This post has been very highly requested so let’s get right into it! I started the BBG (which stands for Bikini Body Guide) program 7 weeks ago and am so excited to share my thoughts with you guys. It sounds like so many of you are on the fence or debating this type of program so I’m happy to share what I like and dislike about it. For starters, BBG is a program started by a woman named Kayla Itsines who is an Australian trainer. She started the program specifically for women regardless of experience, size, body type or age.
Pullover: Patagonia (wearing Size M)/ Leggings (wearing size S)/ Shoes: Nike, (also at this retailer) and NEEDING these
Why it works for me: Convenience. Plain and simple, this is the #1 reason I love this program and started it. It requires minimal equipment, the workouts are 28 minutes long and can be done in the comfort of my own home on my own schedule. I use the SWEAT app on my phone but you can also purchase and print the PDF’s of the guide. It was my goal to workout consistently- for me that meant 5 days per week (everyones goals are different with this). There really wasn’t any way for me to accomplish that goal without a program like this in the chapter of life we’re currently in.
What I Like About It:
-The workouts are quick and challenging. The fact that you can be done in under a half hour is something I need. I workout during Griffin’s naps and my time in general is limited (who’s isn’t?).
-You have a plan going into each workout. I love that I click on the workout of the day and it’s one of 3 workouts: Arms and Abs, Legs or Full body (you choose which). Kayla demonstrates each exercise as the timer starts the circuits. You do two circuits twice for 7 minutes each for a total of 28 minutes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone to the gym, stared at all of the equipment and sort of just winged it…this is totally different. There is a plan in place. Each exercise is thought out and put together to develop strength and stamina and they get more challenging as you progress week to week. In addition to the 3 workouts, there are slots for the other days of the week where you need to fit in certain amounts of cardio (some high intensity, some low). There are also optional challenges and rest day workouts for you.
-There are playlists that are good. This is just an added bonus but they offer music if you want to listen while you workout!
-I can wear whatever I want. No makeup, bad hair, house a mess. I can go upstairs and just put my shoes on and GO. There is no saying bye to the kids, lining up a sitter, driving to a studio or gym. All of the extra minutia is eliminated which makes it WAY harder to not do it. There are really no excuses.
-There is a food guide. This is just another added bonus and one that I haven’t really tapped into yet. Kayla meal plans FOR YOU if you want her too. All meals and snacks plus a grocery list. It really is like having a personal trainer plus a nutritionist at your fingertips but for a fraction of the cost.
– The workouts are challenging. You will sweat! Think burpees, push ups, step ups and walking lounges. Your heart rate will be up and you’ll be out of breath but you’ll be done before you know it!
-There is a community of people at your fingertips to help motivate you. BBG has a HUGE community of people (like millions) that are ALL in it together. This is another resource that I haven’t tapped into yet but I really appreciate that if motivation is something you need to keep your head in the game, it’s there for the taking.
What I don’t Love About It:
-The workouts tend to get SLIGHTLY repetitive. Not week to week, but during the actual workout. It’s all in the design of the program which I totally get but this is just a personal opinion. It is in NO way a deal breaker for me and really minor considering how much I LOVE about the program but I thought it would be worth mentioning.
-As much as I love the convenience, you have to be really self motivated for this type of program. Meaning, nobody is watching and nobody but yourself knows how hard you actually work. I started BBG about a year ago and lasted less than two weeks. I wasn’t ready to commit yet. So it is possible that you will pay for the program and it will be a waste (like me!). My story is the opposite now but I thought it should be discussed since I’ve seen both sides of the spectrum.
How I Feel 7 Weeks In:
Amazing! I really feel stronger and empowered. I add Soul Cycle and Peloton rides for my cardio and try to get 10k steps in each day. My goal was not to lose weight but to tone my body, become stronger and have more energy. Mission accomplished! Will I post a before and after pic? Ahh, a few of you have asked and I just don’t know if that’s for me. 7 weeks in is probably too soon to see a huge difference but I’m super happy with the results so far! Have you tried BBG? I’d love to hear about your experiences and as always, thank you so much for following along! xo
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