Last week, I completed the first 12-week round of Sweat with Kayla, which is a high intensity interval training workout program. If you’ve been on Instagram for a hot second you probably are very familiar with the insta-famous fitness trainer, Kayla Itsines and her Bikini Body Guide #BBG for short. There’s a massive community who follow her workout guides to some pretty transformational results. She’s got a very positive vibe and her focus is definitely on using fitness as a vehicle confidence not to achieve one body type, which obviously I dig.
I had been hemming and hawing over whether to try it out for a long time, but when I was getting ready to move in December I realized it would be a great time to try it.
Why I chose to follow the Sweat With Kayla App
One of the biggest reasons I wanted to start this program was because it required minimal equipment. As I was moving to Nantucket, I knew I didn’t want to pay for a gym membership because they are stupid expensive here.
I also really liked the idea of having a structured, progressive guide to follow. The app is like having a mini personal trainer in your pocket.
The Short Review
Definitely worth the $20/month subscription price tag for the app and program
The Long Review
What Worked Well
- The workouts themselves were really challenging, which while I did them I hated but after I appreciated
- I love/hated that they got progressively harder so just when I mastered 10 burpees I had to start doing 15
- It got me in the habit of stretching after workouts which I’ve almost never done in my life (whoops)
- Following the program definitely saved me a ton of money on a gym membership because I was able to do the workouts in my basement
- While I might not have undergone a massive transformation in 12 weeks, I definitely notice a lot more definition in my abs and I feel a lot more muscle in my legs, again not ripped but I do see the progress – I think if I were to keep going I’d eventually see more results
What I’d Change (Personally)
- Even though I was able to do most of the workouts with minor modifications in my basement I truly do miss going to an actual gym. There’s something about being in that space, for me at least, that get’s me motivated and excited to workout.
- I would do the workouts after work and I started to dread it. I think if I were able to go a gym to do them, a.) I’d have all the equipment I needed b.) I’d push harder because of the environment.
What’s Next
I’ve been thinking about this a lot. I had originally planned to finish the 12 weeks then decide if I wanted to repeat BBG 1, go on to BBG2 or explore another fitness interest.
Lately I’ve started to incorporate a couple short runs into my week and I’ve been loving it. Running on Nantucket is like no other running. There are so many beautiful trails and I just feel so invigorated afterwards. I miss feeling that mental clarity of running just to run. No fancy watch. No race to train for, just sneakers on the pavement, the dirt, the grass, the sand.
Which means for the foreseeable future I’m going to incorporate some running into my morning routine and make a goal of finding more ways to move throughout the day. Oh and rollerblading because I really freaking love rollerblading!
I love being able to push myself through a challenging workout, but I equally love being able to move for the sake of moving because it feels good.
I know in the future I’ll get a little restless and want some kind of goal or structure and when that time comes, I’m really excited to follow my gurl Beverly’s brand new fitness guides – but I’ll also spring for the gym membership too because… well…. ok… it’s totally worth it (sorry wallet).
What I Ate on Monday
Breakfast: these oats (but in a jar)
Snack: Perfect bar, soy latte
Not Pictured: These scones
Lunch: Caprese Zoodles
Dinner: Rice, veggies, tofu chicken & edamame
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I am doimg 4 week of BBG now. It is my second try (I complete 10 weeks once). I wanna finish it this time. As for me, I see great results in my ABS and arms too. But I totally understand your decision to switch BBG. After the arrival of warm days I want running more but it is hard to combine with BBG.
I’m proud of you for sticking to 12 weeks – those workouts are hard af! I can’t wait to workout with you Saturday! 😀
I don’t know, I never jumped on the ‘Sweat With Kayla’ bandwagon. I’m more of a Team Beachbody girl! I know what you mean about being in a gym environment though. It’s nice to have that extra motivation and sense of community: everyone working towards a different fitness goal in the same place. Whoop!
Your running snaps are giving me major jealousy! Nantucket looks so gorgeous..no wonder people flock there for vacation. Keep up the hard work girl, you’re doing awesome!
I have been really interested in the Sweat with Kayla App since I love taking apps like Nike Training Club with me to gym instead of carrying a printable along. I loved reading your thoughts on it and congrats on making it through 12 weeks!!
Congrats on finishing the program! I just finished the BBG 1.0 guide last week! I agree with all your thoughts. I love/hated (but mostly loved) how everything got harder and more intense as the weeks progressed. I do wish I had someone there doing the workouts with me because I felt like that would have pushed me more. Loved this post!
Congratulations on finishing all 12 weeks. I recently did the whole BBG program and it’s HARD! I thought I could do everything at my tiny gym in my apartment complex…and cancelled my gym membership…BAD IDEA! I totally agree if I was to do any variations of BBG again I’d need to do it at the gym.
those workouts are SO hard. I started to hate them too after awhile. great job sticking to it!
I love how you condensed your WIAW, and that Sweat with Kayla does sound like it would be worth it. I’ve never quite followed a program, but this one does sound interesting. I love varied workouts.
So awesome you stuck with the 12 weeks of BBG workouts. I’ve done a couple of her workouts and they are definitely challenging, although I’ve never stuck with a full 12 weeks of em! The closest thing I did was probably 12 weeks of Les Mills GRIT. But in a gym setting and pushing yourself because you’re surrounded by other peeps doing the same. I 100% can relate to needing to be in that gym setting. I love changing it up and doing at home workouts, but something about being IN a gym helps me get that mindset to push myself a bit further.
and YES ROLLERBLADING! I wish I could come rollerblade witchu and we could eat scones at the same time <3
I truly believe that a gym membership is 100% worth it…If you are going to use it it pays itself off, because you feel and look great inside and out. There are just only so many basement workouts you can do unless you have a full gym set up. And Nantucket runs…AMAZING…I’ll get back out there as soon as it warms up…SHEESH!
Love the honest and open BBG review. I feel the same way about exercise – pushing it to the limit is great because it makes me feel strong as hell, but for me it’s not enjoyable for me to do every day. I prefer most of my workouts to be like your Nantucket runs, freeing, calming, HAPPY activity!
I am so glad you liked this program as much as I did! I switch off doing the workouts at home and the gym because I feel like I push myself harder in a gym for some reason. I haven’t used the app yet since I just use the old guides and print them out.
I’m actually working on another BBG review post with past finishers if you want to join in on the conversation. I was talking with a few other bloggers about it recently and I feel like everyone has different tips/advice for new BBG users 🙂
Way to stick to it!! I’ve done BBG one or two times, because I like the structure of having a plan. I finally bought a gym membership this semester for the group classes, and it makes SUCH a difference when you have to drag your butt to the gym. The environment is more motivating for sure. And rollerblading?? Hell yes!
You go, Georgie, for doing those workouts after work! I seriously lose workout motivation in the afternoon, especially when it comes to doing at home workouts. I also loved reading your BBG review since I’ve seen it ALL over Instagram and was wondering what it’s like.
Awesome job completing all 12 weeks and great post! I’ve been curious about the program since it really has taken off. I haven’t done her workouts, so I don’t have much to speak of in that regard, but home workouts are kinda meh for me…I feel like my motivation kinda drops off 🙁 I love the gym vibe too because you get in that mindset, have equipment around, and leave all your work for one place instead of a common area at home! I think the app definitely can we worth a shot according to your thoughts. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂
Congrats on finishing the 12 weeks! That’s a long time to stick with a program. I love going to a gym because I feel focused there and I love going there and just doing my thing. It is hard, though, not to have a specific program to follow. I’ve always considered trying BBG.