative to strenuous personal training sessions, intense products and hard to follow workout regimes.
The reason this was recommended to me initially was how easy it was to fit into a busy-routine.
When you’ve just had a baby, taking an hour or two out just isn’t feasible. I could do this workout whenever I had the spare time, in the comfort of my living room. Perfect!
I would recommend this to any beginners or new mom that is looking for ways to speed up fat loss, tone up postpartum, but without putting themselves through high-intensity routines.
Where Can i Buy PiYo?
Now that you know a little bit more, let’s dive into the options you have.
Firstly, do you want to use this routine with the added bonus of many other top weight loss programs?
If so, BeachBody On Demand is an excellent choice. If you aren’t familiar – Beachbody on Demand is a streaming service. Pay monthly for access to an wide choice of workout programs. I love it.
## Read my Review of Beachbody on Demand here ##
If however you don’t want a subscription and don’t want to be tied in – then you can just buy the program from good old Amazon.
If you Buy PiYo through Amazon then you receive the following materials, yours to keep, forever and ever:
- A Quick Start Guide
- Ten Workouts distributed on three DVDs
- BONUS: The Get Lean Eating Plan
- BONUS: A 60-day workout calendar
- BONUS: Tape measure
If however you follow PiYo through Beachbody then you get some nice little downloads (in addition to many other exercise programs):
- A Quick Start Guide
- All the Workouts to stream anytime
- BONUS: PiYo Editable Food Tracker
- BONUS: PiYo Hybrid Calendar
- BONUS: Workout Calendar
- BONUS: Eating Plan
Can you explain the PiYo workouts?
This program contains ten really useful routines.
To hit those mom body goals you should perform these workouts six days a week. Each different one focuses on something different. For example, one may be cardio, the other strength and so on.
There are some great workouts in PiYo:
Align: The Fundamentals – This workout breaks down the most important and effective moves in the program to help you perfect your form and get the best results possible.
Define: Lower Body – Get your sleekest and leanest legs ever as you lengthen and strengthen your entire lower body—from your glutes and hamstrings to your calves.
Define: Upper Body – Use this incredibly effective workout to start chiseling away at your upper body to help shape your arms, carve out your triceps, and define sexy shoulders.
Sweat – A traditional PiYo workout that incorporates effective dynamic conditioning, fast-paced cardio yoga-flows, and bodyweight resistance strength training to help sculpt your entire body.
Core – One of my favorites and used to try and fix my diastis recti. As the name suggests this is to work your core, and tone those abs and back muscles. This ab-centric workout hits your powerhouse from every angle to build a strong core, flat, sculpted abs and obliques, as well as a strong and sexy back.
Strength Intervals – Twenty-five minutes is all you need of this nonstop body-carving, calorie-incinerating workout that uses no weights, no equipment, and gives you no bulk!
Drench – This endurance workout maximizes fat burning while it works every muscle in your body. It will not only leave you drenched—it will kick-start your metabolism as you scorch away the fat.
Sculpt – This workout uses varying tempos to keep your muscles under tension for different periods of time. This generates muscular endurance and metabolic changes that will totally transform your figure.
Buns – Work those Glutes to restore your pre pregnancy booty! Focused on the glutes, this workout is designed to lift, redefine, and tighten the entire backside of your body for the perfect tight and round butt.
Hardcore on the Floor – Chalene designed this floor-based workout to target every muscle between your hips and chest. Prepare to twist, crunch, kick, and stretch your way to a firmer, more defined core.
One of the most appealing aspects of the PiYo workout is Chalene herself. She is fun, engaging and passionate. I personally found her extremely encouraging and the perfect host for a fitness program.
Chalene makes PiYo a great way to lose some of that postpartum body – it’s fun and effective. You won’t even realise that you’re working out, let alone making a big difference to your body.
PiYo is a little bit different to your average workout. I love it as it’s pretty low impact. I was still recovering months after having my children (two awful deliveries) and i felt comfortable with PiYo.
One thing is for sure, the PiYo’s combination of workouts make it a really beneficial exercise program, one that improves your flexibility, strength, helps you lose unwanted weight and tone up.
What is the diet like?
I absolutely loved the diet plan, mainly because it focused on whole food nutrition – something I feel quite strongly about. It was easy to follow and broken down to work towards a calorie deficit. The five categories of the PiYo nutrition plan are:
- Primary Vegetables
- Secondary vegetables and grains
- Lean protein
- Healthy Fats
- Fresh fruits
Carbs aren’t restricted like some plans, and it roughly works towards a diet ratio of 40% carbs, 25% fat, 35% protein.
After pregnancy, it was so easy for me to fall into a sugary pit. Filled with easy, processed food. Sometimes all it takes is a detailed, helpful plan just to get you back on track.
For me, PiYo is more about the exercise than diet but it does come with some useful guides and a tracker so you record your progress. If you eat clean and within the calorie limits set specifically for you, then you can’t go wrong.
What are the pros of the PiYo program?
I hope that gives you some useful information on PiYo, and what makes up this topfemale workout. Rememeber, we are all different, and have different needs and goals. My review of PiYo is from a Postpartum Workout perspective, yours may be different.
Lets’s discuss my pro’s and con’s of the PiYo Workout.
- It’s perfect for beginners, or new moms. The PiYo workout is easy to follow and is great to be used as an after-pregnancy workout.
- They’re super quick but super effective. You’re probably wondering “how long are PiYo workouts” and, it really depends on how long you choose to stay with one. That’s the beauty of exercising at home. I usually spend about 45 minutes on these workouts.
- They’re low impact. This was super important for me after giving birth. You don’t want to potentially harm yourself with super strenuous moves or intense jumping. They have a kind of natural flow to them, perhaps something to credit the yoga aspect with.
- They increase your flexibility. This was an added benefit for me. I started working out because I still looked pregnant, months after giving birth. I just couldn’t snap back. As well as helping me to burn that extra fat, get toned and have more energy, I also became much more flexible. This wasn’t even something I could say before I had a baby, now that’s impressive.
- There’s no need for any props. A lot of us just don’t have the equipment needed. This isn’t even a problem with the PiYo.
The Cons of the PiYo program
There were a couple cons, but these were quite personal to me. Some might not agree with these.
- The trainer can go quite fast. Although it is totally suitable for beginners, I did find that the trainer would sometimes transition from one exercise to another. I was pausing and restarting a little bit. This isn’t a big issue but it is something that could be improved.
- There is a limit to bodyweight exercises. This was the only issue I had with the PiYO. You will end up doing the same strength-based moves for the whole 60 days. There is a switch up on the other exercises, though.
- If you get the subscription then be prepared for a lot of adverts for shakeology – I couldn’t personally say if shakeology works as i haven’t tried it, but ease off the adverts a little 🙂
Is it worth it?
In my humble, honest opinion…absolutely, yes.
I used the PiYo as a post-baby belly workout, as well as a program that helped me define my muscles and increase my flexibility.
I would say it’s up there as one of the best post pregnancy workout programs.
It is certainly a good intro to getting back in shape postpartum. Maybe move onto other workouts that are a little more intensive afterwards?
Being able to practice it all, from the comfort of your own home makes it all that little bit better. With no equipment needed it’s a cost-effective workout routine, compared to gym memberships and personal trainers.
Now, let’s jump right into the 21 Day Fix Extreme Review. Another program that I tried for myself. Before we look at how PiYo compares against 21 Day Fix.
21 Day Fix Review
What is the 21-day fix program?
Another program designed for beginners, it aims to help everybody who is going through an unhealthy stage in their life. Things, like sticking to a healthy diet and working out, are hard for a lot of people, especially when they don’t really have a clue what they’re doing. This is how I felt, post-baby.
The program is bu Autumn Calabrese (What an amazing name) and keeps you organised and motivated, with portion control and scheduled workouts.
You might have already heard of the 21-day fix through its innovative meal plan – created around colour-coded plastic containers.
The Cardio based workouts are really great and combine a mixture of Yoga, upper body, and pilates. Some of these exercise do require basic equipment. If you already have the equipment or really don’t mind getting some, these workouts will fast become your favourite. They are super effective and will provide you with great results.
The program basically concentrates on helping users to lose 15 pounds in 21 days, hence the name.
I really did love this program, it allowed me to work out and eat healthy without the added stress, time or energy of having to plan it myself.
Looking for a more advanced version ? There is a 21 Day Fix Extreme also available. A hardcore version of 21 Day Fix for those further on in their postpartum journey and looking for a little extra.
Where can i buy 21 Day Fix?
21 Day Fix is available on BeachBody On Demand. Again, If you aren’t familiar – Beachbody on Demand is a streaming service. Pay monthly for access to an wide choice of workout programs. I love it.
If you Buy 21 Day Fix through Amazon then you receive the following materials, yours to keep, forever and ever:
- 7 x 30min Workouts on 2 DVD’s
- 7 Color Coded Food Containers
- BONUS: 21 Day Fix Eating Plan
- BONUS: 3 Day Quick Fix
If however you follow 21 Day Fix through Beachbody then you get some nice little downloads – just not the color coded containers (can be purchased separately on amazon):
- 7 x 30min Workouts to stream anytime
- Printable Tally Sheets
- Workout Calendar
- BONUS: Food List
- BONUS: 21 Day Fix Eating plan
- BONUS: 3 Day Quick Fix
Can you explain the 21 Day Workouts?
The program comes with seven different workouts, which is really impressive. If you like and are feeling really motivated, you can try one every single day. It does, after all, only have to last for 21 days.
Each workout is roughly 30 mins which is a usual length. It makes it convenient enough you can fit one in at some point of the day.
Here are the seven workouts:
Total Body Cardio Fix – Keep your heart rate up and your metabolism revved high long after the workout is over. A great all rounder.
Yoga fix – It’s recommended to perform this workout on Sundays, almost as a relaxing, unwinding type of process. Yoga is much harder than many believe, it improves strength, stretches the muscles and improves your balance. This also increases your flexibility.
Upper Fix – As the name explains, this focuses on your upper body. Most of the exercises focus on your back and abdomen. Some of the focus on the chest and shoulders. This will be really beneficial, even in just everyday life.
Lower Fix – As above but blasting fat and toning the lower body.
Cardio Fix – Beware, you’ll sweat a lot. It took me awhile to be able to keep up but by the end of the 21 days, you’ll notice the difference. These were my favorite – they were interesting, engaging and really innovative. They take up about 30 minutes of your day but make a world of difference. After the 21 days, these are the workouts I predominately kept mirroring on my own.
Plyo Fix – Six rounds of heart-pumping, calorie-blasting moves that will help you burn fat in record time!
Pilates Fix – Obviously this is a Pilates-based workout. They’re done every Thursday and are called an “active rest”. This is because, as you might already know, Pilates is more of a slow workout that tone your muscles but in a much gentler way. This rest is very much welcomed.
A good variety of workouts, scheduled to cover each body area and work your cardio hard. It is easy to see why so many people lose weight in 21 days.
What is the 21 day fix eating plan system?
The 21 Day Fix also comes with an eating plan, which is arguably what it’s most known for. It doesn’t require you to count calories; something we all hate. Instead, it requires colour coded containers which is super fun.
Here’s how they recommend you organise them:
- Yellow – Carbohydrates
- Red – Protein, whether this is meat or veggie alternatives
- Orange – You’ll need two small orange containers, one containing seeds and the other containing dressings.
- Blue – Healthy fats from things like nuts and avocados
- Green – A large container containing lots of vegetables
- Purple – Fruits
I loved how flexible this one to a diet. There were no set products to buy, which I know will really help with any diet restrictions, allergies or choices.
Autumn does tell you which foods are best for weight loss and there is a degree of freedom to choose your meals, as long as they meet the container requirement.
This eating plan is a really great thing to get into, you can continue with this after your 21 days all the way until you find your own stability and perfect portions.
It can be tricky at first as in my case i was cutting back portions, eating smaller and more frequently, but importantly was eating the right foods.#
Pros of the 21-day Fix program?
I really did enjoy following this program. It was easy and had really interesting innovative additions. Here were my favourite parts, which I’m sure many will agree on:
- It’s really easy to follow the portion guides, especially with the coloured containers.
- Short workouts are really important and beneficial to my current routine. The 21 Day Fix workout schedule achieved these short, intense, advantageous workouts.
- There’s no restriction. Many diets will completely restrict what foods you can eat, but this doesn’t do that. It even fits nicely with any diet restrictions, choices or preferences that you have.
- Modifications are included in case there are certain exercises you cannot do due to injuries.
What are the cons of the 21 Day Fix Program?
There are certain things which I didn’t like about this program. Which were a little bit disappointing for me.
It only lasts for 21 days. This just wasn’t the best when you’re trying to lose weight, especially postpartum weight. In hindsight maybe not too bad a thing, i like to try new workouts and i can always go back to this.
Too many adverts for shakeology!
You need equipment for some of the exercises, not much though – 2 different weighted hand weights.
Is the 21 Day Fix program worth it?
If you’re looking to drop some pounds, in a short amount of time, then this program is definitely for you. After the 21 days, you can always go back to the workouts and stick to the portion plans but that part is solely down to you.
Almost everyone i know has had almost instant results after 3 weeks. It is one of those Diets/Workouts that lives up to the marketing hype! Whether it is sustainable only time will tell.
Compare PiYo Vs 21 Day Fix for a Postpartum Mom
Where can you get these workouts?
Both of these workouts are available on Beachbody On Demand or Amazon.
This gives you access to amazing workout and nutrition plans. Including the PiYo and 21 Day Fix. Both programs are reasonably priced and can sometimes come with a little special deal.
If you’re unsure which one is for you, you can always check out both easily and decide from there.
Personally i prefer Beachbody – yes the advertising is a little tedious – but i also get access to other workouts to keep things varied (Plus my husband uses it).
Which one is for me?
For both programs, you need to be dedicated and motivate yourself. That’s true for all at home workout and diet plans. However, one may suit your preferences more than the other.
You do need some will power and ability to stick to the program – there is a temptation with Beachbody to flit between different workouts and never commit. If your guilty of this, then maybe just buy a standalone program from Amazon or
Buy my recommended alternative Jen Ferrugia Bikini Body Workouts (Awesome program)
One thing I will say, both of these programs have had proven results and can give you a great results for postpartum weight loss. Which one works best for you lies solely with your personal preference.
If you don’t like counting calories, the 21- Day Fix is the one for you.
If you’re looking for low impact then PiYo is the one for you. If you want more intense workouts, 21 Day is the one if recommend.
Of course, you can combine the two. I started with the PiYo diet (something a little less intense) and then proceeded on to the 21 Day Fix.
I hope my review comparing PiYo Vs 21 Day fix was of some use to you, please let me know how you get on?
Have fun!
Sara
FATSENSE.COM