Wow, well that went by fast; it is already May and I have completed the first 4 weeks of BBG 2.0 (Kayla Itsines second bikini body guide)! I wanted to share with you all my thoughts regarding BBG 2.0 and to update you all on what’s happening with me in terms of health and fitness.
The First 4 Weeks of BBG 2.0
How Does BBG 2.0 Differ From BBG 1.0?
There is quite a significant difference. Of course, the format is the same typical Kayla style of two circuits with four exercise moves each, with the circuits done a total of four times. However, the weights get increased in the BBG 2.0 and there are a lot more static movements and less jumping around (or flailing around like I do, haha!). For example, you do moves like weighted barbell squats, arm raises, weighted sit-ups and etc. There were also slight modifications to moves seen in BBG 1.0 such as jump squats … buuuut with double pulses at the bottom (it burns, oh how it burns). Of course, there are moves that have been introduced in BBG 1.0 such as walking lunges, push ups and snap jumps.
Do I Like BBG 2.0?
So far, yes I do! Well, okay let me back up a bit. I definitely have a love-hate relationship going on with the BBG 2.0. I love that there are more weighted exercises yet I am still sweating like mad, yet I hate that it is still so hard haha! But I know it is good that it’s hard because it is still challenging me … but I hate it … because it is hard. LOL. Does that makes sense, and someone please tell me they feel the same way?
P.S. Nike and Lorna Jane make fantastic workouts clothes. Also, I broke my jump rope during some vigorous speed jumping lol!
Am I Doing Anything Differently in BBG 2.0?
Yeah, like I said, the weights increase so I am using heavier weights. I also decided to challenge myself by doing military style pushups, where I keep my arms much closer to my sides and ensure my elbows bend backwards and not outwards (form is so important). This tiny little adjustment has literally made me a beginner again, and I am back to doing push ups on my knees. Try it and you’ll see what I mean; it is SO much harder but it engages my core more and is working different arm muscles. It is critical we keep challenging ourselves and pushing our bodies to the max if we want to see change.
An example of some yummy foods I have been eating these past 4 weeks!
Let’s See What The Next 8 Weeks Are Like …
So, I am currently on week 17 and ughhh, I was completely caught off guard with the elevated intensity of the workouts. How does Kayla keep doing this?! I will do another update on weeks 17-20 in 4 weeks time and let you all know how it went (unless I have suffered #deathbyKayla). For now, I want to set some goals for myself to keep myself motivated and accountable
- Start using Kayla’s HELP guide more strictly again. Although I have enjoyed experimenting and adjusting my macros; the HELP guide was the most balanced way for me to go about my nutrition.
- Focus on slowly increasing the MPH I do sprints. Yesterday, I did sprints for HIIT and my speed was 9.0MPH for about 10-12 minutes and I upped it to 9.2MPH for the remainder of the 3-5 minutes.
- Strengthen my lower back by doing lower back extensions. This has helped a lot in keeping my back straight during pushups.
- Start practicing pull ups again! The second I move to Salt Lake City, I am buying a pull up bar and getting back into it.
- Do not plan cheat meals. I have found that if I have an unplanned cheat meal (because life happens), I get into this very negative state of mind which is not healthy at all. Instead of planning cheat meals, I should just let them happen based upon the context. It makes SO much more sense to have a cheat meal because you are out with friends as opposed to being home alone on a Saturday night.
That’s all folks! I hope you found this mini-review of BBG 2.0 helpful and I look forward to posting another one in a few weeks. I can tell that I am definitely leaning down slowly but surely and I am excited to see how much stronger I get in the next few weeks. It is NOT EASY, but it is worth it being able to look like a bad a** in the gym hehe 😉
Honestly yours,
Alice
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13 Comments
Oh my gosh, 9 mph for 10 minutes is SUPER SUPER fast for me, you’re a champ! And besides the heavier weights would you say BBG 2 is just more weight training than BBG1 and is it supposed to help with further weight loss? Just sounds counterproductive because it sounds like there’s less cardio to go along with it.
How hard is this program compared to insanity?
Ahh, thank you, Linda!! You are so sweet. I always want to die after those HIIT sessions lol. In terms of the heavier weights, it helps with fat loss and there is still a considerable calorie burn due to the circuit style nature of the workouts. Trust me, I am always sweating like mad! And you do cardio along with the circuit workouts. I would hesitate to say that weight training is counter-productive; I think you would be hard pressed to someone who did not lose weight/fat through the use of some form of weight-training.
They are both different programs so it is hard to make a comparison. I completed Insanity and thought it was super hard … but then I did BBG 1.0 (and now am in the midst of BBG 2.0) and find the program extremely challenging; it never gets easier and it surprises me how exhausted the workouts make me!! -.-
And don’t forget you need muscle to burn fat. So the weight training is helping with fat loss. Depending on your build and weight it may not help with weight loss and you may increase it weight but your body fat will decrease.
Hi!
I’m an athlete who is in the water 4-5 hours a day but can’t seem to shed the weight! I took some time off of my competitive sport to try the guides and lose some weight. Do you think I should start with bbg1 or would it be better to go to bbg2 right away?
Thanks!
Totally! I’d so rather have a group cheat meal rather than being alone. Love how the Kayla Itsines plan is working out for you!
I love your reviews! Could you post the training schedule for 2.0? I have 1.0 but I just wanted to know how many resistance workouts, LISS workouts, and how many HIIT workouts.
Thank you so much, Stephanie! Yeah, I would be happy to do that for you. I will try and get it done in the next few days x
heeyyy I’m in SLC too! How fun!
I was wondering what kind of equipment you need for BBG 2. I’d rather do all of this at home than at a gym so I’m trying to figure out if that’s possible for BBG 2 or if it’s more practical to go to a gym.
You’re look amazing by the way! I hope I get the same results!
Hi Stephanie, so nice to meet someone else living in SLC!! For BBG 2.0, you would need the same equipment as in BBG 1.0.
I think it’s definitely possible to do it at home, but I just go to the gym because my apartment is miniscule lol.
Thanks so much for your comment and your kind words, really appreciate it. If you go to the 24 hr fitness at trolley square, maybe I’ll bump into you one day 🙂
Alice x
Hey love the post! Have a question. . After how many weeks is bbg1 considered to be done? Thank you so much!
12 weeks 🙂
Hey Honestly Fitness,
I have completed BBG 1 and have yet to start 2, Before BBG 1 I was quite fit, and it has helped lean out my stomach and butt/ thighs. The thing is my legs are still chunky ( upper thighs) A lot of it feels like more muscle with a bit of inner thigh fat. It seems no matter what I can’t get them to lean out ( pear shaped).! its so frustrating and I never know what I am doing is good enough! but I do eat quite healthy do like to go out for brunch though! But some people are telling me to just do Fasted Cardio / HIITT in the mornings and no Squats/ etc. that type of movement. Cause my legs look quite bulky but not lean and tone. Do you recommend I still do BBG2 cause I had a look at it and I just dont want it to make my legs remain chunky!
Hey Georgia,
While it is important to do the ‘right type’ of workouts, diet is much more important when it comes to losing fat. You’ll have to be at a calorie deficit to lose that last little bit of inner thigh fat and the type of workout you’re doing isn’t going to matter as much. I think you’re fine if you continue to do BBG and that it’s worth taking a hard look at your diet and how you can tailor it more to your goals.
Thanks for visiting!
Alice xx