Hello, Sunshine! In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t been posting much about Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide for the last couple of weeks. I’ve been beyond busy and there were things that popped up that prevented me from posting about it. And in all honesty, I’m frustrated with it and I’d love your opinion on where I should go from here.
My Results So Far
In the beginning I was pretty gung-ho about the Bikini Body Guide. I saw all of the amazing results of girls on Instagram who had followed the guide. Their transformations were astonishing and I figured I could do it too! I mean I’m not in bad shape, I’m just lacking with muscle definition.
I completed the first four weeks without any problem, but then when I went to weeks five and six I became frustrated. I didn’t notice any muscle gains, but that my quads, butt and calves were disappearing. My arms were looking thin, but flabby. I don’t want to be skinny, with hanging skin. I want long, lean muscles like I used to have when I was dancing my butt off.
Too Much Cardio
The Bikini Body Guide is based on plyometric training. Kayla describes her guide as “jump training.” This guide isn’t based on hardcore strength training. It uses minimal resistance training with light weights.
For those of you searching if the guide bulks you up, I can testify that for me it didn’t. There’s so much emphasis on completing the rounds in seven minutes that I don’t know if my heart rate is up too high and preventing any real muscle growth. I tossed aside the idea of completing as many rounds of each circuit in seven minutes and completing three to four rounds each time.
Strength Training
Prior to becoming pregnant with Lulu I was doing StrongLifts with my husband. The StrongLifts workout is a rotation of squats, bench presses, deadlifts, overhead presses and barbell rows. And squats performed at every workout. I had a cute perky butt and really nice arms when I did this program.
I don’t know with my age if I need to focus more on strength training to increase my metabolism and build muscle. Seriously, what the hell happens to your body after you turn 30? I know I have three kids and all but still, I want a cute rockin’ little body. I don’t want gravity to have its way with me.
I’m thinking I need to incorporate more strength training into my workouts. My husband knows Mike Matthews and has followed his guide. My husband is in incredible shape. Yes, I’m bragging and I’ve been amazed at what he’s accomplished with Mike’s guide. Mike has The Year 1 Challenge for Women: Thinner, Leaner, and Stronger Than Ever in 12 Months (Build Muscle, Get Lean, Stay Healthy Series)
Use Kayla Itsines’ Bikini Body Guide As A Supplement?
I hate to quit anything. I’m not a quitter by nature and I paid for this guide, but I don’t feel like it’s helping me achieve my fitness goals. I think that maybe using her guide as supplement for days I can’t go to the gym and want a quick workout at home is the best option.
So, should I quit the guide or continue the Bikini Body Guide?
Have you tried a fitness program only to feel cheated by what you’ve accomplished?
