When I mentioned here that I was going to be starting the Bikini Body Guide (BBG) as one of my post-pregnancy fitness routines, I received several inquires as to how I was liking it. Given that, I thought I would share my progress over the next few months, and begin with brief overview of what I like, don’t like, and the results I have seen thus far!
I’m also a huge fan of stylish workout gear… I feel like it helps with the motivation and makes you feel pretty “fly” all while huffing and puffing and working up a sweat. I’m loving this mesh top… it is super cozy and I’ve been all over anything with mesh as of late. It’s from Fabletics… which has some of the cutest pieces, which are also excellent quality. I have several pieces from them and have been extremely happy with all… especially this pullover sweater (which comes in 3 colors) and this open back tank (4 different color options).
Also, if you have any “Wellness Wednesday” requests, please feel free to e-mail me and let me know! I love knowing what you all like to see.
{Outfit Details || Tank: c/o Fabletics | Pants: c/o Fabletics | Sports Bra: c/o Anthropologie (size up one) | Shoes: c/o Anthropologie, available here | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Bracelet: c/o Gorjana | Stroller: BOB}
The Best Parts Of BBG: Let’s start with what I love about the program. The variability is wonderful. Based on how I am feeling for the day I can choose either a resistance workout (legs, arms & abs, or full body) or a 37 minute cardio session. There are enough workouts to take you through all 7 days of the week… so it has you covered there. The variability in the workouts keeps it interesting… and I’ve never felt bored. Additionally, the 28 minute resistance programs get the heart rate up, quickly, and at the end I feel as if I have gotten in a challenging workout. I love that there is a meal plan for every day of the week. I don’t follow it that closely, but there isn’t a particular reason as to why. Many of the items look extremely delicious… so, I should probably hop on that part of the program too (although I do maintain a relatively clean eating regime, so I guess that’s my excuse). It’s also portable. This past weekend in Sonoma, TJ and I decided we wanted a challenging workout while Harper was napping, so we selected the “full body” option, found a few replacements for the necessary equipment (i.e. a laundry detergent jug and steps in front of the house), and went at it. I also love that I can complete this in my living room, first thing in the morning… no excuses for me.
Challenges Of BBG: One of the only challenges I have faced thus far is in the area of equipment. I have some of it at home, but for the “challenges,” I found that I was unable to complete it because I didn’t have all the equipment… and it wasn’t equipment I could create an alternative for. If you’re interested in the program, I would definitely invest in a few of the pieces so that you can complete the workouts at home. Some of the pieces you will need include dumbbells (6-13lbs), a medicine ball, (13-26lbs) a step (which you could replace with a chair), bosu, a jump rope…. and I would recommend a heart rate monitor to see how much effort is being exerted.
Progress: I don’t weigh myself, instead I go off of how my clothes fit. After about 3 1/2 weeks of doing the program, I would have to say my jeans are fitting a little looser, and the muscle in my legs in beginning to come back (I really didn’t realize how much muscle mass I lost in the later pregnancy days and post-partum time frame). Am I where I want to be yet? Nope. Yet, I have seen the results with this program and so I am very hopeful!
Overall: As of right now, I would have to say that I recommend this program, for all the reasons I listed above. While the initial purchase of the program and some of the equipment may seem like a lot, I see it as an investment in my health, confidence, and happiness. So, for me, it was an easy decision, and one I’m happy I’ve invested in thus far! I’ll review more next month!
