What Equipment Do You Need for the 21 Day Fix?

This is part of the 21 Day Fix Basics series. If you're just getting started with the 21 Day Fix or are curious as to what you would need if you did it, here's your answer...

What Equipment Do You Need for the 21 Day Fix?

The best part (at least for me) about the Beachbody programs is that they can be done from your own living room, basement, extra bedroom, etc. Case in point, me in my living room...

So let's start with the obvious...

How do I watch it? 

The traditional way is obviously the TV and DVD player. Your workout program comes with DVDs. But, you do NOT have to use the DVDs. Or even the TV for that matter! 

Beachbody has developed a streaming on-demand service called Beachbody On Demand (BOD). With the purchase of a Challenge Pack, you get a 30 day free trial of the service, which is obviously plenty of time for your first round of the Fix. If you want to keep it after that, it's less than a cup of coffee per week. Basically, it's Netflix for workouts. There are hundreds of workouts on there! All of the classic Beachbody programs, like P90X and Insanity, plus any of your purchased programs. (Sidenote: You can get a free trial of BOD without even purchasing anything. Free workouts for 30 days! The 21 Day Fix isn't on there, but a LOT of others are.)

BOD can stream on any internet-capable device, like your computer, tablet, or phone. But it is also now available on Roku, Amazon TV, and Chromecast! 

What about weights?

21 Day Fix and Fix Extreme are both weight-lifting based workouts for the most part. The Yoga, Pilates, and some of the Cardio do not use weights, but all the others do. You will need two sets of handweights/dumbbells. You need a light set and a heavy set. The exact weight is up to you and your individual fitness level. If you are completely new to weightlifting or are getting back into fitness after a long hiatus, start LOW. 3 and 5, or 5 and 7. If you've been active for a little bit, go up a little higher: 6 and 9, or 8 and 12. If you're a beast, go for more! You want to push yourself, but not injure yourself. 

Just a tip: If you workout on a hard floor, you may want to consider rubber-covered weights to avoid denting/scratching the floor. 

Mats and Towels?

I'm not a sweaty girl. And I DRIP during some of these workouts. So you may want to keep a towel handy. At least once in every workout, you'll be doing something from the ground. You will want a bounce mat or yoga mat if you're on hard floors. The Yoga and Pilates workouts obviously center on being on the ground, so you certainly will need something for those two. 

What clothes do I wear?

Again, the benefit of workout out at home means you can do this naked if you so please. However, I do not advise that! Women, get a good sports bra. I know they can be expensive, but they are worth it. And you actually can get a decent one at Walmart if you just can't shell out the money at the fancy sports stores. Two of my favorites came from Walmart, and I'm usually a sports bra snob. 

Sneakers are a key element as well. You can go barefoot during Pilates and Yoga if you want, but you'll need shoes for the other workouts. Support your feet! If you have strong feet,good knees, and good arches, grab those cute Nike Frees. But, PLEASE, if you have knee problems, have issues with your feet, have flat or high arches, or have any other leg issues... GET GOOD SHOES. Go to a store where they fit your feet and pay the money. They will last twice as long as your cheapo shoes and will solve so many problems. Shoes without adequate support can cause knee pain, plantar issues, and numerous other problems. GET GOOD SHOES. Okay, rant over...

And that's it!

No need for expensive gym equipment or fancy clothes. If you're really trying to cut costs, put a call out in your extended family and friends asking for hand weights. Someone will have some gathering dust that they will let you borrow or have outright. At least until your progress inspires them to ask for them back! (And if that happens, please see this page here.)