This week I took it easy and did Beachbody PiYo every couple of days. Because of the jetlag I was off balance and exhausted so I didn’t do as much as I have in prior weeks. I will be jumping back into the routine this week and restarting at Week 4. Here is a look at the plan:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
15 minutes cardio + Sweat
Core
Buns
15 minutes cardio + Drench
Rest
Strength Intervals
Sweat
In addition to working out I am trying to drink more water. I have purchased a HydroJug to help me track my water intake and to make sure I am doing better. Naturally, I am not someone who drinks water regularly so my hope is that I get serious on this health journey and my HydroJug is a tool to help me reach my hydration goals. I will post more about my HydroJug and progress in the future!
(This is a non affiliate post and based solely on my personal experience using the Beachbody PiYo program developed by Chalene Johnson. Results may vary.)
Things stepped up this week in my PiYo program. I started a few new workouts that were brand new to me and pushed me to new limits. I really noticed changes in my strength, flexibility and the way clothes fit especially in my core and thighs.
I’m still in England and trying to fit workouts around our very busy schedule during the trip. I missed ONE day of PiYo this week and am proud of that accomplishment. Each day has been packed full and so even on the day I missed I logged 18,000 steps. The pedestrian lifestyle of England is really enhancing my workouts which is great because I’m not able to perfect the PiYo diet while abroad (although I am really trying!)
I started this program with very little flexibility. I was a distance runner in my younger days which is horrible for flexibility training. It takes me a little longer to work up to some of the poses because of that, but this week I was able to do more and see some payoff because of my consistency. Part of the appeal of PiYo for me is the low impact movements and the ability to customize poses based on your needs. Earlier in the program I was more apt to modify the poses, but I can complete and entire regiment without modifications now which proves that things are going well.
Here’s a look at a flexibility feat from this week:
In this pose, the leg on the floor should be slightly bent to allow for a crouching push up when I fold at the hips.
Some observations from Week 4:
-Some of the poses that were originally really difficult are easier than before.
-I am getting better at holding tension poses for longer and keeping my feet flexed whenever my legs are in the air.
-I did a set of 10 regular push-ups for the first time EVER!
-Downward Dog can be a resting pose.
-I need to honor my RIGHT NOW and not worry so much about missing a workout…and then GO HARD on the days when I’m able to work out.
You can check out posts from previous weeks below:
This week things continue to step-up and poses and tension get more intense. I’ve previewed the days that lie ahead and I anticipate some sore buns and legs coupled with sculpted muscles and core. I can’t wait to continue to share my progress with you!
(This is a non affiliate post and based solely on my personal experience using the Beachbody PiYo program developed by Chalene Johnson. Results may vary.)
Just shy of the middle of the program, I am starting to get addicted to the feeling of satisfaction that comes from finishing each workout. Each day I work harder than the one before, but I am seeing results in my energy level, strength, balance, and weight loss.
This all goes to show that all it takes is 20-30 minutes a day to make a difference when you are consistent. About this time I usually begin to fall off of most workout or diet plans, but I’m feeling the benefits and hoping to stick it out to the end of the 8 week program.
One thing that has been a little harder now that we have been released from quarantine is maintaining the PiYo diet. I do my best, but not being in my own house (or country) keeps me from being fully in charge of the menu. However, I have tried my best to make wise decisions when options are available.
Some observations from Week 3:
– There really are no “easy days” anymore. Each workout now is pretty intense.
– Every day there is a different muscle group focus and my favorite are the days when I work on my core.
– I found my first Strength Intervals workout to be really difficult. My legs shook the entire time because they are not used to being so engaged and exhausted.
-My cravings for sweets are really letting up and I am drinking more water.
You can check out the earlier weeks of my PiYo recaps here:
I look forward to continue to share my progress with you. I am proud of what I have accomplished thus far. Let me know if you have ever done PiYo or any other Beachbody classes. I am interested in hearing others’ testimonies for how these programs improved your fitness level and growth mentality.
(This is a non affiliate post and based solely on my personal experience using the Beachbody PiYo program developed by Chalene Johnson. Results may vary.)
As I increased the rigor of my workouts this week I was met by the challenge of simultaneously experiencing jetlag from travel to England. For the first 8 days of the trip I am required to quarantine at my in law’s home. As far as finding time to work out, I am without excuse. I am pleased to say that the only day I did not work out during this second week was the day of my flight–which would’ve been quite impossible really. I did, however, complete some of my standard flight exercises to keep the blood flowing and logged over 10,000 airport steps navigating three different airports.
In my Week 1 post, I give more details about PiYo and the meal plans that accomodate the daily exercises. This time, I want to share with you the workout calendar for the entire 8 week program.
Major observations of this second week of PiYo:
-Sweat workouts were appropriately named as completing those high intensity regimens made me sweat more profusely than any workout I’ve done in a long time.
-The day after my flight I found it difficult to balance my body and so I struggled most on that day.
– I am doing my best to fit my workouts in every day while in England, but it has been challenging due to being in quarantine with all of my in-laws in the house and kiddos who need a lot of entertaining.
– It is also more challenging to eat according to a meal plan while away from your own kitchen and familiar foods.
-The 20-45 minute workouts each day have improved my attitude and outlook each day.
Now that I am nearly out of quarantine and settling into a routine in England I hope it will be easier to work out each day for the remainder of the trip. I don’t recommend starting a new program prior to a month abroad, but I’m determined to show that it isn’t impossible to stick with it when your health is such a high priority!
The Ameri Brit Mom 