Embarking on a new fitness regimen during Christmas week might seem a little crazy, but that’s what I did in late 2016. Yup, after a lazy few (ok, six) months, I decided to get my wobbly butt into gear and start working on that bikini body. Better late than never right?
My weapon of choice was the BodyBoss Ultimate Body 7-Day Fitness Trial Guide, which you’ll have found in your December bellabox. This handy little booklet gives a taster of the incredible 12-week fitness program that has been transforming bodies across the globe thanks to the #BossEffect (more on that later).
In a nutshell, the BodyBoss Method is based around high-intensity interval training, with three weekly workouts designed specifically to torch fat and calories, while increasing power, strength and fitness and rapidly toning the body from top to toe. The workouts blend bodyweight resistance exercises, cardio, unilateral (one sided) exercises, and plyometrics (jumping moves). There is little to no equipment required (you can always improvise like I did) so you can work out literally anywhere, while getting maximum bang for your exercise buck. Meaning greater results in less time – you’ll burn serious calories in under 24 minutes!
And, thanks to the afterburn or #BossEffect, your souped up metabolism will continue to burn calories long after you’ve stopped sweating. Hello Christmas miracle!
Monday
Today I lycra up for my Legs & Booty HIIT session. After warming up with a few minutes of jogging and a heap of stretches, it’s time to pop on some high energy tunes and hit the HIIT circuit. This means reps of six butt-and-thigh-centric exercises for seven minutes, followed by a three-minute break, then another seven minutes, another break, then the final seven minutes.
It’s fast, furious and sweaty – those glorious three-minute breaks are heaven – and my face soon resembles a beetroot. The glute kickbacks and bridges are my faves while the walking lunges and sumo squats leave my legs aquiver. And, I’m done. Time to reward myself with a Fruit Mince Pie (hey, it’s Christmas)!
Tuesday
Today all of my things hurt a little. But it’s actually kind of satisfying. As someone who has been to the gym maybe twice ever, my poor wobbly legs are clearly not accustomed to multiple squats and lunges. Today is ‘Recovery’ Day, and things loosen up after some spiky ball action and a 45-minute walk by the ocean. Ah, holidays.
Wednesday
Today’s all about arms, abs and core, so I am anticipating a slightly easier time of it. Ankle taps seem like they’re going to be a piece of cake. They’re not. Instead of the recommended push ups on an incline, I do wussy knee ones as I have a dodgy shoulder, but other than that I stick to the exercises exactly. Arm weights are required for the shoulder fly move, but I make do with two bottles of lotion and body wash. Just call me MacGyver.
Thursday
My abs! They hurt so good. I am obviously awakening parts of my body that have been in serious hibernation mode. Today is ‘Cardio’ Day, and I go for another afternoon walk, picking up the pace to get the heart rate up.
Friday
My body is pretty much back to normal, which must mean it’s time to challenge it again. Today’s Power Up workout is a full body ‘power’ session – no slacking off allowed! There are four exercises – jump lunges (!), V sit ups, plank jacks and glute lunges – which you cycle through over six intense minutes, doing 12 reps of each exercise before moving to the next. It’s hot and sweaty, furious fun that is hard work, but over before I blow a gasket. A quick game’s a good game!
The Verdict
So, do I feel, or look, any different after doing BodyBoss? I will pre-empt this by saying it was Christmas! So my diet was far from exemplary. Far, far from exemplary. But even so, my stomach is firmer and flatter. I am positive I would see a huge difference within a few weeks of the regular program, and I definitely intend to do the full 12-weeks in the New Year. As well as ditch the plum pudding.
I loved that the workouts were fast and could be done anywhere (I did mine in my bedroom). And I’m feeling really motivated to experience the full #BossEffect in 2017!
