#thekaylamovement

New year means a new you! Tyson and I started our new workout program. We've been paleo for about a year, and our current workout routine just isn't doing in for us. So, after much deliberation, we decided on the Kayla Itsines Workout.

Back in July I went to Chicago to visit my sister. She introduced me to the Kayla Itsine workouts and lets face it, I was just too cheap to purchase the program. Now, its only $70US, but in the summer, I wasn't working a lot and we needed to save every penny and dime we could.

Fast forward 6 months. After a very personal event that took a toll on both Tyson and I, we decided our bodies needed a good cleanse and the Kayla workouts were the perfect way to do it. So, who is Kayla Itsines and why are her workouts so great? First of all, if you aren't already, you need to follow her on Instagram and Facebook. The transformation photos alone will get you to sign up and have you committed before you can say bikini. Second, Kayla Itsines is from Australia. A fitness guru with fantastic results and a very structured plan, this girl has got her stuff together! And, I believe she's only 23!

***Kayla's AWESOME website and workout program!!!!***

Anyways, I don't know what it is about them, but those trainers from Australia are HOT and only inspire me to do my best and have a goal to work toward! So, without further procrastination (because we all know that's what I'm best at) let me introduce you to the world of Kayla Itsines.

She's a regular person. I know, hard to believe with THAT bod. She studied to be a personal trainer, and soon after graduation, found that some of the workouts left her with something to be desired. She was still unhappy with her body, and found there were a few things that she would like to change. So, instead of hiring someone like herself, she took matters into her own hands and created the BBG (Bikini Body Guide). Now, I know men probably aren't reading this, but this isn't just for us women! It's for anyone and everyone that wants to improve their body through targeted exercise and healthy nutrition. She's basically done the hard work for you, its just up to you to perform and follow through!

My husband and I have committed to her 12-week program! I've done two of the workouts and continue to be sore for DAYS! It hurts SOO GOOD! Anyways, have a look at her amazing website and join the movement!

xoxo

Jo

Cruise countdown- 2.5 weeks

I can't believe how quickly time is going. I haven't been as focused as I should be because I've been trying to increase my clientele for the spa. I have continued going to the gym- attending my cross fit core class for the past two months. Other than that, I really haven't worked out a ton- I'm a slacker. I've changed my eating habits- I only eat fruits, vegetables, and meat. I've cut out grains and no white flour- it actually makes me sick. I spoke with a personal trainer yesterday and it turns out, I am actually starving myself because I don't eat enough, or as often as my body needs. I found that really interesting. Once your body realizes you are putting good, nutritious food into it, it starts to burn the fat and use the food for energy. So that's my first mistake. My other is not going to the gym enough- I know it's been a change for my body for me to go at least 2 times a week, but that really isn't enough. I should be doing interval training and weight lifting. I should also incorporate grains- whole grains, quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice. I definitely saw a huge change in my body ever since I started eating better. Working out made a difference, but not as much as having a healthy diet. I am 2.5 weeks away from the cruise- I better kick it in gear.

Vacation prep week 5

1 month in and I am finally starting to see some results. I know I haven't posted a picture of my before yet, but that's because I am so embarrassed at what I looked like before. Besides going to my core cross fit class twice a week, I have added cardio after the class, and changed my eating habits dramatically. I am a sucker for sugar and carbs. So whenever I get hungry, I automatically navigate towards the bread, cake, or chocolate I have sitting around. I am proud to say, I bought halloween candy last week and I haven't even eaten a piece.

What have I been eating?

Meat. Veggies. Fruit. That's it. I usually have a protein shake in the morning and one after my class to help recover. I use the Melaleuca chocolate protein with natural peanut butter in it. I get the taste of chocolate without all the sugar and added calories I crave so often.

Am I beach ready?

Definitely not. I am trying my best to be acceptable in a bikini before our cruise in December. I am no where near any fitness model, or NBA cheerleader, but I am improving myself each day and that's all I care about. I have noticed a change in attitude lately along with a change in my body.

I am starting to view sugar as a drug. We all get addictions- some are drugs and alcohol- but mine is sugar. It affects my attitude, my body, and my overall perspective of myself. Obviously I haven't given up sugar entirely. But, I have changed a lot of my eating habits and noticed a lot of changes in my body because of my decision. My jeans are starting to fit so nice- I actually have a somewhat lifted butt again- and my love handles aren't spilling over like they usually do. It takes quite some time to see a big change in your body, but I am determined to increase my time at the gym, and healthy food I eat everyday.


Here are my befores- please don't judge- I'm definitely not perfect and my bathroom is most definitely a mess :) These were taken before I started working out more and eating differently 5 weeks ago.

I took a few different angles in two separate swimsuits because they fit differently. 

I will post some pictures weekly as I remember. :)

Vacation Prep- Week 3

Here it is, week 3. I have somewhat changed my eating habits, but I have completely changed my exercise habits. I attend the gym twice a week- and I am also active on the weekends. The first two weeks I focused on my Cross Fit Core class I decided to join. If you haven't done Cross Fit before, and are looking to ease into the transition, I highly suggest Cross Fit Core. It is a 30 minute class that focuses on your core and building your endurance. I've loved it so far.

This week, my sister and I decided to do body pump before Cross Fit. Wow. Talk about a workout. My friend Jodi Stonehocker teaches the class and literally kicked my bum. It was such a great workout! After, we went to Cross Fit which resulted in us being completely exhausted by the end of the night. I have started to see results in my arms, and in my abs. My pants fit a lot better, and my legs don't look as bulky. If you are interested in trying out the OAC, feel free to check out the schedule here. Below, I have listed a few workouts I have done in the past few weeks that I found to be beneficial.

The KettleBell swing-

I love this exercise! It strengthens your core, along with the fronts of your legs, and abs.

Begin with the KettleBell between legs. Legs should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Using your abs and hip flexors, swing KettleBell up to eye level and force back down. A lot of people don't force the KettleBell back down, but you will realize it adds an extra exercise. As the KettleBell comes down, it should go between your legs. I do as many as I can in 30 seconds, with a 10 second rest- for 4 minutes.

The Jackknife-

This is another challenging exercise that is great to do after running a lap around the track. 

As you approach your lap, immediately get on the floor and lay flat on your back. Bring your entire body up into a V shape, and back to starting position. Do as many as you can in a one minute time frame. This is great to increase your cardio and endurance. 

One last exercise I love- 

SlamBall- 

I have a love-hate relationship with this exercise. Start with a SlamBall around 20 pounds. This way you can work up to it. A SlamBall is similar to a medicine ball, but does not bounce, and is full of something similar to sand. 

Start in a deep squatting position- bring SlamBall up towards the ceiling, while allowing yourself to stand completely. Throw SlamBall down to floor, quickly going into a squatting position in order to catch it after it slightly bounces. Continue for 30 seconds with 10 second rest. This exercise is perfect for endurance, building your glutes, legs, and abs. 

Overall, this is a great workout in and of itself. I've enjoyed my routine thus far, and look forward to adding in some cardio and more classes soon! 

Week 1

OK, I really am going to start this week. The past few weeks have been crazy. So, I decided to sign up for a crossfit core class that engages your core, along with some cardio and muscle building. I figure this is the first step to success. The class is twice a week- 30 minutes. Doesn't sound hard right? WRONG. I, along with every other person in the class, can hardly breathe at the end of the class. I will be posting some before pictures soon- I just hope I can get a significant difference so the before and after pictures don't look the same :)

Vacation prep time! 2.5 months and counting.

Last year, when Tyson was in the dog house, he booked us a cruise for this coming year! I was so excited, but as it draws closer, I take a look in the mirror and realize the high school cheerleaders body has changed dramatically and now I have more cottage cheese in my legs than in a lasagna. Besides that, I have a muffin top and a flabby bum. So, two and a half months before we go on our trip, I have decided to change my eating habits and drag myself to the gym. Now, I definitely won't be a bikini model at the end of this journey, but I will hopefully motivate myself enough to look OK in that bikini while cruisin in the southern caribbean. My husband is gone a lot considering his job- he schedules hunts for Wild Country Outfitters, and also takes care of their website, maintains a relationship with clients, takes care of state hunters and does anything and everything else to help the company stay above water. So, I am doing this with 50% of his help and figured if I blogged about it, maybe it would make me do it.

Today, I woke up, and decided to do a few things at home. My legs are my primary concern. So, I decided to stick with squats and threw in some side planks to mix it up.


Each exercise I performed 3 x 12 reps

Squats 

One legged squats

Side planks

Now if only I could give up the sugar!