I have always believed that fitness is very a personal thing — it’s NOT one size fits all. What works for me may not work for you. Luckily, Beachbody has our back and is always innovating and creating fitness programs that appeal to different types people, with different capabilities, and different training preferences.
So, one question that has been popping up more and more is “LIIFT4 vs 80 Day Obsession — which one do you recommend, Becky?”
Both are phenomenal programs, both will challenge you, both will change you. However, they both have completely different approaches to fitness, lifestyle, and nutrition. So let’s get to it…
First, with a quick comparison of the 2 programs:
Which is a better program to start with?
The answer here is simple in my humble opinion: LIIFT4! If you are new to fitness or maybe getting back into the swing of things, I recommend starting with Joel Freeman’s training style.
Here’s why I’d recommend LIIFT4 first.
First, Joel simplifies fitness. He provides you with classic weightlifting moves that stand the test of time. These are moves you may done in the past or at least heard of. Moves like flat chest press, dumbbell rows, shoulder press, and lunges to name a few. LIIFT4’s classic weightlifting technique will allow you to isolate, build strength, and focus each rep on one muscle group at a time.
Since the moves are basic, be prepared to listen to Joel’s cues. He does a great job of breaking down form and technique throughout each routine. I’m sure you’ll notice that he’s not working out with the rest of the cast — he’s too busy pointing out what the move should look like and how it should feel!
LIIFT4 also simplifies the workout schedule. Work hard four days per week, 40 mins max per day, then rest and allow your muscles to heal the other three. Perfect for busy people who want flexibility of schedule and real change.
Why not 80 Day Obsession?
I feel that 80 Day Obsession (80DO) is more of an advanced fitness program. It’s more geared to people who have a basis of fitness, knowledge of weight training, and are familiar with form and technique.
Autumn Calabrese uses her extensive knowledge in fitness to create new moves incorporating weights, loops, and slides. These are innovative moves that bring in balance, are challenging and you probably have never seen before. You will encounter many compounded movements (working several muscle groups at once) which will test your strength, endurance, and balance.
If you are determined to get 80DO done, you will — you may have to follow the modifier for much of the program, but you’ll get it done! Just be prepared for a cutting-edge fitness program that focuses on core strength and booty gains!
80 Day Obsession is a bigger time commitment. This program is THREE MONTHS of full-on commitment, only 1 rest-day per week. And even on your rest day, you’re still following the timed-nutrition plan. Plus, most workouts will be nearly an hour-long, compared to less than 40 minutes per day with LIIFT4 — doable, but daunting!
If you are wondering whether 80 Day Obsession is for you, I encourage you to give A Little Obsessed (ALO) a test drive before committing to this program. This is the 1-week toned-down “preview” version of 80DO.
Don’t get me wrong, the level of commitment needed to complete 80 Day Obsession leads to a total mindset-shift and lifestyle change. You just have to make it through without forfeiting.
Which is better for weight loss?
Let me be brutally honest and forthright here. If you decide to go all-in, follow the nutrition plan, and do it the way it is designed, EVERY Beachbody program works.
The other thing I need to mention is that I feel we need to move away from the term “weight loss” and away from the scale. Instead, think about our health in terms of “fat loss” and inches dropped. So, with that being said both LIIFT4 and 80 Day Obsession will help you drop the inches and some of that the unwanted weight.
But my gut on this topic is 80 Day Obsession, here’s why: 80 Day Obsession takes a more total-body approach six days per week. The workouts are fast paced and will get your heart rate up even though you’re lifting on most days.
What’s the difference in meal plans?
This is like comparing apples and oranges, but let’s give it a shot.
The LIIFT4 meal plan mimics Joel’s style…flexible and relaxed.
Yes, you must eat clean. Yes, you must stay within some guidelines but it’s not as structured and specific as 80DO.
With LIIFT4 you have the option of using the portion control containers, which I love, or you can simply use macros if that’s something you’re already familiar with (30% protein, 40% carbs, 30% fat).
The LIIFT4 nutrition plan is meant to be simple, back-to-basics nutrition, with common-sense guidelines that facilitate muscle building and fat burning. The BEST part is you can still have a life — the LIIFT4 nutrition plan includes an optional “cheat day” every week. And YES, you can have alcohol… in moderation, of course.
The 80 Day Obsession eating plan is based on timed-nutrition… more strict.
This is how Autumn eats, and what she recommends for her personal training clients.
Timed-nutrition is simply eating the right foods (especially protein and carbs) at the right times during the day to help you fuel your workouts, build muscle, and recover from workouts while keeping your metabolism and energy levels high.
With 80 Day Obsession, the guesswork is removed — which food groups to eat and when is laid out for you. Yes, you will need portion containers, and yes, you will have to keep your diet extra clean 7 days per week for 8 weeks straight — no cheats, no alcohol.
Can I do LIIFT4 with the 80 Day Obsession meal plan?
ABSOLUTELY! Timed nutrition and its structure can be applied to any and every program. It really depends on your personality and lifestyle preference! The container-counts do vary slightly in each meal plan, though. I’d suggest comparing the container-counts of the bracket you fall in for LIIFT4 with the 80 Day Obsession meal plan — you don’t want to eat too much or too little!
What program is best for couples?
Once again, LIIFT4 is my recommendation! Grab your swolemate and keep reading. Aside from all the technical details (like you don’t need a lot of space or equipment to crush this program together), it’s also a great bonding experience.
I am speaking from my own personal experience here. Larry and I have been together for 16 years, yet we had never been on the same fitness page. That is, until LIIFT4! This program has all the components that we both love and a mix of weights and cardio!
We made the commitment to each other on Day 1 and we approached this journey as a team. Together pushed each other to do more, we competed, laughed, and even trash talked a bit with the end goal of helping each other thrive. And even on the inevitable the bad days, we encouraged and lifted each other up.
LIIFT4 brought us closer together and not only made us physically stronger but strengthened our marriage and bond!
Questions? Want to give either program a try?
If you have a question about either of these programs, feel free to let me know in the comment section below!
Don’t have a Beachbody On Demand membership yet? Both programs are also included in the 14-Day Free Trial Membership, click below to try BOTH programs & get access for $0 today!
*Despite the fact that the free trial requires payment info, I promise you WILL NOT be charged anything! Simply set an alert on your phone before the trial ends and head to BeachbodyAccount.com to quickly easily cancel your membership if you don’t love it OR ask me about how to continue your membership & SAVE OVER 60% per year by upgrading to an annual plan!
Try LIIFT4 or 80 Day Obsession Surrounded by an Awesome Support Group!
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