If you don’t know the name Kayla Itsines by now then you must be living under a rock because her and her #BBGFam have taken over the internet. She is the creator of what is commonly known as “BBG,” but its official name is “Bikini Body Guide.” It is a series of 12 week workout programs that women all over the world have started using and have been seeing awesome results. I have to admit when I first came across this program I was pretty turned off by its basic name, and immediately thought it was just another one of those bikini ready programs that promises it will change your life, and never actually does. But after looking at myself in the mirror and realizing that I needed to make a lifestyle change, I decided that I had nothing to lose and began the program. Now, I have completed 25 full weeks of the program and I could not be happier with my results.
If you’re thinking to yourself right now “I don’t have time to work out,” or “I wouldn’t be able to stick to it,” or “Oh great, another promotional article about a workout program that only works for those who spend hours upon hours in the gym and never eat ice cream,” you are being completely ridiculous. First, let me say the reason I chose to do this program is because each session is only 30-45 minutes, requires little to no equipment, I can do it basically anywhere and I can still eat whatever I want (including ice cream). I was never one to spend more than an hour in a gym and even that is pushing it; mostly because I get bored easily and never knew what workouts I should do. I also never wanted to spend money on a gym membership because I am a broke college student, and let's be real... All my extra money goes to food and wine. So instead, I bought some cheap weights from Walmart and do each workout in my bedroom. It is a super convenient program and you can adapt the schedule to whatever works best for you. Kayla also explains that you don’t need to go on some crazy fad diet in order to see results, but rather just make an effort to make healthier choices. She says "It’s all about balance” and Kayla, I have to say that is something I live by now.
Kayla Itsines has created a program that is literally perfect for any woman. Whether you are a college student, a mom who works full time, or just someone who kind of wants to get in shape but is also kind of lazy, this program is perfect for you. The workouts are short (you can’t say that you don’t have 30 extra minutes to exercise), but they are very intense. In one week, you will begin to strengthen every muscle in your body; oh and also do an immense amount of cardio. Within the first two weeks you will begin to see physical results, and oddly enough you will also see a change in your mentality. I have to say the progress I have made physically is incredible, but the best part about this program is the effect it has had on the way I think. Exercise is such a huge stress reliever; it helps people cope with anxiety, depression, and a multitude of other mental health issues.
Personally, exercise has become a sort of “reset button” for me. It is the time I take out of my day to do something purely for myself. No matter what is going on in my life I make sure I squeeze in my workouts. Whether it be at 6am or midnight, I always get it done. It allows me to clear my head and overall makes me happier. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my days where working out sounds like a form of torture, and I also have days where I am so stressed that it is the last thing I want to waste precious time on. But, most of the time, I end up exercising anyway because it honestly makes me feel better.
Not only is the program itself great, but there is also an amazing BBG community with women from all over the world. I follow so many BBG girls on Instagram and it is a wonderful way to keep myself motivated and also to learn new things. These ladies talk about anything from nutritional tips, to new exercise routines, to motivational stories about how they became involved with BBG; and as weird as it is, you start to feel connected to these woman and feel empowered by the changes they have made in their own lives. Having a group of people who are doing the exact same workouts as you is really such a great way to stay motivated. Some of my favorite Instagram accounts for BBG are @mysweatlife, @myfitjourney_las, @megan_fitness, @getfitbrooklyn, @anagoesfit, and of course, the one and only @kayla_itsines. All of these ladies are so inspiring and have made incredible progress through this program. I have learned so much about health and fitness from these woman and I am so grateful to have stumbled upon them and the rest of the BBG community.
The reason I like Kayla’s program the most is that she is all about being “strong not skinny” and promotes a healthy, well-rounded lifestyle. She does not want women to feel as if they need to go on some crazy diet to lose weight and spend a ridiculous amount of time in the gym because lets be real, life is just way too hard for that. She also does not want any woman to feel ashamed of their body. Kayla and the rest of the BBG community constantly talk about loving your body just the way it is. Just because you may not look exactly like someone else does not mean that your body is flawed or is inferior. It just means that you are you...and you ARE perfect.
This is what Kayla advocates through her programs and her social media. It's actually the reason why she created an app called “Sweat with Kayla.” She did not like the negative connotation associated with getting a “bikini body” and wanted to change the name of her program to promote exactly what she is all about.
You can purchase her guides at kaylaitsines.com or download her Sweat with Kayla app through your phones app store.
I am telling you, starting her program has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. I never thought I would be able to make it past the first week, but now I am beginning my 26th week and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. I promise if you start her programs it will change your life for the better and you won’t regret it.
