Update: The End of the Tone It Up Bikini Series

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!

Review: Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix

Back in November, I decided to purchase Beachbody’s 21 Day Fix, a nutrition and exercise program led by professional athlete (and my new girl crush) Autumn Calabrese.

The program makes nutrition easy by giving you a lengthy “approved” foods list, and educating you on what foods fall into which nutritional categories. For example, on this program, they consider corn a carb, since it’s very starchy. Once you’ve learned your nutritional categories, you measure each food into its respective color coded containers. If it fits in the number of allotted containers per day (which ranges for everyone based on current weight), then you can eat it! No calorie counting, no weighing portions – just simple clean eating, which I was a huge fan of.

The workouts were probably my favorite part of this program, though. They are all 30 minutes in length, and can (and should) be done at home. I no longer had to trek to the gym, which as a New Englander experiencing a rough winter, was a saving grace. Instead, I just worked out from my home office, watching Autumn’s moves on my laptop and following along. I just needed a light and heavy set of weights, along with a mat and some water. The program also comes with a suggested workout calendar, so every day you’re working a different muscle group. The schedule looks something like this:

• Monday – Cardio
• Tuesday – Arms
• Wednesday – Legs
• Thursday – Pilates (active rest)
• Friday – Cardio
• Saturday – Dirty 30, which works the whole body
• Sunday – Yoga (active rest)

I am not going to lie – I was never a big fan of yoga or pilates. I just don’t feel calmer afterwards, so on my “active rest” days I would get in a long walk with the pup and complete errands around town. I also love how you only have to complete cardio – my least favorite – twice a week. I used to be a cardio addict, because I thought that was the only way to lose weight, but I was wrong. Thank you, Autumn!

After about 4 or 5 rounds of the 21 Day Fix, which you complete in 21 day cycles, it has become my lifestyle. I am more cognizant than ever before about choosing healthy, clean and balanced meals. And I am never hungry – I snack every 2 hours. 🙂

My latest progress shots are below. In 3 months, or 4-5 rounds roughly, I’ve lost a total of 9 pounds (and am happily at my goal weight now) and more than 15 inches off of my body.

Left: November 9, 2014 || Right: February 9, 2015

My next goal is to continue toning up – right in time for my wedding in August 2016. I just purchased 21 Day Fix Extreme, the hardcore, more intense sequel to 21 Day Fix, which should help me shred and achieve this new fitness goal. Stay tuned!

Note: I am not affiliated with Beachbody in any way – I am not even a coach. I just really enjoy the program, and love the results it has given both my friends and I.

Two Year Anniversary of “the Dress”

For most people, seeing a very unflattering photo of yourself can spark action. Yes, you immediately remove any tag or association from it on social media, but more long term, you may even change your whole lifestyle to avoid those very unflattering “candids.”

For me, this moment occurred while viewing my sister’s wedding photos. She was married on June 9, 2012 – exactly two years ago. All of the action shots – you know, those that you’re not tucking your belly in – were upsetting to me, and I knew something needed to be done.

This past weekend, I tried on the infamous bridesmaid’s dress. I’m so thrilled to report it has loosened up just about everywhere, with an emphasis on the hips and back area.

Here’s to continuing my journey, which all started with this dress. Sometimes, all you need is some motivation like this to keep you going.

PS – Wishing my sister and brother-in-law a very happy two year wedding anniversary! Xoxo

Before (left) and after (right)

Before and After: Goodbye 40 Lbs.

Losing weight and building muscle is a long-term goal, not one you can accomplish in a few days. In fact, it becomes a lifestyle, because face it – we are in it for the long run.

And there’s no better motivation than a before and after shot. Here is my latest one below, as I weighed in at officially 40 pounds less than two years ago. I am so proud of my accomplishments, but also know that I must continue putting in the same hard work as I have to continue with these results.

Disclaimer: I am wearing pink pants in the picture on the right. I am not Kim Kardashian to be taking any revealing mirror selfies. 🙂

May 2012 (left) and now, February 2014 (right)

So, for those of you who’ve started hitting the gym since January 1 – one of those popular New Years’ resolutions – keep going, and make sure to take a before picture to compare your progress come December 2014.

Thanks to all for your support through social media comments and via the blog. It’s those kind words that keep me wanting to do more, day in and day out. Happy Hump Day all!