This past Saturday I finished my first round of a new Beachbody program, 80 Day Obsession. Now, for those of you who haven’t heard about it yet, 80 Day Obsession is just that: 80 days of being obsessed with clean eating and solid workouts. It’s also a program that’s built to target the abs and booty specifically, although I feel like overall it was a full-body toning situation. Every workout is different, which keeps it interesting, and they’re all filmed live, so you see the struggle of the entire cast.
First off there are a few things you should know:
- I did every. single. workout. Even when I was sick I made it happen.
- I did NOT do the eating plan, although I did use the containers to get my portion sizes back in check. I didn’t do the eating plan because I have a past of disordered eating and I know that I could easily fall into that again if I get too stringent with food rules.
- You don’t need to join a challenge group with a Beachbody coach (I did not) to do the program; however, if you struggle with motivation to do the workouts or to follow the eating plan then it might be a good way to get that extra dose of encouragement.
- As such I did not use Beachbody’s whole line of supplements (Shakeology, Energize, Recover, etc) nor did I buy the sliders and bands required for the program from them either. I got my sliders from Academy (sorry, can’t find the link), and these are the bands I purchased from Amazon.
MY RESULTS
Because I know this is everyone’s favorite part – i.e. the “did it actually work?” part – I’m going to start here. I’m also not going to be sharing exact numbers outside of inches lost because I know that for so long it was a huge trigger for me with disordered eating and body dismorphia, sooooo…sorry if that’s what you came for. You’ll also notice that there’s no before and after photo, and that the picture at the top is just me in some clothes I wore on Saturday.
Before you ask what gives, you have to know that for me – and even what they preach in 80 Day Obsession – the non-scale victories are what matter the most. Those are things like being stronger in a certain move than the first time you did it, going up in weight, ability to carry my kids further or for a longer period of time, sliding into a new pair of pants. So while the photo above may seem dumb, the reality is that for me it represents going down two pant sizes (and even these pants being a little too big in the waist). I could just as easily have shown you a photo of me in a few pairs of my workout shorts that are now too big and practically fall off when I’m needing to run or jump.
Over the course of 80 days my final results were losing 13 inches all over my body, wearing pant/dress sizes smaller, do full-out pushups, and a huge amount of growth in my ability to lift heavy weights. In fact, by the end of the program, I really should have been lifting heavier…I just didn’t have the heavier weights available to do so. Pretty good problem to have! However, one of my biggest wins was the fact that I really did stick hard and fast to something for 80 days. I have friends who can tell you I didn’t want to, but I did it and that has taught me so much about the power of willpower! Non-scale victories are the best!
80 DAY OBSESSION PROS
- IF you do the program as it’s meant to be done, you will absolutely see results.
- As a former NASM and CI certified personal trainer, I really appreciated the programming in that it focused on a variety of moves: compound, balance challenges (so important), functional movement, cardio, etc. When you’re committing to 45-60 minute workouts, you want to get the most bang for your buck and I feel like overall it delivered on that.
- You will experience non-scale victories that will lead to a stronger, more motivated you from the inside out. That sounds cheesy, but I’ve found it to be true. It will be hard, but when you stick to it you will enjoy the way you feel!
- The containers will help you reign in portion sizes. I used them to do that, although I’ve been sticking with my intermittent fasting way of eating vs. the timed nutrition aspect from the program.
- The videos are filmed live and Autumn Calabrese (the trainer) does the full workout with you. This is HUGE for me because I absolutely cannot take a trainer seriously who doesn’t do the full workout. In this program she does, and I really appreciated that.
80 DAY OBSESSION CONS
- It does require a little more to start up (sliders, bands, a good range of weights) than a normal Beachbody program, and I don’t think that all of the supplements are necessary. Of course a coach and the cast of the program swear up and down that they are, but I disagree.
- Autumn gets a little annoying about 4 weeks in. The same old jokes, the same silly song references, etc. The way she corrects form is great, her instruction and motivation is great, but after a while it gets a little hard to listen to day in and day out. I muted her and cranked up the music a LOT.
- I would have preferred more cardio. I’m not a cardio queen and I don’t want to train for any kind of race; however, I just love the way cardio helps me from a mental standpoint and it was hard to not have the extra time after the workouts to do 20 minutes of jogging or something. Just my preference, but I really missed cardio!
- Some of the moves were hard on my joints, mainly my wrists. Luckily I was able to modify even more so than the modifier, but if you have major joint issues you’ll definitely want to check with a doctor before you start this program.
- This isn’t necessarily a con, but I will note that you really need to have some kind of a base of fitness before starting this program. It’s not one you can go from couch potato to just hopping into from nothing in my opinion. It would be safer to do another Beachbody program, like the 21 Day Fix or something, before jumping in with 80 Day Obsession.
SO WHAT AM I DOING NEXT?
I mentioned up there that while I have definitely seen results that I’m really proud of (and of course want to keep going with), I just can’t deal with 80 more days of Autumn at the moment. She puts together amazing programs and I really respect her work, but the personality while on camera really started to wear me down. So I’ll likely be doing another round in the Fall, but definitely not before then!
My plan is to do Shaun week this week (another program on Beachbody on Demand), which is really cardio-focused, and then start next Monday with P90X. P90X is an older program, but I have always wanted to do it and now I have the confidence that I could complete it and have more great results! A lot of my Instagram followers have asked for more fitness-related content, especially on my stories, so I’ll be working to deliver that for you guys there. If y’all have any questions that I didn’t answer, though, please just drop a comment below and I’d be happy to answer! Also, if you are looking for a Beachbody coach, I know a few that I’d be happy to recommend!
XOXO
Heather
I struggle with the same issues- body dysmorphia and disordered eating- so I really appreciated your review.
Thanks for the honesty.
Thank you so much for your honesty Gabby. I hope this review was helpful and hopeful!
Thank you for that amazing and truest non-biased review. It was a breath of fresh air!
I have arthritis problems with my hands and wrists and found that after week 1, I don’t know if I should continue. I work with my hands for a living and am afraid of causing more damage than I already have. I agree with the others when they say the modifier is not shown enough. Do you have any suggestions on wrist/hand modifications? Thanks!!
Honestly for me I would do a lot of the plank moves either on my elbows, or I would use my fists. A lot of times I would do pushups against the wall – not because I wasn’t strong enough to do them but I didn’t want to sacrifice my wrists! Hope that helps!
Thank you for your review. I do 80DO every day, and I am halfway through Phase 2, and have actually gained some weight and inches. I am disappointed because when I did 21 day fix I lost a lot of inches and could actually see the beginning of a six pack! Now it’s gone. I also feel that there aren’t enough crunch-type exercises. They do a lot of slider core work, but if your core isn’t strong enough to do them yet, it’s not going to help you. I found some of the slider exercises nearly impossible for me and my short legs! OH and I forgot to mention that the loops are awful! They roll down every time I use them, and when I tried to fix one it snapped.
I agree that 80DO isn’t super conducive to anyone (myself included) who needs to modify. They have a modifier, but it’s only halfway through a round that they show what the modified move even is. I never struggled with the bands, but I also didn’t get the ones from Beachbody so maybe that made a difference? So sorry it’s not working out for you – I have something else I’ve really enjoyed for workouts and community, so if you’re interested feel free to email me at hsdisarro (at) gmail (dot) com!
I just started phase 3 this week. My bands were rolling in the other phases but autumn has said that means you’re stronger, that you should double up your loop bands. Doubling up has helped them not to roll anymore. I didn’t buy my loop bands from beach body but when I did buy them from Walmart I made sure to buy the 9 or 10 inch ones, not the 12 inch ones bc they were too big for my legs. If I used the larger ones they’d probably roll also. I lost 15 lbs and 9 inches the first 2 phases but gained a pound my first week of phase 3 so I’m starting to freak out a little lol. I did quick measurements of waist, hips and midsection and did lose a half of an inch in my stomach since I started phase 3 so hopefully the pound gained is muscle but I’m not sure.
Oh girl, don’t worry about the weight – it sounds like your body composition is changing and you’re gaining strength, which is the ultimate goal! Great tip on the loops 😉
I have a long history of eating disorders, and body dismorphia. I am petrified of meal plans, because that makes it way to easy for me to slip back into bad behaviors. However, I’m noticing that while I am getting stronger, and toned, I am not losing any inches (I try not to use a scale, since that is also a trigger). That being said, is there a way for me to get better results (I’m on day 43), without the meal plan? This is the first time I have seen a trainer that has shared her experience with disordered eating, and I just wanted to say thank you for that. I’m always afraid to talk to trainers, because a lot of them don’t seem to understand what a trigger is.
🙂 Rachel
Hey Rachel! I’m going to shoot you an email as well, but wanted to say first thank you for sharing! I have since tried the eating plan and didn’t really find it super successful. It wasn’t because it triggered anything, it just got boring if that makes any sense. And it felt complicated to try and find a way to make eating interesting while still measuring with containers. I really wanted it to work, but just wasn’t the answer for me!
Hey Rachel, also wanted to share my experience. I am on day 47, also not following meal plan (it seems too restrictive and and while I don’t have any eating disorder issues, I was finding myself too obsessed with calories and thought it was going down an unhealthy road). I have lost only half an inch each from my waist and hips. I feel stronger and more toned as well, so that is what I’ve been focusing on. I was having similar doubts as you this week, but I’ve decided I am going to trust the process (and my instincts to not do the meal plan, we know our bodies best). As long as we continue to put the work in, results should follow!
Thank you so much for sharing Naya!!!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I really appreciate it. I agree, you definitely have to have a fitness base to be able to do this program. I imagine this program would very challenging for someone who is markedly overweight or someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience in total body exercises. I agree, it felt like there wasn’t enough cardio but the cardio days are still pretty challenging. I’m about to finish phase 1, and I haven’t seen any weight changes, but I honestly wasn’t expecting any given the fact that I’m not really following any of the diet rules or using the containers. I think the diet is too restrictive and not practical but I admit, I haven’t looked into it too closely. I have seen the strength in my arms markedly increase which is nice! I actually like autumn’s personality, it reminds me of a no nonsense mom who will do anything for you but refuses to tolerate your excuses. And I find it motivating what she wears but it is very small, and I can see how it would be uncomfortable if you had a family. I am excited to finish the program and see what happens. Would recommend for anyone who’s interested but know it’s a major time commitment and you’ll definitely want to quit on total body core and leg days lol.
I’m so glad to see someone else who thinks like me!
I’m just starting this program. I have some workout experience with other BB programs so I’m alright on the workout spectrum. This is definitely a lot more than I thought it would be. My poor wrists have a lot of creases that I didn’t have before haha.
I do agree Autumn has a certain personality that can rub you the wrong way. She’s VERY cheesy and it can be super annoying. I also agree with the workout attire. I know they’re all proud of their bodies and want to show off, but really. Ugh. I appreciate the modifiers mostly because they keep it real and also wear what I wear haha. I wish they’d actually SHOW the modifiers though. She always mentions them but the camera rarely goes to them. That bugs me.
I don’t follow BB meal plans because they’re way too restrictive for me. Thank you for your post <3
I agree you rarely see the modifications until halfway through the move – definitely something I feel they should show before you start. No one asked us though did they – ha!
Thank you for this post, I have medical issues that keep me eating clean and on a high protein, high fiber, but well rounded very clean diet. I started with 21 day fix a week ago. I’m not doing the containers, or the nutrition plan. I already eat 1500 calories regularly, and according to their calculations I would need to eat 1100 calories a day. I’d starve, and trigger my medical issues. But I enjoy the work outs and will continue with different ones after 21 day fix is over. I just needed something to get me going after a long time of not moving. I really appreciate your honest review!
I think it’s great that you know yourself well enough to know what will trigger you. So glad this review could help!
What type of cardio is included in the program? I have plantar fasciitis and at this moment cannot run.
There’s a lot of jumping and running in place, which could be hard on you. However, they do give modifications that might work!
I know I am super late for this post but I am glad I found it. I just finished phase 1 and my results were basically non existent. Scale -1lb and -1 inch off my waist. I am so disappointed. I had better results with 21 day fix. I just started phase 2. I did some research and I decided to do intermittent fasting 16/8 method. I hope I will see better results in the second phase. I did not buy any supplements from Beachbody. The slides and bands are from amazon and they work great. Congratulations on your progress and thank you for sharing your experience!
Best,
-Maria
Hey Maria! I’m so glad you found it too! I can’t say enough good things about intermittent fasting (and there’s tons of research that shows it’s a great practice to incorporate into your life anyway). I hope you see some great results after the program is over! Oh, and also – I don’t think the supplements are necessary. At all. I’m obviously not a doctor, but it seems like they’re more of an upsell than a necessity 😉
Did you eat anything you wanted?
I tried to eat pretty clean, although I’m not one that’s going to give up having treats with my family now and then!
Hello beautiful and kind Heather,
Please may I ask what size weights you would recommend for somebody embarking on the “80 Day Obsession”?
I am so incredibly sorry if this question places pressure on you or makes you feel uncomfortable.
I hope you have a wonderful week surrounded by people and experiences that bring you joy.
Take care, Sarah x
Hey Sarah! Doesn’t make me feel uncomfortable at all! 😉
I can’t make recommendations for anyone else, but I had a weight range of 5, 10, 15 and 20 pound dumbells. Toward the end I wished I’d had 25 and 30 pound dumbells as well because my strength grew that much. But definitely start with a range that works well for you!
Hi Heather! Heather here :). I came across your post on 80 DO research. I’m sad I didn’t read your post before I started. I just finished Phase 1! With that said I did a search on “no recovery/no hydrate” and wanted to know what people did instead of that. I also have been doing intermittent fasting! I read that on your post and thought, “this is me!” I’ve been a little discouraged this past week and today as I’m starting Phase 2, because I know I’ve actually GAINED weight (I think on week 3-4, mostly just my thighs and I’m happy to say my booty) and some of my jeans fit tighter. I’m trying to focus on the “non-scale” victories, but it’s hard to overlook that. A lot of people say, “trust the process” and I wanted to know, 1) What time in the day did you schedule workouts? 2) Did you plan small meals throughout the day?
I agree with you on the cardio. I’ve gotten some cardio in this program, but I miss the intensity and rush of cardio in my workouts.
Hey girl! How funny we have so much in common…all the way down to our names! I worked out mostly at about noon because that was when I was putting my son down for his nap. The workouts are too long for me to do while he’s awake, so I would wait until then to push play. I also didn’t really do the small meals thing, mainly because I was intermittent fasting and that would mean I’d literally be eating for 8 hours straight! I just did what felt right at the time, and for me that was fasting and then just eating 2 larger meals!
I had some discouragement around that time as well, plus toward the end, but lo and behold at the end of it all I had lost a lot of the inches I was hoping to! It just happened so slowly that I didn’t notice! While I don’t think 80DO is a way of life, it was a good jumpstart for sure!
Kim- I have RA and lupus. I’m not new to exercise at all but are the movements so hard on your joints that I won’t be able to modify?
Hey Jen! While obviously I can’t speak to your specific conditions, I found that most of the modifier movements on the actual videos weren’t too bad. My issue is always my wrists, so in a series that had me holding myself up on hands and knees/toes I would either use my fists instead of a flat hand, or go down on my elbows instead.
Hope that helps!
If you ever want to chat more you can also email me at hsdisarro (at) gmail (dot) com too!
Thank you! Your transparency was extremely helpful to me!
You’re welcome! Let me know if you have any questions!
This is great to know. I just started this program, but having a hard time with the meal plan. I was wondering if anyone did the program without the strict meal plan. I was also planning to use the containers for portion control, but not being too restrictive, so I don’t end up binge eating one day. Thank you!
Hey Kim! I didn’t use the meal plan because I have a history of disordered eating and being strict about portion control can be a trigger for me. I did use the portion control containers for about 10 days to really reset my understanding of a proper portion, which was very helpful, but I didn’t follow the plan outside of that!
I was in good shape (active, working out a few times a week) until my doctor put me on “pelvic rest” last year in June while I was pregnant. I haven’t worked out since then and am wanting to start back up again. I was planning on doing the 80 day Obsession (knowing that I’d probably need to do the modifications a lot at the beginning), but would you recommend starting with something else first?
Hey Taylor! Honestly, yes – I would say it might be good to do another program first to build up strength. Maybe something like 21 Day Fix – just because the modifications in 80 Day Obsession aren’t necessarily easier or better if you haven’t worked out in a while. Or you could try 80 Day Obsession (like if you already have their on demand service) and see how you feel after the first week? Maybe just not using weights at first?
Regardless I would say take it slow so you don’t get burned out because there were days I was suuuuuuper sore!
Way to stick with it. Happy for you!
You rock girl! Being able to perform the workouts in 80 days straight is such an achievement. That’s a lot of discipline.
I’ve done a few of the 80-Day Obsession workouts, but I just can’t do the 80 day commitment, especially for the length of the workouts 😕. With homeschooling, a toddler and my business, my days are too unpredictable and crazy!! But I’ve liked what I’ve done!! I agree with you on Autumn’s personality 😉. Another thing that really bothers me is her lack of clothing, and the lack of clothing of her cast. It makes me feel uncomfortable if my kids or husband are watching! My favorite BB instructor is Jericho from Core de Force actually, because she’s so relatable, and she wears clothes!! (PS, that’s a great program, especially if you like cardio!) Congratulations on finishing! That’s a huge accomplishment!!
That’s so good to know about Core de Force – I’ve heard good things but every time I think about doing it I get scared the choreography of the moves would throw me off. How’s that for a #3 on the Enneagram?! Ha! And yes, I totally agree about the clothing choice. I know why they do it, but it seems like the program is just as effective with a tank on instead of just a bra? ha!
I have to disagree on you’re guys’s assessment of Autumn. I absolutely LOVE her. I find her extremely motivating. I think she works hard on her body and she shows it off and it motivates me to strive to be better. Shaun T is straight up shirtless in insanity max 30, but Autumn has a sports bra on and its intimidating to you? hmmm. I am obsessed with her outfits shes always so coordinated. I like her rhythm in her workouts, the pace, I like that she does the moves with you to show that its challenging for her as well which means it must be working. I’m 1 week in and already insanely sore. loving this program so far. I would recommend getting their actual bands otherwise how do you know the strength level your using is comparable to them?
Hey Amy! It seems like you’ve been rubbed the wrong way a bit by my post, but I’m hoping you see that I completely agree that Autumn is a great motivator and quite obviously works hard. I believe I said those things in my actual post, although I’m not sure where you got that I was intimidated by her choice of wardrobe. My only “issue” with her wardrobe is that I don’t want my growing boys to see her practically falling out in some cases up top. I guess I just believe that one can understand she has great abs with a less revealing sports bra (or, as you mentioned, wearing a shirt for men). But to each his/her own, and I’m glad she’s motivating you so well!
As for the bands, you don’t have to have the same bands as the program to be able to measure your strength level is comparable because you’re only comparing your progress to YOUR progress. So if I use the hardest band I can for the One Hand Renegade Row Twist one week and then am able to do the same move the next week with a harder band (even if it’s from a different set), it’s still progress.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying it so far!