If you’ve ever talked to someone from Beachbody, they’ve probably mentioned the challenge pack, which is what most people buy when they start a Beachbody program. Read on to find out which challenge pack is the best bang for your buck (and which ones you should avoid).
What is a challenge pack?
It’s a product bundle that includes an annual subscription to Beachbody on Demand (their online workout platform), a starter pack for one of two different supplement options (more on that in a minute) and any program specific items, like the container system for 21 Day Fix, the cards for Barre Blend, or the 100 day journal for Morning Meltdown 100.
The reason it’s called a “challenge pack” is that most coaches run challenge groups where you’re invited to participate online with other customers to get motivation and support from your coach.
Related: Beachbody's 9 Week Control Freak - Coming to BOD, winter 2020
How much do challenge packs cost?
They really vary in cost as some packs include more stuff (like both supplement lines) or additional accessories for some of the programs, like jump ropes for Muscle Burns Fat, or step that’s needed for Transform 20.
The important thing to know here, is that you have choices. You can buy the big elaborate packages for well over $200, or you can buy the basic Annual Beachbody on Demand challenge pack that comes with only the workouts, supplements and nothing else. In most cases, this is the one I recommend if you want the best value.
Why is the Annual Subscription Challenge pack the best value?
It’s generally the lowest priced challenge pack at $160 USD. If you’re lucky enough to catch a sale, you can often get it for $140 USD. This gives you everything you need to get started and the cost works out to less than $12 a month (which is cheaper than any gym I’ve ever been a member of).
What happens if you buy a program specific challenge pack?
If you buy a program specific challenge pack like Barre Blend or 10 Rounds it’s the same thing as the Annual Access Pack (you still get access to all Beachbody programs), but they tends to be a little more expensive. In some cases, that’s because you’re getting a few extra items (like the jump rope or containers), but in most cases, it might be nothing additional, so it’s not worth it.
I will say, the one time I’d recommend getting a program is if it’s a brand new workout that isn’t yet available on Beachbody on Demand. In that case, buy the new program so you have early access. You still get access to all the other programs as well.
Related: A Personal Trainer's Take on Beachbody Workouts
Do you get a meal plan with the challenge pack?
Yes. In fact, each of the programs come with a meal plan, but they’re very generic and pretty basic (except the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan which is quite robust). However, Beachbody has two very detailed nutrition program - the ultimate portion fix and 2B Mindset that can now be purchased as add ons.
These nutrition programs provide a ton of additional content, coaching and materials and they are well worth the additional charge. However, for the first time, they are adding a month of free access to BOTH programs with their latest workout launch - Muscle Burns Fat.
With this Challenge Pack, you get the workout for the whole year, the supplements AND both nutrition programs for one month and it’s all just $140 at the time that I”m writing this blog post. That’s the best deal they’ve ever offered on a program which is pretty cool.
Which supplements should I choose?
I think this depends on your goals and the program you’ve decided to start with. Personally, I think that if you need general help with your nutrition, you’re just starting out and your goal is to lose weight, then go with Shakelogy to start.
Shakeology is designed to help with hunger and cravings, so if that’s what trips you up, then it’s your best bet. It’s also so nutritionally dense, that you’ll be getting a lot of nutrients that your sub-par diet is depriving your body of.
However, if you’re looking to build muscle, or you want to try a more aggressive, advanced workout program, then get the performance pack. It has a pre-workout that’s designed to help you bring more energy to your workout (and hence, get better results). It also has a post-workout protein shake that will help with muscle soreness.
So is the Challenge Pack worth it?
Yes - especially if you can snag it at the $140 price! It’s a steal. Think about it - you get over 1000 individual workouts for over a YEAR. These aren’t your DIY youtube style workouts, either. They’re professionally produced by top trainers in the industry who know how to create results. There’s no other platform like it. Peloton, Pure Barre and even OpenFit can’t compete on quality or price.
You also get to try your choice of supplements and see if you like them. I think that's a pretty sweet deal.
But what if you don’t want the supplements?
You can buy Beachbody on Demand without the supplements, but you’re only getting the workouts. You don’t get the benefit of the supplements and most often, you don’t get access to the challenge groups either. I always say, spring for the challenge pack. It’s only $40 more, and you have a lot more options.
Plus - everything is 100% guaranteed, so you have nothing to lose here (except fat, I guess).
If you do go with a program specific challenge pack, I would recommend going with one of these options (because they have the best value):
- 21 Day Fix - this comes with the container system, which is handy to follow the meal plan.
- 2B Mindset & BOD - this comes with a tracking book, water bottle and a full guide, so worth the extra $$.
- 80 Day Obsession Premium Challenge Pack - this comes with sliders and bands which you will need for this program, so it's worth the extra $$.
- Muscle Burns Fat - right now, this is the best deal Beachbody has.
What is a Completion Pack?
You would buy a completion pack when you already have access to Beachbody on Demand, but you don't want to wait 6 months for a new program to be released. If you want it right away, but you don't need a challenge pack, then a completion pack would include access to the new program, and any extra accessories you might need.
For example, the next workout to release at the time that I'm writing this is Muscle Burns Fat. Right now, if you already have Beachbody on Demand, you would have to either wait for it to be released to the platform in the late fall, or spring for a completion pack, which also comes with accessories, to access it now.
Of course, if you become a coach, it's 25% off the retail price.
I hope this was helpful. I’m all about getting the best possible bang for your buck, so hopefully this provided some insights into what to buy.
If you’re interested in investing in a challenge pack, and you’d like to work with me as your coach, just go ahead and purchase the Annual Access Challenge Pack, or if you want the Muscle Burns Fat Challenge Pack (which is the best deal right now), then go ahead and purchase and I’ll reach out.
Thanks for reading and let me know if you have questions!
Cheers
Caren
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and ADHD Coach. As the founder of The Fit Habit, she shares ADHD-friendly self-care, food & fitness inspiration, along with practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
Favi
Thank you for this information , it was very helpful. As I’m looking into the program😊God bless you♥️
Caren
thank you so much!