Thanks for all the feedback on instastories yesterday about what you guys want to see more of on my blog. Fitness and diet definitely ranked up in the top response, so I will try and include more of that on my blog. I have to admit I am kind of either all or nothing with fitness. The past month I have really slacked off and done nothing. Yesterday was my first day back to the gym in weeks, and man I am sore today. I go through phases were I workout 4-5 times a week and then I do absolutely nothing. This year I really want to be more consistent and make time to workout. I notice that I just feel so much better when I exercise. I listened to a great podcast over Christmas, The Skinny Confidential, which I highly recommended. Lauryn Evarts Bosstick is a blogger and the creator of the Skinny Confidential. One podcast I listened too was purely about Lauryn and her fitness routine. Something that really resonated with me was Lauryn said she planned out 7 workouts a week on her calendar. She said she usually only made 5 but by scheduling them she was more likely to do them. She also made a big deal about not making excuses. If fitness is important to you, you make time. Something I really want to strive to be better about.
BBG
So many of you have messaged me about BBG, so here are my thoughts. If you are not familiar with BBG it is an online program that consists of 30 minute workouts. You have 3 days of cardio and 3 days of training. I do the workouts at home usually in my den or kitchen and stream through my computer. I use the App not the workbooks. The only equipment you need is a yoga mat, weight bench (I ordered this one pictured below), a jump rope, and a set of weights ( I love these) . I did not follow the diet although I did order her cookbook just for recipe ideas.
I did BBG for probably 8-9 weeks. Then I got sick twice and just never got back in the routine. I think BBG is awesome and if you really follow it you will see results. If you follow Kayla the creator on instagram (@kayla_itsines) the results pictures she posts of everyone are amazing!! I liked that the workouts were short only 30 minutes so they didn’t take up a crazy amount of time. But you have to work hard in those 3o minutes, I was usually drenched in sweat post workout and sore the next day. What I started not to like about the workouts was all the jumping. Lots of burpees, jump squats, things that made me knees hurt (yeah I realize I sound like an old lady). They were almost too much for me and I found myself dreading my workouts more than normal, so I took a break. I an still undecided if I will pick it back up again.
On January 15h I am starting a 6 week program called The Faster Way to Weight Loss. My friend and fellow blogger Beth over at Seer Suckles and Saddles has done it a few times with amazing results. She just had a baby 11 weeks ago and looks damn amazing. It is an online program that trains you to track nutrition and it includes exercise plans as well. You teach your body how to burn fat instead of carbs, you track macros, and do some intermittent fasting. You can read more about it HERE If you guys are interested I will share my progress and what I am eating along the way. I like that the meals seem filling and don’t seem too restrictive. I am excited and hoping I can hold myself accountable and rock this program.
My goals are to:.
1- curb my appetite it has gotten way out of control
2- lose 10 pounds
3- tighten and firm up
4- feel better mentally and physically
5- have more energy, I think exercising more and a clean diet will help this
I also wanted to share some favorite cold weather workout gear:
These are my favorite workout leggings. Lululemon has a similar pair I also like but these are almost half the price. The fit is great and I love the higher waist. I wear a small in these.
I have been eyeing this awhile now. Love the style and comes in a few other colors.
Another favorite I own and love. Great to toss on over workout clothes.
I just got these for Christmas and love them. They are comfy and offer the perfect amount of support.
I also really like these Adias running shoes.
I love that this jacket is more of a sweater material than fleece.
I got the jacket version of this for Christmas and love it! I love to toss a vest on over workout gear.
I am all about some velour.
I own this in black and it is the softest coziest sweatshirt. It has a nice loose fit to it as well.
Wearing it here in black.
The cutest stripe beanie.
Now I wear I would top under this one – haha. But seriously looks so cozy.
I am obsessed with this marble pattern.
also in this version
I just ordered these, they had great reviews and I liked that they were not crazy expensive.
I always like to have a good yoga mat, I use mine at the gym and for at home workouts as well.
I would be really interested to follow along with the new plan you’re doing if you can add that content in. I like to hear how people take plans like that and make them fit their needs, especially if it brings results.
Good Luck with the “Faster Way….”. I work full time and travel a lot and I found the program didn’t work for me. Beth is paid by Amanda to promote the program, and while she looks amazing, she always has. You look great too! Personally I felt like the program was a big waste of $199. I think you would be far better off signing up for a local crossfit.
I have done FWTFL since last November and I have stuck with it because it is amazeballs. It ain’t easy but it works!! Best luck!!
Good Morning,
I wanted to chime in on the Faster Wat to Fat loss. I am in the 5th week of my first round. I have signed up to begin again the 15th. For me, I have not seen the dramatic results that people are touting, however, I do think I may be a bit leaner after 5 weeks. I have not weighed or measured yet. The counting macros has been an eye opener, I was definitely eating to much food! I also strongly believe in IF the program calls for. The online Facebook check in keeps me accountable. So, will be great to follow along with you. Good luck and thanks for the blog!
Thank you for the Zella leggings recommendation! I just got this pair the other day and they are beyond amazing
I started FWTFL this week after not doing it for a year. I really enjoy the program and that the workouts are laid out for you. If it was up to me to come up with my own workouts (outside of a group class) I would not be successful. I love to cook but when I first started this a year ago, the concept of macros was foreign to me and I felt like I was so worried about that part of the program that I lost all creativity in the kitchen, so I would definitely love to see some of your meal plans / recipes / etc.
FWTFL is the most amazing program!! It has taught me so much since I started 11/27/17. I am in for my second round that starts 1/15/18. You will love it.
Can’t wait to check out your progress! I really need to find a program that works for me to get my butt in gear. And I lost my Swell water bottle so I may have to check out those marble ones. 😉
Thanks for sharing! Excited to read you are doing FWTFL round! I am a certified FWTFL and its a great program – looking forward to following along!
I know you have a plan but check out Brooke Burke fitness app.. I was very impressed! The workouts are not too long you can mix and match (abs, total body etc) I love the moves and no jumping (that’s why I can’t do BBG) can’t wait to see your progress please include what your eating.. it always helps me see what others are eating to give me ideas.. I love to workout but my eating potions and food can always use some work!
You always look great Natalie, even when you need to lose 10 lbs! I think most of us are in your same boat post holiday. Check out pure fit pure food on Instagram. You will be inspired. Counting macros and IF sounds miserable and not doable long term. Don’t binge, eat clean & balanced meals, drink water and routinely exercise – and you will get there slowly but surely.
I follow a few on IG that have done the Faster Way to Fat Loss with amazing results. I hope to see yours too. Also curious to see what you eat. I have been tempted to try it as well but bc I am a strict vegetarian I worry I would starve (as with the Whole 30 or any other Paleo type eating). I really need some calories and I tend to eat mostly clean anyway with soy and tempeh thrown in for protein.
I totally agree with Kayla’s BBG. I did it for a few months and my knees would absolutely ache. The amount of squat jumps, lunge jumps, etc just increases as you get further and further “advanced” in the weeks. I really enjoyed the format but I wish it wasn’t as hard core on the joints!
BBG looks SO SO HARD. I think I would die! Good for you for sticking with it that long! I have fallen off the Tracy Anderson wagon and mostly have just done spin but I need to step it back into gear after a seriously indulgent December!
xx
Taylor
The Sarcastic Blonde
I came back to this post to see your thoughts on BBG, but I’d love to know how you liked The Faster Way to Fat Loss. Would love an update post on that!