The 80 Day Obsession is heralded as a groundbreaking fitness initiative that places a significant emphasis on both exercise and nutrition over the span of 80 days. This program particularly targets the development of the glutes and core, aiming to sculpt a toned and well-defined physique. Nevertheless, a common question arises: Does the 80 Day Obsession truly yield the promised results, or does it merely set unattainable expectations?

This article aims to provide comprehensive insights into the 80 Day Obsession program, detailing what it encompasses, how to effectively implement it, as well as outlining its various benefits and potential drawbacks.

What is the 80 Day Obsession?

The 80 Day Obsession is an innovative fitness program developed by renowned personal trainer Autumn Calabrese, who is also the mastermind behind the widely acclaimed 21 Day Fix program. This comprehensive program is accessible exclusively through Beachbody On Demand, a popular online streaming platform that hosts a multitude of fitness programs tailored to various needs.

For less than $10 per month, a Beachbody On Demand membership provides you with unlimited access to an extensive library of fitness resources, including the transformative 80 Day Obsession. This program is meticulously designed with 80 unique workouts, detailed meal plans, structured workout calendars, and helpful tracker sheets to monitor your progress.

You can conveniently stream the workouts on multiple devices such as your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, and all program materials can be easily accessed through the membership portal on the Beachbody On Demand website. In essence, the 80 Day Obsession is a comprehensive fitness and weight loss initiative delivered seamlessly online by Beachbody On Demand, making it a perfect option for those seeking a structured approach to health and wellness.

How to Get Started

The 80 Day Obsession program equips participants with a comprehensive starter guide that outlines six essential steps to embark on your journey:

1. Capture before and after photos and measurements. This helps in evaluating both weight loss and muscle gain effectively.
2. Calculate your calorie target. Utilize a straightforward formula to ascertain how many calories you should consume to achieve weight loss.
3. Define your eating plan. Based on your determined calorie goal, you will adhere to a specific dietary regimen.
4. Access your eating plan. This plan will detail what and when to eat throughout your journey.
5. Watch the introductory videos. Autumn Calabrese, the program's creator, guides you through these steps via a series of engaging short videos.
6. Gather your workouts. Print the 80 Day Obsession workout calendar to plan your commencement date.

Essential Requirements

In addition to the monthly subscription fee for accessing the program, you will need to invest in specialized workout equipment and portion-control food containers. For the workouts, you will require light, medium, and heavy dumbbells, resistance bands, and exercise sliders. Optional fitness gear includes a foam roller and an exercise or yoga mat. Beachbody, the organization behind Beachbody On Demand, offers most of these products and encourages purchases through their official website.

The dietary plan necessitates the use of Beachbody’s seven color-coded food containers, with each color symbolizing a different food group based on its size. Depending on your specific eating plan and caloric range, you will be permitted a certain number of containers from each food group to fill and consume daily. Though not mandatory, the program highly recommends various Beachbody-branded supplements, including protein shakes and pre- and post-workout beverages, to boost exercise performance and recovery.

Workout Schedule

Each day you will engage in a distinctive workout lasting between 45 to 60 minutes. You will exercise six days a week, reserving Sunday as your rest day, which is not counted within the 80 days. The workouts vary, targeting full-body fitness to a specific focus on your glutes. They progressively build on each other, becoming increasingly challenging as you advance through the program. The 80 Day Obsession starter guide will effectively set you on the path with the plan. Alongside your membership, acquiring the necessary exercise equipment and Beachbody's color-coded food containers is essential.

How and When to Eat

The 80 Day Obsession eating plan emphasizes the concept of timed nutrition, often referred to as nutrient timing. This approach entails consuming foods in particular quantities at designated times to enhance exercise performance while facilitating muscle recovery and growth.

Within each eating strategy, there exists a workout block lasting 4 to 5 hours, during which you are guided to consume specific foods in precise amounts before, during, and after your physical activities. This workout segment not only specifies the foods but also suggests which Beachbody-branded supplements you should take and their ideal timing. In addition to the workout block, the eating plans advocate for meal consumption every 2 to 3 hours to maintain energy levels. The guidelines align with the Acceptable Macronutrient Distribution Range (AMDR) for adults, recommending that 10–35% of your total calorie intake comes from protein, 20–35% from fats, and 45–65% from carbohydrates. This focus on timed nutrition is a core element of the 80 Day Obsession, ensuring that dietary choices contribute not just to immediate energy but also to ongoing fitness goals while adhering to the AMDR standards for adults.

Advantages

While comprehensive studies on the 80 Day Obsession program are limited, it has the potential to promote lasting weight loss.

May facilitate weight reduction

In the second step of the 80 Day Obsession starter guide, you establish your calorie target using a straightforward formula. This target aims to create approximately a 750-calorie deficit daily, factoring in calories burned during the daily workouts. A daily calorie deficit of 500–750 is generally adequate for individuals aspiring to shed about 1–1.5 pounds (0.45–0.68 kg) each week. However, research indicates that it is unrealistic to expect consistent weight loss at this rate, as metabolism adjustments lead to a gradual decrease in weight loss over time. Although engaging in exercise can assist with weight reduction, generating a calorie deficit through dietary choices is often more effective and sustainable. Nonetheless, incorporating exercise remains crucial for maintaining weight loss over the long haul.

Does not eliminate food categories

Many weight loss programs set themselves apart by demonizing specific nutrients or entire food categories. However, unless there are food allergies, intolerances, or personal, cultural, or religious reasons, there is no scientific basis for eliminating entire food categories to achieve weight loss or health improvements. The 80 Day Obsession does not impose restrictions on any food category but instead regulates the quantity you can consume from each category based on your calorie target. By permitting all food categories within a calorie-restricted diet, you are more likely to fulfill your daily requirements for vitamins and minerals.

Efficient and easy workouts

The workouts in the 80 Day Obsession typically span 45–60 minutes, offering a quick exercise option. Performing these workouts at home eliminates the necessity of commuting to a gym, which saves time. For those with limited time, the program also provides shorter, 30-minute workout sessions.

Promotes self-tracking

The 80 Day Obsession encourages participants to monitor their weight, food consumption, and exercise routines. These self-tracking methods have been proven to not only facilitate weight loss but also minimize the likelihood of regaining weight over time. By keeping track of your weight, dietary intake, and physical activity, you gain deeper insights into how your behaviors influence your progress toward your goals, enabling you to make necessary adjustments. The 80 Day Obsession may assist you in weight loss without the need to restrict food categories. It offers the advantage of quick and convenient workouts while also promoting self-monitoring, a valuable strategy for achieving sustainable weight loss.

Drawbacks

While the 80 Day Obsession program offers numerous advantages, it also comes with several drawbacks that potential participants should consider.

Not Suitable for Novices

According to the Beachbody On Demand platform, the 80 Day Obsession is tailored for individuals with intermediate to advanced fitness experience. This means that you should have a consistent workout routine established prior to embarking on this program.

Can Be Restrictive

During the course of the 80 Day Obsession, you will receive specific instructions regarding what to eat, portion sizes, and meal timing. While some individuals may appreciate this level of structure, others might find it challenging to incorporate the program into their work or daily routines. Imagine taking your pre-prepared, color-coded meal containers to your workplace or on a vacation. This approach is perfectly acceptable; however, if you foresee difficulties in adhering to such a strict regimen for the program's entire 80 days, it might not be the right fit for you.

May Not Fit Everyone

Autumn Calabrese, the mind behind the 80 Day Obsession, crafted the eating plan based on her personal dietary preferences. What works for Calabrese's lifestyle may not align with yours. Some individuals might find more success with a personalized approach to their nutrition and fitness objectives instead of following a plan designed for someone else's needs. Keep in mind that a diet or meal plan is only effective if you can maintain it over the long haul. Additionally, remember that the program spans 80 days, and to preserve the results achieved, you should establish a sustainable plan for your diet and exercise habits post-program.

Promotes Specific Products

This program encourages participants to purchase Beachbody-branded equipment and supplements directly from their website. While this practice is not unusual in many fitness and weight-loss programs, it may raise some skepticism among potential users. Ultimately, the 80 Day Obsession is not designed for novices, can impose strict guidelines, and may not be compatible with your lifestyle. Weigh these drawbacks carefully before committing to the program.

The Bottom Line

The 80 Day Obsession is an innovative fitness and nutrition regimen developed by the renowned personal trainer, Autumn Calabrese. This program is exclusively accessible through Beachbody On Demand, which requires a monthly subscription, along with essential exercise equipment and color-coded food containers for meal preparation.

Designed primarily for individuals with intermediate to advanced fitness levels, this program promotes a flexible approach to eating by not restricting any food groups. It provides quick and convenient workouts, while also fostering habits that support sustainable weight loss. For those contemplating participation in this program, it's important to evaluate its structured nature and determine whether it aligns with your personal lifestyle and goals.