Update: The End of the Tone It Up Bikini Series

June 15, 2015 by Jess Branco 2 Comments

A few weeks ago, I blogged about starting the Tone It Up Bikini Series, a free, eight week workout program to help get in great shape for summer. Well, as promised, I wanted to share some results with you – my readers – and also recap some of the goals I’ve reached, and new ones I’ve set for myself as of late.

Tone It Up Bikini Series Results

After eight weeks of proper nutrition and regular exercise, I managed to stay the same weight, which was key for me since I’m already at my goal. I’m not looking to lose any more pounds, but simply, tone up. And the Bikini Series helped me do just that. My abdomen looks tighter and more toner; my waist is more cinched and hour-glass like; and my thighs also lost an inch or two. These small changes were HUGE for me, since I was stuck in a bit of a plateau prior to the Bikini Series.

Here is my official before and after photo:

Recap: Bikini Series Goals

• To complete the ENTIRE series, 100 percent.

I DID THIS! Maybe not 100 percent, but certainly at least 80. It felt great sticking with this until the end.

• To limit weekend splurges. Yes, I will still have my cheat meals, but just not during the entire Karena and Katrina say that if you spent Friday – Sunday cheating, that can make up for half of the eight weeks in the end – YIKES!

With the exception of a few parties – including birthday parties and bachelorette weekends – I’d say I attempted this. I don’t want to deprive myself at parties, because life is all about fun and moderation!

• Wake up at least three times per week to get my workout in. I just feel so much more energized when I fit in a workout during the morning – but the hardest part is waking up. Karena and Katrina of Tone It Up like to call morning workouts your “bootycall” – so clever.

I DID THIS TOO! I got into a good groove during the Bikini Series, and now, waking up to workout is somewhat easier for me (still tough when it’s a rainy morning though!).

• #150bySummer – yep, 150 miles during the 8 weeks. I GOT THIS!

Ok, so I got up to 130-something and the series ended. Bummer. But I loved tracking my mileage because it made me go a bit further than usual.

• To run a 10k again. I ran my first one last year, and it felt AMAZING. Time to get back into training mode so I can achieve this again.

I did not sign up for a 10k, but I did do an outdoor run on my own that was 6 miles. So, I consider this COMPLETED.

New Goals

I’m proud to say I’ve signed up for my first half marathon! It will be on Saturday, October 4^th and while I have months to train, I have to admit – I’m really nervous. I’ve never run such a long distance before. Looking forward to keeping you all up to date on my training throughout the next few weeks. And please, if you have any tips or effective training programs, feel free to comment below or reach out at any time!
What are some of your goals for this year? Looking to run a 5k, 10k, or half marathon too? Let me know!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated in any way with Tone It Up. I just really enjoy their weekly workout schedules, and LOVE that it’s free of charge for all of us ladies. Thank you, TIU!