Everyone around me is participating in some sort of challenging fitness endeavor. My BIL, Niel, is running the Chicago marathon in October. My sister, other BIL Adarsh, Vishnu, and few friends are participating in the Tough Mudder in August. Me? Nada. Until now that is!
Enter Kayla Istines’ BBG workout…
Ok, fine. There’s no real end game for me. BUT, I am challenging myself in a new way. Why? Because everyone around me is. Not the most compelling reason, but there’s nothing like seeing the people around you push themselves a bit to make you want to do the same.
Vishnu, for example, recently joined a gym in our neighborhood and is taking all of these really cool classes like HIIT, spin, boxing, etc. The plan was for me to join as well, but I ultimately decided not to right now because the timing of the classes doesn’t really work with my work + Kaiden schedule. Yet another reason for me to start BBG.
What is BBG?
BBG stands for Bikini Body Guide (I literally printed out a PDF guide with all the workouts mapped out). In my own words, it’s a 12 week fitness program focused on high intensity workouts. Each week you complete three 28 minute (ideally) HIIT workouts. For example, I just completed week one, and here’s what the workouts looked like.
Monday – Legs + Cardio (lunges, squats, burpees, etc.)
Wednesday – Arms + Abs (pushups, reverse pushups, bicycles, etc.)
Friday – Total Body (burpees, lunges, squat + press, etc.)
In addition to the above, I did a 40 minute run/walk workout on Saturday to round things out, and I also consider my walks to and from work as solid activity (I walk fast!).
I found week one to be pretty challenging, as evident by my super sore muscles. Every time I sneezed, some muscle/muscles screamed…usually my abs.
Why BBG?
I chose BBG instead of another program because it perfectly fits my workout criteria – 30 minutes ish, can do it at home, minimal equipment, and is (very) challenging.
Diet?
I’m not following the prescribed diet (I don’t believe in the word diet!), but I am maintaining a few simple rules – LOTS of water through out the day and no snacking after dinner (kitchen closes as soon as we finish cleaning up). Other than that, I’m going to try to make the best choices I can, eat lots of fruits and veggies, etc.
Goals?
My overall goal is to tone and tighten up a bit. I’m happy with my weight at the moment, but my tummy area could use some work as could my overall strength and endurance.
Any cons?
The only con I can think of after week one is injury. A big one I know. Because the workouts are timed + high rep, it’s easy to focus on that versus form. Knowing this, I constantly tried to ensure my form was on point, and if it’s not, I’d modify the move. My motto = slow and steady vs. injured and unable to exercise at all.
I don’t plan on sharing a weekly recap (as I did with T25 and my half marathon training) because, for example, weeks 1+3 and 2+4 are the same. So instead, I’ll share my thoughts after weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Feel free to share any questions or thoughts in the comments!
Vinma says
April 9, 2018 at 9:34 amGood for you! I signed up for 5k last year and chickened out last minute. I was working out and prepping etc but just didn’t have whatever it took in me to see thru it. I wish you all the best xoxo
Parita says
April 9, 2018 at 1:29 pmThanks, Vinma! I’m hoping to make it to week 12…we’ll see!
Erika Ann says
April 10, 2018 at 3:11 amThis looks like worth the try. It is summer any way so might as well have that bikini bod. I agree with you about diet. You don’t have to starve yourself or take away delicious food from you body. It’s all about moderation. Good luck on your fitness journey!
Parita says
April 10, 2018 at 8:56 pmThank you! And totally agree that moderation is key for when it comes to food! I don’t do well when I restrict certain food groups.
Mandy Austin says
June 12, 2018 at 11:01 amHey Partita! Loving your blog 🙂
I stumbled upon it while doing a google search for Kayla’s BBG! I am interested in trying the program but I am a little hesitant because of the cost and I’ve found few negative reviews like this one for example: https://definingweightloss.com/kayla-itsines-bbg-workout-review/ that say BBG is not worth the money and is not for beginners. I will be honest, I am about 20 pounds overweight and I haven’t worked out in a couple years. I am worried if I spend the money on the program it will be too difficult for me and I won’t be able to do it. If you are able to give me some insight I would be super appreciative! Does Kayla’s program cater to beginners? Do you think it’s worth the money? Thank you so much!!
Parita says
June 12, 2018 at 8:14 pmHi Mandy! Thank you for reading MIS 🙂
My personal opinion is that BBG is worth it IF you also maintain a healthy diet. I truly felt like my body composition was starting to change in a positive way because of BBG. In terms of beginners vs. more experienced exercisers, I think you can easily modify any of the moves and still get a great workout. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely something you have to commit to, but if you do, I can’t see how you won’t see results. Let me know what you decide!