Kayla Itsines and BBG Midlands

In February I started a fitness guide. That was all it was, an e-book on my phone, laptop or tablet, a fitness routine that was hopefully going to get me from A-B. Not for one second did I think that this... Guide... Was going to be anything more than it said on the tin. 

Little did I know that this guide, Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide to be precise was actually going to become a way of life, it was going to take my world by storm, it was going to introduce ladies, amazing beautiful ladies from all over the world, it was going to to push me well and truly outside of my comfort zone and make me do things that I would never have done before. 

On top of course of pushing my body into realms that I never ever knew it could go....You can read more about that here.

In June I met the queen bee herself - Kayla Itsines! She was on her world tour and I was lucky enough to be there and experience #DeathByKayla in all of it's sweaty glory! Then... @Lisa_PittBBG and I decided that we had to re-create that buzz, that adrenaline, that empowering feeling that you get when you work out with fellow #BBGGirls!

So that's what we did. Together we put the word out, we created a Facebook Group for ladies from the Midlands area, we got to know local girls who all shared our love and passion for Kayla and of course fitness. We set a date, we found a venue, I designed BBG Hoodies and T-shirts and the amazing Colin of The Printed Gift Shop turned them into a reality! Lisa put together an awesome BBG routine that will forever be known as #DeathByLisa.

Once upon a time the prospect of meeting ladies I had never met before would have scared me out of my wits. I wouldn't have done it, no way, and absolutely no how. With the date looming (Sunday 25th October 2015) in Birmingham's Cannon Hill Park, I felt nothing but excitement. I knew that these ladies were going to be friends. They weren't to be feared, they were to be embraced. 

With my good friend Alessia (who I had roped into coming along only the day before), I drove us to the BBG Meet. I drove to Birmingham which in it's self was un-heard of. I had vowed a long time ago that I would never drive in or around Birmingham, but I was doing it. There was no worry, no dread. 

I was confident. 

I arrived, late as always and everyone was already there and waiting for us. We walked around the park to find the perfect spot. It was a sunny but chilly Sunday and the 9 of us were all feeling the cold (unless you count Lisa in her shorts!).

We kicked off with a warm up, and it wasn't long before we were drawing attention to ourselves. I glanced over my shoulder and saw a group of young guys snapping photos of us. I only hoped they caught the back of our t-shirts and made use of the #DeathByKayla hashtag! What surprised me was how I just didn't care that they were watching, that they were capturing the moment. 

The warm out expanded into the 4 circuits that Lisa had lovingly laid out to destroy us! They were only 6 minutes long but I am sure I am not alone in saying that we all felt them! Then of course there were the bonus work outs, just in case Lisa hadn't killed enough of us off as possible in the first few rounds!

The meet was so surreal, it's not everyday that you walk into a group of ladies (most you have never met before in your life) and feel like you have known them for years and years. That's exactly how the first BBG Midland meet went down. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and it didn't take long for the giggles to start, and if working out together doesn't break the ice... Well I really don't know what will.

Of course we seized the opportunity to talk all things Kayla, I can count on one hand how many people I can discuss this rather amazing lady with, without their eyes glazing over and them wondering when I may shut up. These ladies got it, they got all of it. They live it themselves, they know how burpees are the evilest invention in the history of exercise, and they know that there is no escaping them. They know first hand how fantastic this community that we are all apart of really is, and they know that we will support each other through thick and thin.

Shaena reserved us all a table at the Plough in Harborne and everyone soon experienced Laura and her love of food.. Most of us ordered the very tasty Quinoa Chipotle Chilli which just so happened to come with a mountain of flat bread. I guess I am pretty proud that I was the only BBG Girl to demolish the entire lot... 

The giggles and chatter continued and by the time we left, we were already discussing our next meet, which is now all organised in Nottingham for the 29th November at Gotham Memorial Hall. If you are local to the Midlands and want to come along, please do! You can join our Midland's Facebook group here.

I tell you what though... I cannot even begin to put into words how proud I am to be a BBG Girl and be part of this absolutely incredible community. 

Here's to Kayla Itsines, and here's to the BBG and all of the girls who complete it.

You guys ROCK!

15 Months of Fitness

Time passes whether you are think about it or not, one way or another you are going to move forward, and inevitably you can look back on the past few months with a smile, or you can look back and think 'Wow, I should have tried harder'. 

It has now been 15 months since I decided to turn my life on it's head when a lightning bulb moment popped into my head and sent my spiraling into a lifestyle that I never knew I would come to love so much. That's what happened though you see, through gradual changes, I grew and evolved. I can't quite fathom where the time has gone, and I often pinch myself to make sure that I am not dreaming.

I thought I would re-cap my journey at this stage, as recently I have been asked by numerous different people why I started and how I have achieved what I have achieved in this time frame... So let me start at the beginning...

It's June 2014, I have been un-happy with my appearance for a long time. The weight has been creeping on and I am at the point where I don't think there is anything I can do about it, I order another takeaway. I immediately feel guilty, but what's the point? There is nothing I can do about it so I may as well enjoy the Indian Takeaway and all of the accompaniments that have been added in for good measure. 

Why I decided to change

 It had been a deep seated dream of mine for a long time, but despite numerous efforts to better myself (usually only lasting the day) I hadn't ever gotten anywhere. It took someone close to me to tell me that I was 'Getting FATTER by the day' for me to think 'WOW! He is actually right. Let's do something!'. It was those exact words on that one day in June 2014, that kicked my bum into gear and sent me hurtling on an incredible journey where I have made friends with women all over the world. It was those exact words that enabled me to do this.

From then on I was a girl on a mission. It all started with small changes. Instead of my daily can of Coca Cola I drank nothing but water. Instead of my daily chocolate bar, I opted for fruit. The weight started to come away, and although I couldn't see change straight away, the scales told me that what I was doing was working, and time would show me that it was all more than worth it.

The journey may have been spurred on by words that were directed to hurt me, but really those words made me. They lit my fire and helped me chase a dream that I had always thought was out of my reach. I did it for me, I did it to show him how strong I was, how I could stand solely on my own two feet and smile. 

In 9 weeks I lost 1 stone and 3lbs. 17 whole lbs melted away between June and August 2014. I got back into my size 8 clothing and was feeling more determined than ever. I kept going over the next few months and in February I was ready for my next step. I commenced Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide. I was pretty much at my goal weight already and I was excited to start fine tuning my body. I had no idea what a roller coaster the next 28 weeks of my life were going to be, and just how amazing the community of ladies completing the guides with me were going to be.

The first 12 weeks flew by and I was noticing changes as early as 3 weeks in, I started to notice abs popping up from what felt like nowhere, I was slowly but surely getting leaner and stronger. People started to notice and I couldn't believe that I was now outshining my original goals. It wasn't even about weight loss anymore, it was about being the strongest version of myself that I could be. It was about being happy.

After I completed the first guide I jumped straight onto Kayla's Second Guide. The weeks past and I kept pushing forward, I invested in a bar bell, upgraded my dumbbells and began lifting and exercising more with weights.

I am now on my third round of the guide, I have completed the first guide once and by the time I finish the second guide again, that will be 2 rounds making my weekly count 36! Of course I won't be stopping there.. All I have to say is, you haven't seen anything yet. I am still warming up, and slowly but surly I am pushing myself to new levels.

I have been learning so much about myself over this past year, I feel happier, more confident and comfortable in my own skin. I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about dressing my new body in an entirely new wardrobe made up of hot pants, crop tops and beautiful dresses I could only have dreamed of wearing. I have come such a long way and I am taking part in activities and events that I never knew I could be a part of. I traveled to London and took part in Kayla's Boot Camp back in June, and as I type this I have just completed my very first Meta Fit Session.

I plan on going into more detail over the coming weeks and months about the training I am taking part in, the food that I eat and the typical day to day aspects of working towards my goals. If you are interested in the training that I do and you have a question, I am always happy to hear from you.

 Everything I have achieved has been through cleaning up my eating regime and working out. It's not a quick fix, it's a lifestyle. It's sustainable but results take time, it's all within reach for the people who want to make a change.

15 months of fitness has completely changed me. Not just physically, but emotionally.

15 months of fitness has made me.

1 Year Later... & The Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide

It's amazing how much a person can grow in a year. I have completely shocked myself in many different senses of the word. When I started my fitness journey a year ago in June, did I think I would ever get this far? Far enough to actually celebrate an entire year of my new lifestyle? 

Who knows... 

I honestly can't say yes or no, all I know is that my goals were burning a path right before me, and as this fire spurred me on form the very pit of my stomach, I was adapting. I was making changes, evolving. I was growing.

Goals start off as dreams and that is what makes them so powerful, and when you completely set your mind to something, you best believe that you are un-stoppable. One of the biggest things that I have learnt about myself is that if I say I am going to do something, I will do it. One way or another, on the very tips of my toes, I will do it.

How else have I changed in a year? 

Well aside from the obvious weight loss my tastes have changed. My food, my drink, my likes and my dislikes have all been shaken up. My diet is the best it has ever been in my entire life. I love egg, fruit, vegetables, meat, nuts, tea and coffee! Those last two for anybody who knew me before all of this knows that I never touched the stuff. EVER! When everyone else fancied a brew, I would be the one reaching into my bag and pulling out my bottle of Coca Cola. I took one everywhere, I drank it morning, noon and evening, often multiple times a day. I was ploughing hundreds of empty calories into my body, without knowing and without really caring. 

Now I enjoy water, lots and lots of water. I drink Green Tea, Mango and Lychee to be precise. I LOVE a morning Costa... That may be my new downfall, but I honestly can't explain how alive I feel after that morning caffeine rush. 

Everything I prepare, everything I enjoy is now much better for me, it fuels my body and gets me through the day, It's become a second nature, I don't consider myself 'on a diet', because this really isn't a diet. It's sustainable, it's realistic. It's who I am and it's my life.

I am a huge, huge, huge fan of Deliciously Ella. Her food, her recipes and her concepts blow me away. I was so very excited to meet her very recently at Brit Mums Live, and even managed to get my hands on a signed copy of her AMAZING cook book. I use this book regularly, and add my own spin on things. A firm favorite in my house has to be the Pesto Pasta, but I have to admit I cheekily add Chicken and a drizzle of honey. Honey is a staple sweetener in my day to day life and although it's obviously additional calories, I don't feel guilty because it's something I enjoy. I add it to my Green Tea, meals and sauces. Absolutely everything I can possibly think of, and you know what this real life Pooh Bear thinks? Everything tastes better with a little bit of honey!

I am asked all the time 'How do you eat so well all the time!?' - The honest answer is that I don't. We all fall off occasionally, but for the most part I eat well because I have further goals that I want to achieve. I still can't quite believe how far I have come, the 2 stone weight loss I have achieved, and absolutely everything since I hit my target weight. I am now 21 weeks into Kayla Itsines Bikini Body guide, and in a few weeks time I will have completed the second guide. I am the strongest and fittest I have ever been in my life, but as I say, this is a lifestyle, I am only going to continue along this path because it empowers me, and it excites me.

You may have read in my last post that I actually got to go along to London and take part in Kayla's World Tour, it really was a week for meeting heroes that week, as in a matter of days I had met the very lovely Ella! Kayla's work out left hundreds of girls sweating, and so excited for the pain that they were now feeling. it really was the most amazing ache, because you just knew that you had worked hard, and that the Queen Bee herself had shown you first hand, how it's done.

So what exercise do I do these days?

My exercise routine is determined by Kayla's Bikini Body Guide 2.0, and I make sure to complete each work out, It's a series of resistance and cardio training (LISS) over the course of the week with Sunday's designated as your day off. I complete all of Kayla's resistance exercises at home, I can often be found thumping around my room with my trusty bar bell, squatting and performing ab bikes. Exercising has been a complete eye opener for me, when I started and for the first 8 months for that matter (pre BBG) I was a cardio fiend. I didn't know how to tone up. I didn't know where to start, and that was one of the things holding me back. because how can you achieve something if you don't have the fundamentals on how to do it? I had considered a personal trainer but that didn't seem like a sustainable solution to me in the long run, and of course money was a factor. 

Somehow I had started following Kayla on Facebook, I think I clicked through on one of the adds one day. I don't remember exactly how I ended up there, but I remember looking at these fantastic transformations, and you know what? I was skeptical. So very skeptical. In 12 weeks some of these girls had completely re-modeled their entire bodies. How could that be real? How!?

I stuck around though, even liking Kayla's page. I watched in awe as these girls kept on coming, and one evening I decided that I had seen enough. I was GOING to buy the very first guide. That was 21 weeks ago now, and I haven't looked back or regretted my decision once. Kayla's guide WILL work if YOU WORK. I cannot stress this enough, it isn't some magic guide that suddenly slaps abs on you and does the squats for you, but with these tools you can achieve great things.

Do I do any exercises along side the guides?

This is another question that I get asked a lot and the answer is that yes I do. On resistance days I attend the gym following the resistance training that I complete at home.I spend an hour working with weights on the limb of choice for that session. I do think that this combined with everything that Kayla has instilled in me, and of course my culinary lifestyle aids the results that I have seen.

My LISS sessions consist of 40-50 minutes on the cross trainer, and I have finally worked my way up to the top of the effort level on the machine. I guess it just demonstrated that I had been taking it way to easy on myself, so I am looking forward to seeing how this helps me going forward.

I go for the occasional run, and I have a rather beautiful selection of trainers these days. My favorite to run in, and the most comfortable for that matter are my shiny Blue Downshifter 6 Nikes. I am a size 6 and I have found with other brands that my feet can feel a little cramped, but these running shoes have proved ideal for everything I need out of them. I actually took these away with me on holiday with the best intentions of going for a run...However this was one of those occasions that I fell off the healthy eating cart into a mountain of cake... 

What's next?

A year into my fitness guide I do feel like I have achieved a lot, but...And yes there is a but! I have so much more that I want to achieve. This next year is going to be amazing. I can't help but think... 'Where will I be this time next year?' and the truth is, that's exactly what I thought when starting out. Did I expect to be here? Nope, never in a million years, but here I am.

What are my goals?

I want to tone up the bits of me that are being reluctant. I have lose skin on my stomach that seems to want to stick around.

I want my inner thighs to be leaner and stronger.

I want my arms to become more defined and my underarms to get some shape.

I want to keep working on my chest and feel confident in strapless clothing.

It's always good to set goals, give yourself realistic timelines and if you don't hit it right away, just keep at it. These things don't happen over night, they are a reflection of your entire lifestyle. If you really want something, go and get it. Make it happen. It is quite honestly the best feeling in the world, and I cannot explain how happy I am with everything that has come to light in this year.

Set your goals on fire and just do it. 

You so totally CAN!

Still Finding Me

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you will know that I have become somewhat of a health freak. In my mission to lose the chub I have become rather goal orientated, I have a new love for healthy foods, and I have even found that I am eating so many different foods that have been specifically intended for Vegan’s. Now although I will never be Vegan, as I love all food way too much, they do have some amazing food’s and recipe ideas that just work so well. Of course I add my own twists and usually always add meat!

I have been using my Nutribullet every day without fail, mixing up a selection of healthy nutritious fruit smoothies and protein shakes. I find these a great breakfast addition, as one of my week points before was never making time for breakfast. I used to be out of the door, usually running late and I would almost always never make time to prepare something, and this would always result in me paying a visit to the vending machine in the work canteen!

I have been consuming a high protein diet in recent months, and I have found a great way of getting a source of additional protein is by adding 1 scoop of Monkey Nutrition Primal 26. Primal 26 is a high quality Whey Protein that supports rapid muscle growth and is also fat free, sugar free, cholestral free and gluten free! This tastes delicious added in to a fruit smoothie, or even just blended up with some Coconut or Almond Milk. I love adding this to my breakfast smoothie as it keeps me going all morning and it beats a morning cup of tea ten fold! With the training I have been working on in recent weeks, this protein has been a great addition. 

10 weeks ago I purchased Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide, for those of you who haven’t heard of Kayla or the guide before I will explain a little further. Kayla is a personal trainer who lives in Australia. She has developed two separate eBooks, Bikini Body Guide 1.0 and Bikini Body Guide 2.0. I purchased the first guide back in February and it is made up of two eBooks that ultimately form the first Bikini Body Guide.

The 2 guides consist of a 12 week work out plan and a food nutrition plan (H.E.L.P) that is jam packed full of tasty recipe ideas, and tells you all of the great foods to eat to really help showcase the results you put in from your exercising efforts. You buy the guides directly from Kayla’s website and you will then receive an email enclosing your ebooks  in PDF format. It’s advisable to download these to your computer as soon as you can, as the email attachments will only work for a limited time to prevent you from forwarding them on to anyone else. What I loved straight away about the ebooks is that I can use them on the computer, and I can use them from my iPhone.

I wanted to take this seriously as after working so hard over the past 9 months I really wanted to take my training up a notch. What I adore about these guides is that the hard work of the plan detailing is done for you. I have been going to the gym since July 2014, and yes I have lost weight, but I hadn’t seen much change in terms of muscles coming into their own. After 10 weeks of following these guides, incorporating the food into my daily life and primarily only eating good wholesome meals, doing as Kayla’s guides advise with my exercise routines and lifting weights at the gym, I have come a long way in the 10 weeks I have been doing it. I can feel it, and I can SEE it!

The workout guide is easy to follow and is broken down as above. You have 3 days of resistance training and 3 days of LISS (Low intensity steady state) which is essentially a 35-45 minute walk, cross trainer or treadmill session. I try and push it to 50 minutes by breaking it into two 25 minute segments because I get so warm! If there is one thing Kayla does, it’s work you, and work you hard she will! It kind of explains the #DeathByKayla hashtag that you may see floating around on Twitter and Instagram! 

Last week I was completely caught off guard, Kayla herself actually shared a photo of my progress so far over her social media channels. The response was incredible, by the evening my photo had received over 30,000 likes, and it was all very surreal. Of course there was a mixture of comments, good and bad. But I was so happy to be recognised for the work I had put in, and by the very lady herself!

The sports bra I am wearing in the second photo is one of my favourites, it's the Shock Absorber Active Zipped Plunge Bra, and I have been using it alongside my training for the past few weeks. It's comfortable and supportive and looks really great.

Not only does it look the part but also boasts:

- Secure full-length front-opening zip for easy on and off with safety hook for added reassurance.

- Wide inner panel underneath the zip to prevent skin contact and chafing.

- Plunging neckline gives an ultra feminine look.

- Racer back design which is great for floor work.

- Made from moisture-wicking, breathable, sports performance fabrics

The Shock Absorber Active Zipped Plunge Bra can be purchased from Figleaves for £25.00.

I am at the gym on a daily basis, be it for weights or a cardio session on the cross trainer or rower. I get through a lot of gym gear, I need a sports bra on a daily basis, shorts or capri’s and a workout top. It’s safe to say I have a lot of sports washing on my hands, and my gym collection has grown somewhat in recent months. I have recently been sent a pair of rather gorgeous Helly Hanson Wicked Pace R2 Running Shoes. I love everything about how they look to how they feel on my feet. When the weather has been fair and dry, I have on occasion been running to the gym, and I have surprised myself with my stamina. Once upon a time I couldn’t have run very far at all, but I can, when I put my mind to it and concentrate on going at a steady pace… Go quite a distance! Of course to be able to do that I need the right footwear, and I haven’t put a foot out of place in choosing these beauties for my running purposes. 

The Wicked Pace R2 have been designed for the main objective of providing a responsive running experience, they boast maximum midfoot stability and breathability set to a 5mm midsole drop. I have found them lightweight to wear, which for me is an essential feature in a pair of training shoes, and they are well cushioned which makes them a joy to wear. The netted sections on the trainer are fantastic and really help to keep your feet cool, which now summer is making an appearance is a very welcome addition. The Helly Hanson Wicked Pace R2 Running Shoes retail at £90.00.

 Of course alongside eating 3 meals a day I still indulge in snacks. How can I not? Where possible I have been taking inspiration from Deliciously Ella, a health food blogger who is a complete inspiration to me! Following her fabulous smart phone app has allowed me to cook up a storm at home, and even a very tasty healthy Banana Crumble!

When I don't have time to cook my own snacks up I have been really impressed with Bounce Energy Balls. Bounce Energy Balls are a great little snack to indulge in between meals to boost your energy levels, which of course makes them a great pre-workout treat, or even to replenish your protein after a gym session. They come in a great selection of flavours and I haven't yet tried one I don't like, and for someone like me who has a rather sweet tooth, these really do hit the spot! I don't even find myself craving chocolate these days (She says!), and if I do the Cacao and Mint Bounce Ball is a satisfying alternative!

Not to mention Bounce Energy Balls are also:

- Energising and Nutritious

- Tasty and convenient

- Filling and satisfying

- Packed with good nutrients

- Gluten free

Very recently I have had the pleasure of trying out CLIF Bar, America's favourite energy bar which is now available in the UK! It's designed to give you the boost you need for an active lifestyle. It combines wholesome and tasty ingredients such as organic rolled oats and Dates all wrapped up in a delicious bar, that is ready when you are. CLIF Bar is a great source of protein, fibre and contains 11 vitamins including B6 and B12 which help contribute to the normal release of energy for use in the body.

There's an impressive flavour selection from Blueberry Crisp, Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut and Crunchy Peanut Butter, each equally as delicious! CLIF have very recently launched some new products to their line which are great to enjoy before training for added energy. The new SHOT BLOKS have been developed for increased athletic performance whenever and wherever you might need it. They are small enough to be popped into your pocket until the very moment it is required, and are available in four tasty flavours: Mountain Berry, Strawberry, Tropical Punch and Black Cherry.

Another new product to their line up is the CLIF SHOT GEL which again is great to have on your person for a moment where your energy could do with a quick boost. There are four great flavours available: Chocolate, Razz, Citrus and Double Espresso.

You can catch up on my fitness journey so far below:

Hello New Me - Week 1
A Healthier Me - 6 Weeks In
A Healthier Me - 9 Weeks In
A Healthier Me - 14 Weeks In
The Upbeat Blogger Challenge 
Finding Me

Disclaimer: I have been sent a selection of the products featured in this post if not described as 'purchased' within. All views and opinions are completely honest and my own.