RIPPED IN 30

Yesterday I started a new workout program. I love going to the gym and lifting heavy, and I loved doing the LiveFit trainer, but right now I need a program that will fit into my kickboxing schedule and traveling with work. So, I did a bit of research and you know me, I always love a bit of Jillian Michaels. I loved her 30-day shred program, which together with running, helped me lose my last 15 kg/33 pounds on my weight loss journey. No gym. Just running with Murphy and 30-day shred. And not long ago she came out with a newer, similar version called Ripped in 30, so I figured I'd give it a go.

She has divided each weekly program into 3 circuits and it's 3 divisions into each circuit: 3 min strength, 2 min cardio and 1 min abs. There's 4 weeks of different workout programs and they get harder and harder as the weeks go by. So, I started week 1 yesterday and man did I sweat! I like to consider myself as pretty fit by now and have good cardio ability, but because most of the moves are combo moves (i.e. one sequence incorporates more than one movement, for example squat and then dumbbell shoulder press, or lunge with dumbell biceps curl, etc.) my heart rate was really high at the same time as I was working resistance. And there is no rest for 30 min. Hence the sweating! And the sore buttocks!

Think I will really like Ripped in 30. I like week 1 program so far anyway. Good start! There is a meal plan with this program as well, if you're interested, but I already have a good diet so don't feel I need it.

LIVEFIT UPDATE

Lately, I haven't been able to update how the LiveFit trainer by Jamie Eason is going for me. I can tell you that after week 5 I was looking and feeling much more toned in muscle definition than what I usually am and I was getting stronger too, however with traveling to London and soon beginning the travels with work, my LiveFit trainer experience will have to come to an end... this time anyway. I need to find something which is better suited for my lifestyle at the moment and that I can incorporate easier to my other workout schedule, kickboxing and instructing my gym classes. I'll let you know what I decide so I can bring you along on my trip. If you have suggestions I'd love to hear them. :)

LIVEFIT WEEK 4

It was so worth me taking a rest day yesterday because this morning I felt strong and revving to go, to start this fabulous week! First on my workout schedule this week was Back and Biceps. Remember last week when I was feeling so week? None of that today. I was ripping through the workout and it felt great. I really worked on isolating the muscles and feeling them work. Total focus!

Here's my workout for today:
Hammer strength lat pull
Pull-ups
Seated narrow-grip cable row
T-bar row
Back extensions
BB biceps curl
Incline DB curl
Alternating hammer curls

Jamie Eason with some nice looking back muscles. 

ODE TO AMINO ENERGY

I can't live without my amino acids! I usually take only a scoop of my Optimum Nutrition Amino Energy just before my morning workout, and what a difference it makes!! It's like turning the light switch on in my body and mind. I thought I could live without it, but yesterday's zombie workout proved me wrong. (I use Fruit Fusion pictured above. Yum!)

Today I bombarded chest and triceps. And I still follow Jamie Eason's Livefit 12-week training plan, which is going to be interesting to see the results of once I'm on day 84. Today was day 17. I usually follow the workouts to the letter, but because of my active training schedule on the side I will have to make slight changes. This morning's weights workout was followed by aThai Kickboxing session tonight.

Here's my workout for today, chest and triceps:

Wide push-ups
BWx10/BWx10/BWx10
Incline DB chest press
10kgx10/10x10/11x10
Flat bench DB chest flyes
7kgx10/7x10/7x10
Standing cable flyes
10kgx10/10x10/15x10
Triceps bench dips, feet up
BWx10/BWx10/BWx10
Lying BB triceps extensions
10kgx10/10x10/10x10
DB triceps kickbacks
4kgx10/4x10/5x10
OH triceps extensions w plate
10kgx10/15x9/15x9
Cable 1-arm triceps extension
5kgx10/10x10/10x10

KICKBOXING CLUB SORTED

I have done it! After weeks of researching and checking out different clubs, I have finally picked one I want to join where I will be training kickboxing again. I got a really good deal and I'm very excited! First training is tonight, Monday night. Have no idea how this is going to sync with my 12-week LiveFit plan by Jamie Eason, since I'm really not supposed to do cardio the first 4 weeks. I start week 3 today. Oh well, I suppose it can't be that bad. Hopefully, it will only accelerate me getting ripped! Yeah baby!

Now, gotta get me some sleep so I can get up early and start my productive week by hitting the gym. Leg time!

DAY 11 LIVEFIT

Day 11 of Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer plan and I did shoulders and abs as you can see from my mobile screen shot. Didn't feel super strong, but I got through it. According to the plan, I am supposed to relax for 3 days now, but because I have 3 group training classes to teach on Saturday, it's just not possible rest. But I'm sure the cardio won't hurt my body either. After all, I'll be resting tomorrow and Sunday, beside all my walks with my doggie.

From what I can see, next week will be a mix-up in the LiveFit workout schedule. Very exciting! Will keep you updated on the progress.

JAMIE EASON 12-WEEK PLAN

Jamie Eason

Last Monday I started a new workout plan in pursuit of pushing my body to the next level. Since I lost all my overweight pounds, I have kept my weight at a steady level for about 2 years and I have slowly been trying to build more and more muscle. But this time I really want to try to get ripped and lose those last vanity pounds. Have no idea if I can, but I want to try.

One of the persons I admire in the fitness industry is Jamie Eason and I look to her for inspiration, recipes and tips. I stumbled over her LiveFit 12-week Trainer Plan on bodybuilding.com and thought I'd give it a go. I already have a healthy diet so it's not so much my food that needs tweeking, besides the fact that I'm now adding more carbs to my meals, but it's more my strength training regime that has been changed. Being a Fitness Instructor on the side doesn't make it easy for me NOT to have cardio the first 4 weeks, so unfortunately that is something I have to deviate from in the plan.

Here's my workout results for today, Chest and Triceps:

It's going to be interesting to see how my strength and body develops over the 12 weeks. Very interesting! Hope you'll enjoy the journey as well.