Bikini Body Makeover Week 1: Recap

Today marks the end of my first week trying out Fitness Magazine's Bikini Body Makeover. The 4 week program promises to get you bikini shape by combining an eating plan with cardio and strength training workouts.

To be honest, I hardly followed the plan that was outlined. Instead, I decided to take the main idea of Week 1 and make it work for me. Let's break it down.

Workout:

The original plan suggests three days of 30 minutes of cardio along with two-three days of toning exercises.

 I ended up doing cardio for three days out of the week but instead of running for 30 straight minutes at varied interval levels, I counted my elliptical sessions, walking around campus, and weekend dance marathons as part of the cardio component. Judging by the shear exhaustion I felt Friday morning after Thursday's visit to the local dance spot I think everything evened out.

I followed the strength training section for the most part, but ended up doing both cardio and half of the strength training exercises in one day instead of splitting it up. Despite this, I think the strength training exercises are one of the best parts of this exercise plan. The exercises are very detailed, easy to complete, and well-rounded. I felt sore the next day!

Eating Plan:

The original plan suggests to consume three meals along with two snacks that equal 1,500 calories.

I did not follow the eating plan at all. I used to count calories religiously and the thought of having to do it again sounded torturous. Although I think watching one's calorie intake is important, I feel like I already have a good grasp on the amount of calories I need. It very rarely goes over 1,500. Also, I am a snack machine. Most of the time, I eat 6 mini meals rather than three large meals. I stuck with this and think it worked out just fine.

Overall, I think this exercise plan has great potential. I just haven't experienced it yet. I fully support the idea of making fitness and healthy lifestyle changes that work with your life, but I plan to follow the outline closer in this next week. I want to review the plan as it is presented, in order to fully grasp whether or not I think it's sufficient. During week two, I plan to follow the workout schedule closer and try the eating plan for a day or two just to see what happens.

Stay tuned for updates! For more information on the Bikini Body Makeover check out the website!