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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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").

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.

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

Trainer and Release Date: Shaun T, 2021

Duration: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.