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Bringing Back Barre3 + Why I ‘Quit’ BBG

written by Parita 8 Comments

As a mom, getting into an exercise groove is much harder than I anticipated it would be.  I used to be one of those early morning workout people.  Up before the sun, ready to go!  While I can’t say that’s me anymore, I hope to get back to AM workouts one day  (when K regularly sleeps in until at least 6 am!).  Currently, I’m in a season of life where it’s all about collective movement and fitting in what I can when I can.  And not beating myself up when I can’t (this is key!).

With that being said, I am trying to be more intentional about the kind of workouts I do.  With exercise being my ‘me time’ and an opportunity for me to destress, I want what I do to reflect how I feel.  And that is why I’m bringing back Barre3 online workouts.  After having Kaiden (and being cleared to work out again), Barre3 was the only thing that got me out of bed.  It was the only workout that left me feeling good not only physically but also mentally and emotionally.  I also love how it incorporates functional movements as well as cardio, strength, and stretching.  I’m only a few days into it and already sore…those shakes and quakes are something I tell you!

Barre3 Online

If you’re interested in trying out Barre3 online, here’s a give $10, get $10 code.  And if you want to read more about why I love it so much, check out these posts – 7 Reasons Why Barre3 Online is a Great Option for Moms and 5 Reasons to Try Barre3 Online.

Ok, now on to why I ‘quit’ BBG (for now at least)…

BBG is a great workout system.  There’s no doubt about that.  If you commit, you will see results.  I certainly felt stronger and saw more definition in my legs, arms, and stomach area (I just can’t call it abs…because I’m so far from that!).  The first time around, I got to week 5 (out of 12).  The second time around (I started all over again), I got to week 9.

When I think back on my BBG workouts, the things I stopped enjoying included always working out by myself, the intensity of the workouts, and how monotonous they got to be after a while.  So here’s the thing, I get that it’s only 28 minutes (in theory), they’re meant to be intense (that’s the whole point), and you’re supposed to build your strength from week 1 to 12.  I get it all, but for me at this point in my life, BBG just isn’t working.  So instead of doing it for the sake of doing it and finishing, I decided to ‘quit’ and say goodbye for now.  I may pick it back up again at some point, but for now it’s Barre3, some wogging (walking + jogging), and Soul Cycle (still once a week when possible).  Oh and lots of good old movement, which Kaiden ensures I get on the daily!

Overall, if I had to share one piece of insight I’ve learned in my own journey, I’d say this – do what makes you feel good because that’s what you’ll stick with through all of the ups and downs of…well, life!  Don’t do something just because someone else is doing it.  Do it for you!  If you enjoy Barre, do that.  If you like HIIT workouts, give BBG a try.  If you’re a runner, stick with that.  It’s good to try new things (all about that!), but at the end of the day, go with what you love.  And remember, every little bit of movement adds up!

*Stepping off soap box…*

So tell me, what’s your preferred workout?  What do you always go back to?

Written on November 15, 2018 Related:Fitness, motherhood

Kayla Istines Bikini Body Guide – Weeks 1-4

written by Parita Leave a Comment

To be quite honest, I never thought I would actually attempt and stick with Kayla Istines Bikini Body Guide (BBG) workout plan.  It looked too hard.  Too intense.  And like something I wouldn’t be able to get through in one piece.

Well, I’m happy to report that while it was hard and intense, I got through weeks 1-4 in one piece.  Hardly, but I’m here to tell the tale!

Kayla Istines BBG

My overall thoughts

  • These workouts are no joke.  They will make you super sore.  After completing the week 1 abs/arms workout, I couldn’t sneeze or cough or move without some pain.  Oofta!
  • The high-intensity nature of the workouts is what makes them effective.  Even though I knew this, I modified some of the moves to feel more comfortable.  One of my biggest fears going into this whole thing was injury.  I’m happy to report that by understanding and listening to my body I’ve been able to not only stay injury-free but also ward away my semi-regular knee pain.
  • The workouts are designed to be completed in 28 minutes.  At first, I thought, this is awesome…short and sweet!  But yeah…it takes me 35-45 minutes at least.
  • I know I’m making this sound like a miserable chore, but it really isn’t!  I’m the kind of person who enjoys having a plan of attack ready to go, so in this way, it’s perfect.  And it’s totally doable.  You may have to modify and go at your own pace, but you can do it!

Weeks 1-4 results

  • My body doesn’t look different, but I feel so much stronger!  I’m able to complete most every rep with some leftover energy.  And the soreness wasn’t quite as intense as the weeks progress.
  • On a side note, I’m pretty sure I’ve gained some weight because of the steroids I’m only for my allergic reaction (will share more later).  This gives me more reason to keep truckin’ forward with these BBG workouts.

What I plan to do differently for weeks 5-8

  • For one, I plan to keep going with the three weekly BBG workouts.  The schedule works well for me!  I do want to add two lower intensity workouts to the weekly lineup.  The other day, I went for a 45 minute walk and it felt so good.  I loved not having an agenda and just moving.
  • The second thing I want/plan to do differently is improve my food choices.  It’s not that I’m making horrible decisions left and right.  However, I know myself and know I could do better.  And not that it’s an excuse, but the steroids do apparently make you hungrier, so I’m hoping to see an improvement once I wean off this week.  We shall see…

And that’s BBG weeks 1-4, my friends!  Wish me luck with weeks 5-8…it’s gonna get tough(er)!

Written on May 2, 2018 Related:Fitness, Uncategorized, Workout

Kayla Istines BBG

My New Fitness Challenge – Kayla Istines’ BBG Workout

written by Parita 6 Comments

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…

Kayla Istines BBG

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!

 

Written on April 9, 2018 Related:Fitness, Workout

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