Beachbody Workouts: READ THIS To Pick The Best Program

Hello from your friendly English teacher exercise buddy! Since I’ve now written over two dozen EXTREMELY detailed, honest, and geeky BODi Beachbody reviews for these popular online workout programs, a request has arisen for me to summarize and shorten my 50,000 words of analysis into a simplified system for you to decide which BODi Beachbody workouts are the best match for YOUR exercise goals, now.

Well, you’re in luck, because this is that article to help you pick your perfect path forward for at-home fitness results! Read on for BODi reviews and fitness fun.

Note: Some links here are affiliates that provide a commission upon purchase at no extra cost to you.

How to Access BODi Beachbody Workout Programs

There are several ways to access BODi workout programs. The first is to get a full subscription to the entire platform and app — click this link to see current deals and offers for it, and use the sale code LILLIEFIT25 for 25% off the price of full subscriptions! This is a great option if you enjoy variety, as it gives access to over one hundred vastly varied programs.

The second option is to purchase individual workout programs, which you can do by clicking this link here — and use the discount code LILLIEFIT15 for 15% off. That’s also the page to access the free trial for the whole platform.

Why Trust these Reviews of BODi Beachbody Workouts?

First, some important background about why you can trust these reviews: I am a 43-year-old middle school teacher who truly enjoys working out and helping others find workout plans that motivate you to exercise.

The other reason this ranking of BODi Beachbody workouts is trustworthy is that I have actually completed EVERY SINGLE video of every program on this list, and I take extremely detailed notes along the way so that my reviews are honest and complete.

Of course, though adding exercise to your life is usually fabulous, we need the disclaimer to please use wise judgment with any new workout plan, and consult a medical professional if you have any doubts about what is a fit for your body. Now on to the suggestions!

1

"Fire and Flow"

Level: All Levels (and I agree it truly is)

Trainer and Release Date: Jericho McMatthews and Elise Joan, 2022

Duration: 30 minutes a day, 6 days a week, for four weeks. 8 bonus 15-minute workouts included.

Features: "Fire and Flow" alternates between higher intensity cardio and weight training "Fire" workouts with Jericho, and low/no-impact "Flow" workouts with Elise that are a combination of yoga, pilates, and dance.

Who is This Program Best For? I LOVED "Fire and Flow" and highly recommend it for all levels! It's well-rounded, exciting, and yielded fantastic results in slim, lean muscle, improved mobility, and injury healing and prevention. The main issue is that the flavor of the program may not be for everyone; it has a distinctly New Age, feminine, positive vibe which I adored, but your tastes may vary.

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"25 Minute Speed Train"

Level: All Levels (and as long as you have a slight foundation in fitness, this is accurate)

Trainer and Release Date: Joel Freeman, 2025

Duration: 25 minutes a day, 8 weeks, 7 days a week (the seventh day of each week is a stretching and mobility day).

Features: "25 Minute Speed Train" focuses on low-impact resistance training using dumbbells, workout loops, and bodyweight. It incorporates mobility, unilateral work, and functional fitness into a fantastically well-rounded program,

Who is This Program Best For? I HIGHLY recommend "25 Minute Speed Train" to almost anyone of any fitness level, as long as you have a basic foundation of workout experience, since there are delayed modifcations due to there being no cast besides Joel. I absolutely adored this program, and my friends and I got wonderful results from it in strength, slimming and toning, mobility, and general wellbeing. This is one of the best programs on the entire BODi platform -- and I've done a whole lot of them, so this is saying something.

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"21 Day Fix (Real Time)"

Level: Beginner (but effective for Intermediate)

Trainer and Release Date: Autumn Calabrese, 2019

Duration: 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week, for 3 weeks. (Extra "10 Minute Abs" video is added two days a week.) One day a week is Yoga, and one is Pilates, while the rest is a mix of strength and cardio.

Features: Every workout uses classic moves in the pattern of one minute of work and 30 seconds of rest at a medium pace, repeated twice. There is a clear modifier for all exercises to make everything either easier or harder as needed.

Who is This Program Best For? "21 Day Fix" is THE classic program to start Beachbody workouts because it's so straightforward yet effective. Autumn's phrase to describe it is: "Simple, not easy."

Though I didn't love the cast of "21DF" as much as other programs, I overall enjoyed the workouts and got solid results. I would continue to recommend it to others as a good early Beachbody program, but would add two notes. First, you WILL want to add extra rest days; 7 days a week is a lot. Second, do modify the "Surrenders" move early in the program, as it has potential to cause knee injuries to certain people.

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"4 Weeks of Focus"

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Kelsey Heenan, 2021 on Openfit and 2024 on BODi.

Duration: 30 minutes of workout time (though videos often run 40+ minutes due to cast interviews and chit-chat), 5 days a week (meaning there are two. rest days), for 4 weeks.

Features: Every video has both weightlifting with dumbbells (mostly easy-to-follow), bodyweight moves, and cardio work due to the pace of the exercises. The concept is that this program was built for the actress, Shay Mitchell, as well as her friend Steph Shephard, so you go through their journey with them in almost reality TV-style, getting to see their progress as you make yours.

Who is This Program Best For? I ended up LOVING "4 Weeks of Focus" and got amazing results from it in arms, abs, glutes, and strength (click through to see the photos), but there are two important tips to get the most out of it. First, there is a lot of chatting in the first two weeks, so if you can jog or move in place during that time, it will impove the efficiency of the program.

Second, know that even though this program has pretty straightforward moves, there are not always clear modifications due to the cast structure, so I would recommend doing an easier program first if you're new to BODi fitness so you can practice adding your own mods when needed.

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"Sure Thing"

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Megan Davies, 2023

Duration: 30-45 minutes a day, 5 days a week (except weeks 4 and 8 which are 3 days), over 8 weeks.

Features: "Sure Thing" has a wide variety of workout styles, ranging from weightlifting (for both strength and endurance), cardio, and mobility. Fitness sliders are used as equipment for many of the videos. Weeks 4 and 8 focus heavily on moblity, while the other weeks do not.

Who is This Program Best For? I got excellent results from "Sure Thing," particularly in functional strength and core muscles. That said, the program is extremely varied and creative in its moves, so it's best for High-Intermediate levels with a strong base in online fitness, and those who like to stay on their toes, never quite knowing what each workout will contain. It also has some challenging, and even bizarre, moves that you'll need the willngness to modify more for yourself if need be.

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"XB Sweat + Sculpt"

Level: Intermediate (with modifications to be easier if desired).

Trainer and Release Date: Andrea Rogers, 2023.

Duration: 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks. 5 bonus 15-minute workouts included.

Features: "XB Sweat + Sculpt" is a combination of easy-to-follow, low-impact dance moves for cardio ("Sweat") paired with Barre and Pilates-infused strength training with very light weights ("Sculpt"). There is a combination of standing and floor mat work.

Who is This Program Best For? I was delighted by "XB Sweat + Sculpt" -- the dance moves and fun music put me in a great mood (Andrea urges you to just do your best, and the steps are simple to follow), while the strength moves helped build long, lean muscle and increased mobility and functional movement. If you prefer heavier lifting or less dance, this program may be best to sample sparingly, but I'd urge you to give it a try.

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"For Beginners Only"

Level: Beginner

Trainer and Release Date: Lacee Green, 2023

Duration: Around 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 3 weeks, with 2 optional workouts for Week 4.

Features: This delightful program explains classic workout moves from scratch so a true beginner can understand squats, hinges, and lunges, as well as movement in different directions such as lateral and transverse, and mobility moves. Workouts build on complexity as the weeks go on, so by the end of the program, one could be ready for a more challenging one.

Who is This Program Best For? There is a lot to love about "For Beginners Only," starting with what a positive, joyful trainer Lacee is! This is truly one of the best programs for people new to online home fitness, and I was impressed with both the organized ramp-up teaching structure, and the emphasis on healthy body movements and mobility in all planes of motion.

Some caveats to keep in mind: First, if you are an absolute beginner, it may be best to do an in-person personal training program first, before doing online workouts. Second, do note that the workouts can be a bit slow and repetitive, and the BODcast and music situations are a bit weird. It's definitely a quality program, though.

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"4 Weeks for Every Body"

Level: "All Levels" (but truly appropriate for Beginner as well as Intermediate)

Trainer and Release Date: Autumn Calabrese, 2022

Duration: 30 minutes a day, 4 days a week, for 4 weeks. (Of your 3 rest days, you're directed to use one to exercise independently in the manner of your choice: jogging, yoga, dancing, etc.)

Features: "4 Weeks for Every Body" is a fully NO-IMPACT program, meaning that there is no jumping, and everything is designed with a full-body functional training mindset that supports muscular and joint health. Three of the 4 weekly workouts are "eccentric training," which features SLOW weightlifting to a count of four, forcing the muscle to length and hold. The fourth workout is no-impact cardio at a faster pace.

Who is This Program Best For? "4 Weeks for Every Body" is one of the absolute best options on Beachbody for true beginners, as well as any intermediate exercise fans who want a no-impact, functional training program that focuses on health and feeling good. A perk is this program has far less wasted time that others; it's very efficient.

A possible negative: If you are impatient like me, having three days a week of "eccentric," slow weightlifting movements can feel slow and frustrating. I did find that I got used to it as the weeks passed, however, and overall really appreciated this additon to the BOD library.

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"645 Beachbody"

Level: Intermediate (and potentially could work for a high beginner)

Trainer and Release Date: Amoila Cesar, 2021

Duration: Exactly 45 minutes a day, 6 days a week (1 rest day) for 3 months. Every workout starts with a full 10 minute warm-up, and one day a week is mobility and flexibility.

Features: This is a functional fitness program, so everything is designed to help your body move more effectively in everyday life. The pace is slow, with an emphasis on education and understanding perfect form for each exercise. A clear modifier makes 645 even more accessible.

Who is this Program Best For? While I was quite frustrated with the slow pace of 645, I think it's an essential program for anyone doing online fitness to do (if you can fit the 45 minute workouts into your day), because of the hugely valuable base you gain from it in comprehending how the body works, and what makes effective exercise.

Though I'm at a relatively advanced fitness level by now, I learned so much from Amoila Cesar's teaching during "645," and actually was able to HEAL an injury I got in another program (keep reading to find out which). The cast was also super fun to get to know over all those weeks.

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"Muscle Burns Fat" #mbf

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Megan Davies, 2020

Duration: 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week, for 3 weeks. One day a week is stretching and mobility.

Features: This effective and fun program features a "BOD Rope" cordless jump rope, and weightlifting, all set to music. Lovely Lacee provides clear modifications.

Who is this Program Best For? "Muscle Burns Fat" is one of my all-time favorite programs, and I highly recommend it to anyone trying out Beachbody! The pace and structure are excellent, and the trainer and Zoom cast are positive and exuberant. I was very impressed by the toning results I got from #mbf paired with (read on for its review) #mbfa ("Muscle Burns Fat Advanced").

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"Tough Mudder T-Minus 30"

Level: Advanced.

Trainer and Release Date: Hunter McIntyre, 2019 on Openfit, 2021 acquired by BODi.

Duration: 30 days, 30 minutes a day, with one mobility day and one rest day a week. Three calendars are available, two of which layer in running and grip strength (chin-up) workouts.

Features: The idea of this program is that it combines classic Bootcamp-style calisthenics with dynamic, functional weightlifting to get you in vigorous enough shape to compete in a Tough Mudder obstacle course race -- or, for people like me who don't want to do the race, to just live a great everyday life!

Who is This Program Best For? "Tough Mudder T-Minus 30" is an absolute hidden gem of the BODi platform and app! It is efficient, fun, effective, and has become one of my favorite workout programs ever. Just know that it is truly an Advanced Level program, and you will need to be at the level where you can add your own extra modifications, since they're not always adequate. Hunter also has a very distinct style that may not be a match for everyone.

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"CHOP WOOD CARRY WATER"

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Amoila Cesar, 2024

Duration: 30-40 minutes a day, for one month. Option of different calendars where you work out 4, 5, or 6 times a week. 20 videos total.

Features: The focus here is on functional fitness with a spotlight on animal-like "primal movements" where you are crawling, twisting, and turning along the floor in a flow, using your bodyweight. The program mixes this with weightlifting, agility, and mobility.

Who is This Program Best For? Because the primal movements seem daunting at first, I would recommend doing at least two programs before this one (or completing "645" since it's long and comprehensive enough to provide a base). However, I do consider "CWCW" to be a must-do program if you're serious about your fitness journey. The functional fitness moves taught during it can be used for a lifetime, and in Amoila's words, are the "fountain of youth" for staying limber and strong.

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"BODi LAVA"

Level: Intermediate (but actually quite advanced, though there are mods up and down)

Trainer and Release Date: Elise Joan, 2024

Duration: 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 7 weeks (including a "Pre-Burn" week which shouldn't be skipped). There are also 6 short "Bonus Burn" videos and 4 short "Post-Burn" stretches.

Features: This truly unique low-impact bodyweight-only program fuses Power Yoga with Primal Movements (and also kind of dance, Barre, and more) to work strength, mobility, balance, and flexibility, with a focus on core and legs, yielding long, lean muscle.

Who is This Program Best For? I really enjoyed BODi LAVA, but it's not for everyone, and I was glad when it was done and I could go back to weights. I learned so much about what my body is capable in terms of balance and strength with these wild and shocking moves, and was fully challenged. If you're up for something totally new, I'd recommend doing it once through in its entirety, then adding it back in periodically as a hybrid with other programs.

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"Dig Deeper"

Level: "All Levels" -- but actually High Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Shaunt T, 2024

Duration: 30-50 minutes a day (usually high 40s) for 12 weeks (repeating 3 separate weeks four times each before progressing to the next: 5 days a week of lifting and one of Steady State Cardio. 6 bonus "No Excuses" workouts of 25 minutes included.

Features: "Dig Deeper" focuses almost entirely on no-impact weightlifting for "Total Body Recomposition," though it is recommended to add in "Steady State Cardio" as many days as possible.

Who is This Program Best For? I really enjoyed these weightlifting and Steady State Cardio workotus with Shaun T, but found the repetition of videos a challenge. Do know that you WILL get incredible full-body results in doing this program, though!

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"Barre Blend"

Level: Intermediate (but feels more challenging).

Trainer and Release Date: Elise Joan, 2019

Duration: 8 weeks, 5 days a week, starts at 30 minutes a day then ramps up to almost 45 by the end.

Features: "Barre Blend" is a mix of Barre, Pilates, and ballet-inspired cardio. Most workouts feature a raised "Barre" or counter or chair that helps support balancing poses.

Who is This Program Best For? I found "Barre Blend" incredibly challenging, but deeply rewarding and important, as it produces amazing results in long, lean muscle toning, as well as improved balance, posture, mobility, and flexibility. I would highly recommend this program as a hybrid with a more traditional heavy weightlifting regimen.

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"LIIFT MORE"

Level: "All Levels" (but best for Intermediate and up)

Trainer and Release Date: Joel Freeman, 2023

Duration: 42 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 8 weeks. 9 bonus 20-minute workouts included. Only two short "Recovery" videos which you're supposed to repeat as the only mobility work in the program.

Features: Old-school, classic, simple weighlifting moves in a repeated pattern of 3 sets of 12 reps for "LIFT" portions, and 3 sets of 45 seconds for HIIT. Each day of the week targets a different region of the body, and alternates between LIFT days and LIFT/HIIT combos.

Who is This Program Best For? I found "LIIFT MORE" extremely enjoyable -- Joel is so fun and motivating! -- and I gained strength. Unfortunately, there is a big problem iwth the program: it is not functional training, meaning there is almost no mobility or flexibility work, and hardly any twisting or complex moves that help build a holistically healthy body. I was left feeling stiff, and my posture was thrown off. Overall, I would recommend it over LIIFT4, however, because it's better for the "All Levels" range, thanks to its modifier.

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"Let's Get Up" DANCE Program

Level: Beginner (but I found many of the moves difficult)

Trainer and Release Date: Shaun T, 2021

Duration: 30 minutes a day consisting of 4 dance workouts, 2 strength videos (some repeated), and one rest day a week for one month.

Features: This program takes place entirely standing, meaning you can do it outside. The dance workouts need no equipment. Emphasis is on joy and self-love, so being silly and not perfect is encouraged. #LGU features a beautifully diverse cast in a gorgeous Hawaii setting.

Who is this Program Best For? I adored "Let's Get Up" because Shaun T makes me laugh so hard! Every episode was exhilarating and motivating and got my heart rate up. You should be a person who enjoys a goofy and slightly profane (rump-shaking) sense of humor to embark on #LGU.

Another caution: though the program is labeled "Beginner," the fast side-to-side dance movements are hard for body types like mine, and the modifier only takes out some of the jumps -- not the speed. You need to be confident adding your own modifications (like moving at half-time speed) before starting this program.

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"9 Week Control Freak"

Level: Intermediate (with a slow start)

Trainer and Release Date: Autumn Calabrese, 2021

Duration: 20-30 minutes a day, 5 days a week (2 rest days) for 9 weeks, ramping up in intensity.

Features: This program has a huge amount of equipment ("Control Track" that goes over a door, step, ball, weights, and mat), all of which is effective, but gets cumbersome. In reaction to complaints about this, a second version of this program which only requires weights was created, with the title: "Off the Wall." That program contains 3 weeks of distinct workouts which are repeated for 3 weeks each. #9WCF also has a trove of 10-15 minute "Controlled Stretch" videos meant to be done 5 nights a week.

Who is this Program Best For? I LOVED "9 Week Control Freak" (both the original and "Off the Wall") and got wonderful results in slimming and toning from it. The cast was fun, it was efficient and creative, and the combination of endurance, strength, and tabata cardio really got my heart pumping.

That said, the original version of #9WCF has two problems. First, it has a frustratingly slow start (which could be a benefit if you're closer to a beginner), but then ramps up. Second, juggling all the equipment is really a challenge. You need sufficient space and the will to think through all logistics of each workout.

The silver lining is that once you invest in the workout gear, you may be more likely to complete the program! My advice is to start with "Off the Wall," and if you like that, buy the Track and other accessories to do #9WCF.

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"Job 1"

Level: Supposedly "All Levels" (but not approrpiate for Beginners!)

Trainer and Release Date: Jennifer Jacobs (from Peloton), 2022

Duration: 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, for 4 weeks. There are 5 "Overtime" videos which can be combined into an included advanced calendar which creates 40-minute workouts through doubles.

Features: "Job 1" is extremely efficient, with zero wasted time. It's fast-paced, and has a wide variety of innovative exercises for full-body results. There is no cast, so modifications are usually only verbally described, and if they're modeled, it's not until partway through the move.

Who is This Program Best For? Though it's tempting to see "Job 1" as a Beginner program because it's so short, I do NOT recommend you do it unless you're at least Intermediate level, as you'll need to know how to include your own modifications. "Job 1" is also quite fast paced, with a sizable amount of jumping and side-to-side lateral movements, so you need to be willing and able to slow things down to avoid injury.

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"LIIFT4"

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Joel Freeman, 2018

Duration: 30-40 minutes a day, 4 days a week (3 rest days!), for 8 weeks. There's also a week of 20-minute workouts for before the program officially starts, and two 10-minute stretching and rolling videos.

Features: LIIFT4 is a combination of weightlifting and HIIT (high intensity interval training cardio) with simple, classic moves. Every single video ends with a "Core Component" targeting the abs, so prepare for a 6-pack.

Who is this Program Best For? Because LIIFT4 has a strong emphasis on upper body muscle building, I think it's a better match for men's fitness goals (many women like me prefer more balanced muscle targeting), but your preferences may vary. Though this program was released back in 2018, it is still one of the most popular on Beachbody because it's easy to follow, funny, and lighthearted -- and produces excellent results, especially in arms and abs. 2022 update: I'd now recommend "LIIFT MORE" over LIIFT4.

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"30 Day Breakaway" RUNNING Program

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Idalis Velazquez, 2021

Duration: There are three different calendars that guide you to piece together the running videos/audio with resistance training videos. Most videos are 20-30 minutes long (which are put together to form an hour in some calendars), and most of the calendar configurations have one to two rest days. All calendars require repeating some videos, and all warm-up and cool-down videos are separate from the actual workouts.

Features: The goal of the program is to build you up to run a timed 5k, even if you have no running background. The running workouts are also in audio format for you to use while outside. There are also video versions if you want to do them on a treadmill. All the videos are filmed in gorgeous nature settings.

Who is This Program Best For? While I love aspects of this program (it really did build me up to being able to do a 5k from nothing), I have some major issues with it and want to give a warning.

First and foremost, the fact that the warm-up videos are separate make it far too tempting to skip them -- and thus cause injuries. The only time I've ever seriously injured myself in my two years of doing Beachbody programs was in this program. Because I skipped the warm-up and went into running outside without proper prep, I got an Achilles tendon injury that took over 9 months to heal. Though I'm in solid athletic shape, my body was not used to running and I didn't realize how dangerous that could be.

Second, the resistance workouts in this program are not amazing. Though they are beautifully filmed, in my opinion they did not provide the pizazz needed.

In short, the running coaching in this program is excellent and very creative -- as long as you do the proper warm-up, but you might consider a hybrid calendar (there's a good one with #mbf) instead of the in-program resistance videos.

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"Muscle Burns Fat Advanced" #mbfa

Level: Advanced

Trainer and Release Date: Megan Davies, 2020

Duration: 30-40 minutes a day (though mostly 40 minutes), 7 days a week for 3 weeks, with one of those workouts being a challenging stretch sequence.

Features: "Muscle Burns Fat Advanced" is meant to be done after #mbf and though it builds on its predecessor and also uses the BOD Rope for cardio segments, it features new moves and a much more intense flow. Like #mbf, this program has music.

Who is this Program Best For? Though I liked #mbfa and got great results from it, I found it VERY challenging. Though it wasn't as impossibly hard as "6 Weeks of The Work," I got so exhausted doing #mbfa that I had to add in extra rest days periodically.

Given this, I would only recommend #mbfa if you've done #mbf at least once all the way through, and know your body well enough to add extra breaks when needed.

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"80 Day Obsession"

Level: Intermediate (though aspects are very Advanced)

Trainer and Release Date: Autumn Calabrese, 2018

Duration: 40-60 minutes a day, 6 days a week (1 rest or optional rolling and stretching day) for three months.

Features: Focus on arms, abs, and... glutes. This program is a bit more geared towards women, though men can certainly benefit from it.

Who is This Program Best For? I got INCREDIBLE results in weight loss and toning from 80DO but I actually do not recommend this program to most people for two reasons.

First, even though there is a modifier, there is a higher risk of injury than other programs because the moves are so bizarre and volume of workout time so high.

Second, this program takes a huge amount of time (hence its payoffs), so a lot of people I know have quit partway through.

Only choose this program if you are adept at listening to your body for when to take extra rest days or add extra modifications to avoid injury, and if you have the time and commitment to complete such a long and intense program.

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"XB Pilates"

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Andrea Rogers, 2022 (when it was brought over from Openfit)

Duration: 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week (though in one calendar version, one day is 5-9 minutes), for 3 weeks (21 days).

Features: "XB Pilates" is a low-impact, core-focused program that has a lot of seated or lying down mat work and uses very light weights (1-2 pounds) and optional resistance loops. Though there are cardio days, it's much less cardio than HIIT.

Who is This Program Best For? Pilates is an excellent addition to any workout routine because it yields results of long, lean muscles and functional core strength. I enjoyed "XB Pilates" very much, but was frustrated that the program requires repeating many videos. I also assert that the program on its own is not enough for optimal fitness; however, it's perfect to pair with other exercise such as outdoor walking or running, or a hybrid calendar with more weightlifting and HIIT-style programs.

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"6 Weeks of The Work"

Level: VERY Advanced

Trainer and Release Date: Amoila Cesar, 2020

Duration: Each week is 5 days a week of 40 minute workouts, then one day of rest and one shorter stretch video. The program contains 6 weeks of unique videos.

Features: No modifier! "Explicit" version with swears, and also swear-censored version.

Who is This Program Best For? I LOVED "The Work" because it's hilarious and entertaining to watch, and extremely heart-poundingly effective -- BUT be warned that this program is so difficult that even the most in-shape person will not be able to do all the reps.

Because of this, plus the fact that there is no modifier, I strongly caution you not to do this program until you have a very strong fitness base in place so you're able to safely and effectively modify the moves and volume.

I will also note that this program has a strong emphasis on shoulder muscles which I felt more appropriate to stereotypically male fitness goals than my specific aims, but each person's shape desires are different.

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"Xtend Barre"

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Andrea Rogers, 2022 (when it was brought over from Openfit)

Duration: 30 minutes a day, 7 days a week, for 30 days.

Features: "Xtend Barre" is a low-impact program that uses very light weights (1-2 pounds) with ballet-like moves. It differs from Pilates in that it has more cardio, standing, and (of course) barre work.

Who is This Program Best For? "Xtend Barre" does wonders for creating a slim, toned "Barre Body" with lean muscle. It emphasizes core strength, posture and balance, and lifting the glutes. I personally found this program quite challenging, as it is 30 minutes of nonstop work for 30 days with no rest -- plus I missed heavy lifting and HIIT. That said, I do think that most anyone can benefit from the functional fitness gained from adding at least a few Barre workouts into one's normal routine.

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"3 Day Split"

Level: Intermediate (but bordering on Advanced)

Trainer and Release Date: Autumn Calabrese, 2024

Duration: Around 45 minutes a day, 3 days a week; 6 videos repeated in a different order to total one month.

Features: This is a "Branded Special" on BODi versus a full program, meaning it's a little rougher and less polished, plus shorter. The idea is you only need to work out three days a week with this program because the videos are longer and more intense.

Who is This Program Best For? The moves in "3 Day Split" are really top-notch and can yield excellent results, so it's worthwhile to slip this short program in between longer ones. Just be prepared to be sore!

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"Kettlebell Academy"

Level: "All Levels" (but actually Intermediate)

Trainer and Release Date: Amoila Cesar, 2024

Duration: 9 videos, 30 minutes each. (Can be combined with "Performance Academy" for a month-long hybrid.)

Features: Learn how to use kettlebells for functional, full-body work outs through step-by-step tutorials!

Who is This Program Best For? If you'd like to learn the basics of kettlebell fitness, this is a very useful mini-program that breaks down the technique methodically. Just manage your expectations that it's more of a tutorial than a sweaty workout for two thirds of the videos.

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"Performance Academy"

Level: "All Levels" (but actuallyIntermediate and up)

Trainer and Release Date: Amoila Cesar, 2024

Duration: 6 videos, 30 minutes each. (Can be combined with "Kettlebell Academy" for a month-long hybrid.

Features: This program is about learning innovative, functional fitness moves to keep you able to move with youth for longer.

Who is This Program Best For? Though this is an interesting program, with only six videos -- many of which have slow tutorials -- you likely won't see big gains unless you continue to use and integrate these moves moving forward in your fitness journey. I also found a few of the exercises somewhat precarious, and suggest this program might be better for a more advanced intermediate level versus "All Levels."

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"4 Weeks of The Prep"

Level: Intermediate

Trainer and Release Date: Amoila Cesar, 2020

Duration: Each week is 5 days a week of 30 minute workouts, then one day of rest and one stretch video. The program contains 2 weeks of videos which you need to repeat all over again for the last two weeks.

Features: This is an easier version of "The Work" to get you ready for it, and has lower reps, a modifier, and more coaching.

Who is This Program Best For? Though I love Amoila Cesar, I do NOT recommend "4 Weeks of the Prep" because it was filmed in haste after "6 Weeks of The Work" and thus has a disjointed, awkward feel. If you're trying to build up to "The Work," I strongly suggest doing "645" instead because it will prepare you better and is a more cohesive and effective program.

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Beachbody Overview

This is my GIANT overview about how to best use the Beachbody on Demand workout streaming program, including tips on motivation and equipment. It also contains an explanation about why I think the workouts not listed on this ranking ("Barre Blend," "Morning Meltdown 100," "LIIFT4," etc.) are not as effective, and thus I abandoned them favor of other programs.

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A Summary of Best Beachbody BODi Workouts

Beginner Level

To summarize: If you’re a Beginner starting out with BODi Beachbody, I would start with “For Beginners Only” (which methodically teaches the basics of home workouts with a joyful trainer), “Fire and Flow” (alternating cardio/lifting with yoga/dance) or “4 Weeks for Every Body” (slower weightlifting and no-impact cardio with only 4 videos a week) or “21 Day Fix” (more classic weightlifting and cardio, and 7 days a week) — though stay tuned by subscribing, because I am constantly adding to this list.

(Note: If you are an ABSOLUTE beginner and/or have concerning injuries, I would recommend getting a personal trainer to obtain a fitness base BEFORE attempting any online workout programs like Beachbody. Though trainers can seem expensive, the money you’ll save in avoiding injuries down the line makes the investment worth it! See more at my “Best Beachbody BODi Workout for Beginners” ranking.)

Intermediate Level

If you’re a high Beginner to Intermediate level, I would do “645 Beachbody” (if you can find the time) because it has such essential coaching in it about form, then move on to “Muscle Burns Fat” or “9 Week Control Freak” (starting with “Off the Wall”). If you’d prefer more of a dance and Pilates/Barre flair, I really enjoyed “XB Sweat + Sculpt.”

If you are truly Intermediate, you could just go right to “Muscle Burns Fat” #mbf (it’s so good!) then #9WCF. “Job 1” is tempting to do because it’s just 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, but because there’s no real modifier, only do it if you’re really Intermediate. I would skip “The Prep” in favor of “645” or #mbf because of the problems with it explained above. “LIIFT4” is an excellent option if you’re a man and/or want a lifting and HIIT program with an upper-body focus. (Note: Joel’s new program, “LIIFT MORE” is even better than its predecessor, though both have their flaws and aren’t my favorites.)

Openfit Beachbody Workouts

As of July, 2002, BODi Beachbody added Openfit workouts like “Tough Mudder T-Minus 30” to their library, and the programs — which I’m still in the process of reviewing, so stay tuned — are a range of difficulty levels.

I’m adding them in the Intermediate section because my initial browsing of the Beachbody Openfit program library suggests that beginners should use caution with them; many of the programs claim to be easier, but feature fast moves that could cause injury. Stay tuned for more detailed reviews of individual Beachbody Openfit workout programs, starting with “XB Pilates” with Andrea Rogers.

Beachbody Rebranding to BODi

In early 2023, Beachbody announced that they would be rebranding to be called BODi, and focus on “Health esteem” and a new structure of live-recorded “BODi Blocks.” See my thoughts on this Beachbody vs. BODi transition at that link. Luckily, the company has now steered away from the messy “BODi Blocks” and will focus back on the polished programs that work best.

Dance and Running Workouts

If you’re more motivated by fun, “Let’s Get Up” dance workouts can be a creative place to start if you’re a high Beginner. “30 Day Breakaway” is also an option for high Beginners who want to learn to run, but I beg of you to read my warning about it above so you don’t injure yourself as I did.

Advanced Programs

Once you get to a high Intermediate to Advanced level, you can begin looking into “6 Weeks of The Work” and #mbfa, and even “80 Day Obsession,” though I would use caution on the latter due to the bizarre moves.

If you want to try a different exercise platform, I also highly recommend Caroline Girvan and her free weightlifting program: the IRON Series on YouTube. I hope this overview is helpful!

Which BODi Beachbody Workouts Stand Out to YOU?

After reading this summary of the best BODi Beachbody workouts for each preference, I’m curious: which programs most stand out to you, and which new reviews would you like me to add, now that I’ve completed BODi LAVA? If you’ve done some of the programs, which did you like or not, and why? What further questions do you have Do share!

Lillie Marshall

The author, Lillie Marshall, is a 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 4.2 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!

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