I first heard about Bikini Body Guide (BBG) by Kayla Itsines a few years ago which was actually how I started
my Instagram page before rebranding to fashion. BBG is a 12 week workout program that mixes cardio and resistance training to help lose extra fat and gain toned muscles…. perfect combo amiright?! One of my goals into the new year was so cliche but really wanted to incorporate fitness back in my life. Here’s why…. the end of last year was very hard on me mentally and the stress of juggling way too much finally took a toll on me and I basically cracked. I finally sat down and realized that if I wanted to reach my goals of becoming a nurse practitioner, or a good wife, or keep up with blogging, I had to take care of myself first. I couldn’t achieve these goals constantly stressed out or having constant breakdowns or “forgetting to eat” because I was too busy or trading hours of sleep to get stuff done. I was miserable and felt like my body physically and mentally was just done. I realized that although everything I was working for would eventually pay off, I knew I wouldn’t get there without some huge changes and that motivated me to restart BBG becuase it was such a huge stress reliever for me.
my Instagram page before rebranding to fashion. BBG is a 12 week workout program that mixes cardio and resistance training to help lose extra fat and gain toned muscles…. perfect combo amiright?! One of my goals into the new year was so cliche but really wanted to incorporate fitness back in my life. Here’s why…. the end of last year was very hard on me mentally and the stress of juggling way too much finally took a toll on me and I basically cracked. I finally sat down and realized that if I wanted to reach my goals of becoming a nurse practitioner, or a good wife, or keep up with blogging, I had to take care of myself first. I couldn’t achieve these goals constantly stressed out or having constant breakdowns or “forgetting to eat” because I was too busy or trading hours of sleep to get stuff done. I was miserable and felt like my body physically and mentally was just done. I realized that although everything I was working for would eventually pay off, I knew I wouldn’t get there without some huge changes and that motivated me to restart BBG becuase it was such a huge stress reliever for me.
If you look at my highlights on my Instagram (@mrs.simplylovely) I shared a before and after picture of the last time I finished BBG to give you an idea of how effective the program is. I pushed really hard the last few weeks and ate super clean until the finish line hence the toned abs. No, I do not still look like that and no, it did not last forever. However, even not working out pretty much all of 2017, I did see some remnants of BBG of muscles that weren’t there before I started that are still hanging around. Aside from the physical benefits of BBG, I highly recommend starting it for the mental benefits. You know, the endorphins, aka the happy chemicals that release after a workout. It reduces stress, anxiety, depression, helps you sleep better, and just overall improves your mood!
There are tons of different options for the program on the app including the regular BBG 1.0, BBG 2.0, BBG Stronger, Post-pregnancy, and Body and Mind. I am going to answer some frequently asked questions about BBG, but I’ve only completed BBG 1.0. I can’t attest to the other programs but have no doubt that they are just as amazing.
WHAT IS BBG?
BBG is a 12 week workout program (24 weeks if you continue into BBG 2.0). There are three 28 minute resistance sessions a week (Two 7-minute circuits that you repeat with a minute break in between each circuit) that can literally be done ANYWHERE. In between those, there are cardio days. There are also little bonus workouts as well if you’re feeling extra motivated that week! I love that I can just pull out my workout shoes, mat and weights and be done with it in just half an hour! It’s so convenient because I don’t have to waste time or money commuting to the gym.
If you’re a first-timer, I highly recommend doing the 4-week pre-training especially if you haven’t worked out in a long time. The workouts are still great, but slightly easier which helps you get the hang of it and your body used to the workouts before getting to the more challenging weeks.
WHAT IS YOUR WORKOUT SCHEDULE?
Right now, I am solely sticking to the three days of resistance training. I did some cardio last time I did BBG, but wasn’t too strict. I work as an ER nurse two days a week, so I am constantly running around. It’s not necessarily cardio, but getting a gym membership to go on the elliptical twice a week isn’t realistic for me right now.
WHAT IS/WAS YOUR DIET LIKE?
What diet?! lol! But really! I didn’t and won’t restrict myself at all. I do recommend only having healthy food at home. I typically don’t buy junk food otherwise that’s all I would eat, so I always have fruit, granola, hummus, or some type of healthy snack at home when I get the munchies. I LOVE my junk food, but I’d say I typically eat pretty healthy in general. If I eat Chick-Fil-A, it’s usually just once a week, I don’t drink 500 calorie Starbucks drinks everyday, I don’t drink juice or soda, etc. BUT here’s the catch… when you start seeing progress or struggle to move because you are so sore, you won’t want to eat any junk. I slowly started to incorporate healthy options as the program went on and I just felt better which helped me steer from unhealthy foods. At least that’s how it was for me. Take it slow and don’t make huge changes at once, especially when it comes to food.
DO YOU USE THE EBOOK OR APP
I used the EBook until the app came out and I have been using it ever since! It’s $19.99/month I believe, but you pay for the workouts, challenges, meal plans, and a ton of other great resources that I need to start taking more advantage of. I also love that the workouts time you. I used to time myself on the EBook using my phone. So when the 7-minute timer went off, sometimes I would take longer than a minute break and just dragged out the workout.
HOW DO YOU KEEP FROM QUITTING
If you’ve followed me long enough, early last year I tried starting BBG and got to week 5. (You can see recaps of week 1&2 HERE and weeks 3&4 HERE). We went out of town, so I skipped a week and never restarted. I have tried restarting it a few times since I last finished, but never could keep up with it. I think hope this round is different. I always started it for physical benefits, but because I started it this time for my overall health and stress reliever, I feel more motivated than I did starting it for “abs.”
Also, I already scheduled the program in my planner. I live by my planner and keeps me on track of what I need to do. Having it already on my to-do list forces me to do it so I can check it off. Also, I roll my eyes at myself because I can easily spend an hour scrolling aimlessly on my social accounts, but at the same time say “I don’t have time to workout.” It was an excuse and realizing it proves that I do have time, I just have to prioritize it.
And, we are in this together! When I had my fitness Instagram account, I knew I couldn’t skip workouts, because there were so many other girls working out around me. Now, knowing so many of you started the program with me, I feel super motivated to get through it together! Every other time I started the program after that, I didn’t have anything pushing me from behind so it was easy to quit.
*****January 15, 2017= THE KAYLA MOVEMENT*****
If you haven’t started BBG yet and needed an extra push, now is the time to start! The whole BBG community worldwide is starting the 12-week program the January 15. You can follow @kayla_itsines on Instagram to see more information on this and the program in general. She also has videos of some of her workouts, food inspo, before & after transformations, and a ton of great support!
Let me know if you have anymore questions or if you are also doing BBG. I’d love to have each other’s back! Here’s to a healthier 2018 🙂
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