Outfit Details: pants // sports bra // shoes // heart rate monitor (found on sale!)
As of last week, I completed my third round of Kayla Itsines BBG program!! In the past after completing the program, I would take a few months off to do my own routines but this time, I have decided to keep it going. I think it’s because I’m on such a high after this go around. It’s like finally, after three times, I have all of the exercises down and truly look forward to the workouts!
When you see the results of all of the women on Instagram, it doesn’t take long to start dreaming of your own incredible bikini body transformation. I for one, do not have a crazy transformation to show you guys, but I’m still not quitting the program. Why you may ask?
Because thanks to BBG, I finally have a core.
My mid section has always been what I thought of as my “problem area” but since completing BBG I can honestly say I have a core. My stomach is stronger than it has ever been. I can flex my muscles and I am proud of my stomach. Do I have a 6-pack? No – lol. But I also like wine, so there.
Needless to say, I am excited to get stronger and see where the rest of the program takes me. Even after 6 years of lifting, my body is tighter than it has ever been before, thanks to Kayla Instines. I wrote a post on BBG in the past, but something about this time around is making me want to keep going.
So in case you’re thinking about starting BBG, here are my tips on Conquering Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide Program.
- Do not look ahead at the guide to see what you’ll have to complete in the future. I did this my first two times around and it gave me serious anxiety. It made me fearful that I couldn’t do it. I would look ahead at the weeks to come and get discouraged before even giving it a chance. I recommend checking out your workout the night before or the morning of.
- Get a gym membership. I know she says that there is little to no equipment needed and that a gym isn’t necessary… but coming from someone who has completed it 3x now…. you need a gym membership. And if you do have all of the equipment required at your own home…..then can I move in with you? lol?
- Set aside 45 minutes everyday for BBG. Even though she publicizes that BBG is indeed a 28 minute workout, realistically, it’s 45 minutes. Between setting up your equipment, cooling down, stretching, and attempting to catch your breath in between, 28 minutes is no where near realistic.
- Technique over Speed. The first time I completed BBG, I would try and go as fast as I could to complete all of the workouts twice, in under 7 minutes. Because I was going so fast, this caused me to half way do each exercise and become more exhausted than I normally would if I would have done the exercise properly in the first place.
- Shake it off. Week 10 legs you’re required to do 5o jump squats in a row at least 4x through out the workout. If you can do all 50 jumps without stopping, then kudo’s to you lol. But if you can’t, there is no shame in doing the jumps in sets and shaking off the pain in between. For example; I’ll do 20 jump squats; shake it off and breath for 10 seconds; do 20 more; shake it off and breath for 10 seconds; then finish the last 10.
- Do not do cardio before your resistance training. During my first two rounds of BBG, I would run about a mile or so to warm up before completing my resistance training. This made my resistance training 10x harder, and not in a good way. So instead I moved it to the end of my workout.
- Take longer breaks. In between each round, you are given 30 seconds to recover. I will be completely honest that with some workouts, I take longer. I never go more than 2 minutes, but I definitely do not recover in just 30 seconds lol. Not only do I do this to catch my breath, but I do it so that I do not injure myself. Listen to your body, it knows what you need.
- Pick Your Favorite Exercises To Use As A Substitute. There are a few exercise that I despise. For example, commandos. I think they’re extremely boring and they give me scabs on my elbows. So instead of commandos I pick an equally as hard move, for example, butterfly pushups, which I love. Another exercise I hate are the 180 degree jump squats. They make me very dizzy and make my head hurt, so instead, I do X jumps!
- Plan Out Your Workouts. Make time and write down when you are going to do the resistance training and the LISS. Make doing your workouts your priority.
- Down load the App. I love the app. It’s very unique and fits into my day. At the beginning I used the original guide (Like an actually PDF) and it would stress me out because it was say “Wednesday Arms” or “Monday Legs” and if I didn’t complete those workouts on those exact days, I would feel like a failure. The app though is different and lets me pick what I can do each day, making it more customizable for my lifestyle.
- Join the community. The BBG community is HUGE and is so encouraging. Just look up #BBG Instagram and you will see. It’s incredible!
- Make sure your pushing yourself as hard as you can each round. If you are active and would consider yourself advanced, then you should be able to complete each workout twice in under 7 minutes. Sometimes you can’t, and that okay, but try too. If you are just starting and you can only complete a round once in those 7 minutes, then that’s perfectly fine too! Just make sure you are pushing yourself.
- Keep Going! If you’re on BBG week 5 and you miss one resistance workout or a whole weeks worth of resistance workouts, do not stay on week five and attempt to do it again. Instead, move on and go to week 6!
- Understand that what you’re doing is really hard. There is not one person who is flying through these workouts without breaking a sweat. I for one am usually laying on the ground dying afterwards. You’re not alone, it is hard, but you are more than capable.
- Don’t get discouraged because YOU HAVE THIS AND YOU CAN DO IT. JUST KEEP GOING. Go at your pace. Breathe, drink water, and keep going. Take as long as you need to finish each exercise. Just make sure you’re completing each workout. Doing them correctly and keep pushing yourself. The results will come! It took me almost THREE ROUNDS to really see results. Just don’t give up!
So are you ready to #sweatwithkayla??
If you have any questions on Kayla Itsines program, please comment on this post! Or shoot me an email, a message on fb // snapchat // Instagram!
xo,
Lauren
Check Out My Current BBG Posts:
- Why I Love Kayla Itsines & Her BBG Program
- Kayla Itsines BBG Q&A
- Week In the Life of BBG
- The 12 Week BBG Challenge Is Over. Now What?
- BBG 2.0 Review
- BBG 3.0 Review
- SWEAT APP Update & Review
- Back To The Basics – Join The Challenge
LOVED THIS! you go girl- such great advice 🙂 #bbgfam
Thanks girl friend!
Need to read this, you inspired me 💪i will read this again when feel down!
Thank you 😊
This is awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time to read it, I hope it helps!:)
thanks Lauren for this insight. very true & Realistic. The beginner should know it. Haha
I’m not sure you’re actually completing the workout in the way it was designed. It says that each work out consists of two 7-minute circuits with 4 exercises in each, meaning for her 28 minute routine you only do each CIRCUIT twice (14 minutes per circuit), not every exercise in the circuit twice in 7 minutes. I just want to clarify for others that are new to the program and actually give you kuddos if you’ve been following the program in the way you described because it sounds like you’re putting in WAY more work and I’m sure it’s been paying off.
Hi there! Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog! If you have been doing BBG for awhile and have read Kayla’s guidelines thoroughly, she clearly states that you should complete each workout as many times as you can in one circuit. As for myself, I am already in very good shape (working out 6x a week) so if I completed each workout only once in each circuit, then doing the program would be pointless. With that being said, for true beginners, there are some circuits where you absolutely cannot complete each one twice and I will be sure to update this post to make note of that! The whole point is to go at YOUR pace. I hope this clarify’s your concerns! xo, Lauren
You are correct. “Each workout consists of two different circuits repeated twice each.”
There are plenty of YouTube videos which demonstrate the correct way to complete the circuits.
If you are completing the circuit within the 7 minutes then you can increase your weights or step heights to challenge yourself more.
Thanks so much for making this a full breakdown/review/encouragement, all in one! Been considering starting the BBG workout for a while now, and I really appreciated hearing your opinions. Congrats on your results!
Hi Kassie, thank you so much for stopping by! I’m glad you liked my write-up 🙂 It really is a great program!
Hi! I have a question! Did/ do you follow her meal plan? and I love your idea about changing an exercise because I have attempted the program a few times and there are a few I hate. Thanks for the run down!
Hi Brittany! No I did not, only because I already eat pretty clean! But since I use the app, I have the meal plan and refer to it all the time when looking for snacks or dinner recipes!
Hi Lauren, the app you mention is it the Sweat with Kayla app? Or is that different from the BBG pdf files you used?
I have considered starting BBG. Do you ever get tired of doing BBG workouts and just want to go do your own thing? And is it worth the cost? I currently run and lift weights when I workout most days, and occasionally do T25 or bike ride. I’m afraid that I will feel like I have to do BBG and won’t be able to change up my workouts since I am paying for it.
Just found this article on PInterest and the timing was perfect. BBG week 3 I’m feeling… overwhelmed. Going to follow your advise. Thanks!
Hi there, trust me, feeling overwhelmed is so normal! It’s definitely hard, but jut take it day by day and don’t get work up by it! Do what you can do!! I hope that my advice helps and that you are able to stick to it 🙂
xo,
Lauren
Have you got any advice for when you’re on holiday and trying to stick to BBG?
Thanks 🙂 C
http://www.thelifeofcandh.com
Hi there!
My advice, is honestly just to do what you can! When I am on vacation, my schedule is always a little off but I definitely make sure I get it in!
On most vacations, I’ll find any gym I can. Whether it’s at a hotel or paying for a week at the closest gym. If a gym is not an option, I use what I can! Ill go outside and use rocks or pots for weights. I use chairs for steps and just kind of make the best out of the situation! As always, LISS is the easiest part to do on vacation, but try and make some time for resistance training!
I hope that helps 🙂
xo,
Lauren
That’s was so helpful! Thank you so much for taking the time to write back, I keep putting off starting BBG but after reading this I’m just going to start and see how far I get ☺️ C x
Of course! & Yes, just do it! Take it day by day and just see how it goes.
xo,
Lauren
You are so hilarious!! I’m glad I’m not the only one dying, not taking on 30 second breaks, and that it takes me more than 28 minutes for these workouts! Seriously, you nailed this. I found this post off Pinterest but I’m definitely going to read your other ones now!!
I just bought the bundle of 2 bbg books 1 and 2 and the meal plan for $39! There is a discount code for 80% off the price. I personally did not like the app or the price $20 per month when the books were so deeply discounted. http://Www.bbg-discount.com
I am so appreciative of this post! I’m on my first round of BBG (week 4). Last week I missed one of the resistance workouts and really beat myself up over it, but continued on with the next week any way – which I’m relieved to see is your suggestion to do. The BBG community on Instagram is what had inspired me to sign up in the first place!
Thank you so much for that needed advice! I am only at the pre-training week (specifically week 3) and there are some moves which I couldn’t do at all and I substitute them with other moves. I thought I was the only one doing that and it will sort of “ruin” the whole program 😀
Oh, I would like to ask as well, what about during menstrual week? Would you go ahead and workout as usual or perform light exercises instead.
Looking forward to your advice.
Thank you!
Hey, ive just started this and im a bit confused. Should we be doing a cardio workout on other days (i.e. tuesdays and thursdays), as well as the 3 days of the plan we have been given?
Hi Jade! No no, you absolutely do not have too. The only required one are just on the suggested program days. I just do a little bit of cardio on the resistance training days out of preference.
Hi! I am about to begin the guide but I am still really confused on the whole cardio aspect of it…. how to I plan when I do my weekly LISS and 2x HIIT training along with resistance?
Hi Allena!
You do not have to start doing HIIT until weeks 9-12! In the beginning, just focus on doing your LISS and incorporating that into your routine. When you start incorporating HIIT, you will do it on the same day as LISS. Some people take out two different times in the day to do their LISS & HIIT. I do not, because I do not have enough time. So instead, I merge the two. I’ll do about 15 minutes of HIIT then finish with 35-40 minute of LISS. But remember, you don’t have to worry about that until the last 4 weeks of your program!
Does that help?
Hi! I’ve tried to start bbg a couple of times but keep having issues with exercises such as leg raises and ab bikes. I find that doing even one or two causes my back to start hurting really badly, so I tend to give up on the guides altogether. Do you have any idea how I could overcome this? Thanks!
Hi Aly! I’m interested to hear how it hurts your back. Is it more of a muscle pain or is more like your spin? This just helps me answer your question a little bit easier 🙂
Hey there,
I just started BBG and was wondering how you eat; the foods that make up the majority of your diet and how often you cheat?
Also how long it took you to start seeing results:)
Thanks xx
Hi Katrina!
That’s awesome you started the program! I eat very clean, but I do live by the 80/20 rule. Meaning that 80% of the time, I eat the best I can, but I am also not going to deprive myself. If you type in “Grocery List” on my search engine, you’ll see my exact grocery list!
As to results, I would say around week 8! Keep in mind, I was already working out everyday, but I immediately saw results in my core!
Hope this helps!
Lauren
Everything I needed to be reminded of. Thank you!!!!
Lauren! This post on #BBG is SO GOOD. I’ve been doing BBG off and on now for almost two years. It has fueled my love for fitness, health and working out. Kayla is my hero! The past 6 months I’ve been weightlifting more and rarely doing BBG workouts. I LOVE lifting but this post made me realize how much I MISS BBG (crazy I know) and I’m going to incorporate it into my workouts again — continuing weightlifting but heck, I need my cardio and I will always love bodyweight exercises and resistance training! I don’t think there is a better program out there for women who want to workout…but aren’t sure where to start. AND for women who do know a lot about working out but want better results! Thanks for this! 🙂
Hi! I just read your post and it is encouraging to see that you encounter many of the same slight issues as me (needing longer than 30 seconds to recover, switching up a couple dreaded exercises, etc). I am wondering why you decided to complete weeks 1-12 multiple times before moving on to 2.0? I am in the middle of week 10 right now (1st time through) and I am debating what I should do after week 12 (repeat weeks 1-12, or continue with week 13). I’d be interested to hear what you think! Thanks in advance!
Hi Steph! The reason I completed 1.0 twice, is because when I started, the Kayla app had not come out yet. I had bought 1.0 and I thought I had no reason to buy 2.0 when I could just repeat 1.0. When she came out with the app though, I decided to try it out and make the switch! I liked the fact that it was interactive. I hope that helps 🙂
Lauren
Hi! Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! Do you think that you benefited from doing 1.0 twice before moving on? Weeks 9 and 10 have been a big challenge for me, and I’m wondering if I should do it all again before attempting 2.0.
No problem! That’s what I am here for 🙂
You know, I think it just all depends on you and how you are feeling with the workouts. When I repeated 1.0 then first four weeks were incredible easy. Maybe even too easy. What I did benefit from was perfect my technique and really understanding what each move was supposed to do. Maybe at the end, try repeating week 1.0 for one week. If it seems incredibly way to easy, then move onto 2.0!
That seems reasonable! Great advice – thanks! 🙂
Hey there! Thank you for sharing this post, as I was looking to see if anyone else completed some LISS/cardio on the resistance days, as well. If I may ask, how long is your cardio session following your resistance? Additionally, do you feel like this boosted your results? Thank you!!
Hi Rheanna!
My cardio following my resistance training ranges from 15-30 minutes depending on my activity level of that day and I 100% believe it boosted my results. Here is the reason being. I work a day job on top of this blog meaning I sit for about 7 hours a day. I firmly believe that to be healthy, everyone should be walking 8-10,ooo steps a day. So on the days where I truly have sat all day, I will do the stair stepper for 15 minutes then walk on the treadmill for 15. Then on days where I am super busy and running around like crazy, I may only do 10-15 minutes of cardio following my training. It truly just depends on the day!
Hope that helped!
xo, Lauren
Hi!
Okay, so this was totally what I needed today! I feel like you were reading my mind!
I just finished week 10 legs and it almost killed me… so #5 really hit the spot with me. haha I walked away from it thinking ” this is the SUPIDEST workouts ever. Kayla, I am not Wonder Woman!!!”
Hey,
I’m really interested in trying this BBG program but I’ve a question. I work out almost every day (lunch time) at the gym. Alternating between legs. arms and core. Will I be over doing it if I include BBG at night?
Hi Maggie! You will definitely be over doing it if you do both. The program itself is designed around alternating between legs, arms and core. So if you are training your body double time, your body will never get a chance to recover. If you don’t want to give up your current routine, maybe try the program and then after your 30 min BBG sesh incorporate some of your favorite exercises!
Hi,
I’m currently on week 5 and also do tough TRX traning group classes twice a week at the gym. Would these classes count as cardio or additional resistance sessions? Do you think its too much seeing as we work upper and lower body in these classes?
thanks, Sandy
Hi Sandy!
I’m not sure what the classes fully consist of, but I would go ahead and count them as cardio for you. I think the best way to really succeed at this program is fit in in your lifestyle in a way that works best for you. If you do not want to give up your RX classes, work them in. You know your body and what it needs. I suggest on the two days you are not doing BBG or your TRX classes, go on long walks or do some yoga to give your body a break! I hope that helps 🙂
xo,
Lauren
Hi Lauren!
I just started BBG (literally on my second resistance circuit) and I found today absolutely impossible. My arms were shaking after the push ups and tricep dips and I literally couldn’t pull my body up to do another sit ups. Is that normal? I find myself a relatively “fit” person who was quite active in my school days (i just finished school). I’m not sure I’m doing it right because most people say the first few weeks are easy???
Hi Jenny,
Let me tell you…. the first few weeks are not easy!!!!! I personally think they are the hardest because your body is not used to the workouts and by week 8 you have a better idea of what you are doing. Keep moving forward, concentrate on form and do not let others discourage you. Everybody is different. xo,Lauren
Just an FYI, you should not be getting scabs or scrapes during commandos. Your elbows should not even touch the floor/mat. Your forearms should be laid down flat and parallel to the floor, not your elbows. I hear so often commandos are shredding up elbows by that’s because here not being done correctly.
Hi Lauren!
First, thanks for this wonderful article!
I just finished week 2 of BBG after having recently graduated college. Between all the stresses of the past 4 years I inevitably gained some weight and was feeling very down and out about it. I am athletic by nature, but having been so out of shape, Kayla is killing me! It has been a bit disheartening.
Wondering if you have any advice for those of us (or maybe it’s just me) who can’t even get through say 15 push ups without stopping multiple times. I usually have to come down to my knees after 5 “regular” pushups. My lower body is WAY stronger, so I don’t know if I am over thinking it and being too hard on myself (since it is only the end of week 2 after all) or if I am doing something work. Also, because my core isn’t strong, my back ends up hurting which makes me have to take multiple breaks during core exercises. I’m wondering if this will get better through these next 12 weeks or if this is a more serious issue…
Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi sweet girl!! I’m so glad you reached out!
There is no doubt about it that Kayla’s program is hard. Really hard. When I started the program I was working out regularly and I could still barely make it through the program when I first started.
My advice is to do just do the best you can do in each of the seven minutes and to focus more on form as opposed to reps. Even if you can only do 4 out of the 15 pushups or sit ups. Form is way more important thing. Working on your form will help with your back as well. Have you thought about trying the pre program?
Just don’t burn yourself out and keep pushing forward. You’re killing it!
xo, Lauren
Hey Lauren! I’m so glad I came across your post because I thought I was the only one finding sticking to this program EXTREMELY difficult! I’m doing medical and literally struggling to prioritise the workouts on a regular basis which is why I haven’t been so consistent. Needless to say I haven’t noticed ANY changes yet because I didn’t pay much attention to my diet too.
My question is, should I just move on to Week 4 or try repeating the previous weeks sincerely all over again?
Hello, yup this paragraph is genuinely nice and I have learned lot of things from it on the topic of
blogging. thanks.
My question is, do you do resistance and liss on the same day and then the next day you do liss again?
Hi Holly!
On resistance days, I will do LISS but it’s really just me trying to get my steps in. So I’ll go for a walk with my dog or I’ll answer emails on the treadmill. I aim to get over 10,000 steps a day no matter what. Then on my actually LISS days, I will go for a run, do a spin class or some sort of heavier cardio! Hope that helps!
Best,
Lauren