LEGGINGS: Adidas (only $46, run true to size) // SPORTS BRA: Lululemon (similar here) // TANK: Terez // SHOES: Adidas (order 1/2 size down) // SUNGLASSES: Karen Walker
Click the image below to shop the post:
Ever since sharing on Instagram that I’ve been using the BBG (Bikini Body Guide) to workout, I’ve had an overwhelming amount of questions and response about it. Now that I’m 6 weeks in, and halfway done with the program, I figured it’s the perfect time to answer all of your questions and share my fitness update/progress so far!
- What is BBG?
It’s a 12 week workout program designed by Kayla Itsines, who has created a massive community of over 8 million women! The workouts are designed with two 7 minute circuits that are to be repeated twice, totaling a 28 minute workout. Each circuit has 4 different exercises that are to be repeated until the 7 minute timer is up.
Monday workouts focus on legs, Wednesdays focus on arms and abs, and Fridays focus on a total body workout. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, you are supposed to complete some form of cardio, and Sunday is a rest day (but I always workout 7 days/week).
- What made me want to start the program?
First of all, Kayla has the most lean muscle and adorable yet strong body that I admire, so that in itself was inspiration. I also follow Rach Parcell (another blogger) who shared her fitness journey with her followers, and her body transformation and results were incredible. After sharing on my Instagram that I was interested in the BBG program, I heard from a few handfuls of you girls, mentioning that BBG got you in awesome shape for your wedding or even after your baby, so I figured, I’d give it a try for 12 weeks and see what happens!
- Do I use the app or the PDF file for my workouts?
If you’ve been following for awhile you know I’m ALL about the energy in group exercise classes, so starting a workout program where self-motivation was key was a little intimidating for me. You can use a PDF file (either on your phone in iBooks OR get it printed and put in a binder) or you can download the “sweat” app where the workouts are shown. Depends what works for you, and now that I can try both, I can give you a little insight:
The PDF version is a one-time payment whereas the app is a bit pricey/month. However, the app does have a built in timer and actual movements are shown to you in real-time versus a still image on the PDF. They honestly are both pretty great, but if I had to choose, I think I prefer the one-time payment of the PDF and the easy access in iBooks on my phone.
- Is it worth the money?
So far, yes! Like I mentioned above, if you purchase the PDF it’s 10000% your money, but the app seems like an additional gym membership to me.
- How long does it take to see noticeable results?
I’m starting to see some results come in! I don’t think there was anything noticeable until around week 4, so DON’T GIVE UP! Trust me, it’ll happen! I was working out consistently and finally started seeing my legs and my arms get more defined around week 4-5. My problem area is my stomach, so I’m working on gaining some stronger and lean muscle in my abs. I can tell it’s going to start showing soon which is exciting to see all my hard work finally pay off! I’m hoping by week 12 when the program is complete, I’ll feel comfortable enough to share some progress photos here! So stay tuned 😉
It’s amazing to see the progress so far in my strength! At the beginning of BBG it took everything just to do 10 jump lunges on each side, and now I’m plowing through 40 without stopping! I love that feeling of accomplishment and progress! It really is the best.
- Do you complete the full 28 minute workout?
Yes, always! I actually start with some form of cardio before the BBG workout. Usually it’s running for 10-15 minutes on the treadmill, using the stair master, or the elliptical to get warmed up and my heart rate going. I suggest starting simple and warm up with a quick 5 minute walk. This will ease you into the program!
- Are you following the food program in addition to BBG program?
No, I’m not. I eat fairly healthy 85% of the time, so I figured I’d stick with what I know. Jumping into a brand new workout program and a brand new eating program seemed overwhelming. If I have a bad day or bad meal of eating, it’s okay. I usually try to balance it out later with a salad, green juice, or extra water. It’s all about balance and moderation!
- Do you do any additional workouts?
Like I mentioned above, I start each day before my BBG workout (M, W, F) with some cardio. On the other days (T, Th, S, Su) I workout and do my own thing. It’s either some cardio and abs at the gym, a spin class, my favorite beach bootcamp, or sculpt yoga. Working out is my passion, but if you’re just starting out, working out M, W, F is perfectly fine! You don’t want to overwhelm yourself, but just ease into the program following the guidelines!
- Does BBG get boring because of repetition?
No, never! The workouts are never the same. Although there are always two circuits, the exercises within the circuits are always evolving and changing.
- When you set the timer for the 7 minute circuit, how many times do you make it through?
I typically make it through each circuit 2-3 times. I can tell near the end of my workouts, I sometimes drag, so I try to finish each circuit twice in the 7 minute time period!
- Do you do any modifications for any exercises?
I rarely do modifications for the workouts. If I’m having an off day or am really sore maybe I’ll modify by doing half of the pushups on my knees for example, but that’s about it. It’s amazing to see the progress so far in my strength! I can now hold my plank for way longer than a minute or two, whereas when I first started, I was lucky to hold for 30 seconds. Have patience, and little by little you’ll get there!
- Do you like it enough to recommend?
100%! 🙂
- How do you fit it into your busy schedule? Can it be done anywhere?
I pack my gym bag the night before and go straight from school. That way, I have no excuses not to workout everyday! I typically get to the gym around 4:30 and leave by 5:30pm.
The BBG program can be done anywhere- home, gym, outside, etc, as long as you have something to step up on to, and some form of weight (up to 10 lbs).
- What’s your favorite workout brand to wear?
I’m currently digging Zella and Athleta! They’re both affordable and remind me of Lululemon quality. I just ordered these leggings and can’t wait to wear them to the gym (look at those reviews woohoo)!
- Biggest tips for getting motivated to workout?
You have to start somewhere. Pack your gym bag the night before, and just do it. Whether it’s a 20 minute walk on the treadmill, or 1/2 of the BBG workout for the day, just do it! You’ll feel 100% better afterwards!
- What’s your favorite part of BBG?
Having a workout plan every single day before I even get to the gym is the best. It’s like a virtual trainer I can’t let down. There’s nothing worse than aimlessly wandering at the gym, so get yourself motivated and just start!
- What’s your end goal after 12 weeks of BBG?
To feel stronger, healthier, and happier! And I’m hoping to have an ab or two somewhere 😉
I hope you found today’s post super helpful! Are you doing BBG?! I’d loveeee to hear from you and your progress and/or thoughts on the whole program! 🙂
I plan on sharing another update after I complete the program and finish week 12 of BBG. I currently feel a little uneasy about sharing progress photos that I’ve been taking since January 1st, but if they will motivate and inspire someone out there, I’d be willing to share. Stay tuned for daily BBG updates on my Instagram stories and here on the blog!
P.S. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! XOXO