How 28 minutes can nearly kill you
Getting through the first seven weeks of Bikini Body Guide has changed my fitness level
Kari Pedersen, Publishing Editor
Seven weeks ago, the new year had begun and once again I made a commitment to my health, this time though, I have stuck to it. When I started Kayla Itsines “Bikini Body Guide” I thought that it would be pretty easy, I mean it’s only 28 minutes long. Four quick circuits, with four exercises each for seven minutes a circuit, how hard could it be, right?
Well don’t go into it thinking that, because it is hard AF. Itsines designed this cardio and strength training program into a 12 week guide, that has become an Instagram sensation, often referred to as #BBG. The program uses a variety of exercises such as burpees, pushups, squats and skipping to achieve results.
If you follow Itsines on Instagram (@KaylaItsines) you will see a lot of motivational messages and progress photos to inspire you. In my personal experience the program is unreal. Aside from the weight loss I have experienced, my confidence has grown and my overall fitness has greatly improved. I can’t believe the changes I have seen.
Let me break down a week in my Bikini Body Guide life.
Monday
Monday’s are typically legs and cardio, which means you can expect a lot of squatting, maybe some skipping, definitely some burpees and without a doubt lunges. The first day your legs will burn like you never believed they could, but once you get to week three things start to move and your body starts to respond in the right way.
Tuesday
This is usually a day for LISS: intensity steady state, essentially a cardio workout. I usually go for spin at YYC Cycle. It is so motivating, and you have never sweat so much. Give it a go!
Wednesday
Wednesday is arms and abs for the first several weeks. This was the workout that made me think I was going to die. Sometimes I have nightmares about sit-ups with a twist. But as time progressed, I have realized that I am boss at straight leg lifts now, and that’s pretty amazing.
Thursday
LISS day two, this is usually an elliptical workout, where me and my workout buddy catch up, while getting our cardio on. I really enjoy the LISS workouts, as it is a break from the stabbing pain in my abs. But in all seriousness, it is great to break up the strength workouts with cardio.
Friday
Full Body. This day combines all of your least favourite exercises from the first two strength days into one miserable package. This is definitely the hardest of the three strength days, but at the end of the 28 minutes, you feel amazing and like you can take on absolutely anything.
Saturday
Guess what? Another LISS workout. Once again I hit a spin class, and once again it is amazing.
Sunday
Sunday is typically my rest day, which at the beginning is like an amazing sanctuary, but as crazy as this might sound, I am about to add another spin class to my regime. I just can’t get enough of the workouts, and that is what Bikini Body Guide does for you.
So if you are looking for something to rejuvenate you and get you excited about fitness again, give Bikini Body Guides a chance. You can download the app, Sweat with Kayla, for $29 a month, or find the guides on Pinterest. But if you invest in the app you get a meal plan too, not too shabby of a deal when you consider the cost of a personal trainer.
