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Starting the BBG Workout by Kayla Itsines

An Honest Take on The First Few Weeks of The Program
Filed Under > Everyday

Starting the BBG workout

Have you heard of BBG?  It’s short for Bikini Body Guide, and it’s a high intensity interval training workout program that’s sweeping the planet one body transformation at a time.  It was created by aussie Kayla Itsines, and it’s a super effective 12-week program that’s built of short, concise exercise circuits.  I’m talking 28 minute workouts that focus on arms, abs, legs, and overall body.  And the workouts can be done just about anywhere.  

I have actually tried BBG a couple of times in the past.  But both times I fell out of the routine, lost motivation doing it by myself, and ultimately returned to group classes.  As I’ve mentioned before, I’m an avid ClassPasser.  The app allows me to try a good variety of fitness classes to keep my workout routine interesting and it caters to me if I’m in a strength training mood or a zenned out yoga mood.  

Since I had had a taste of BBG before, I was thrilled when MKR recently proposed the idea of starting BBG as a team.  I thought to myself, this was finally the time I’d stick it out and see the results I know that so, so many have seen!

I mean, it’s hard to not be impressed with the before-and-afters on Instagram.  Everyone on the team agreed that starting BBG workouts would be an exciting thing to do together, and well worth our time to get into gear and feel stronger.

After getting everyone on board, 11 team members to be exact, we decided on a few ways we’d keep everyone accountable and excited.  We settled on a group text chain, and a Google Doc form that took inventory of everyone’s exercise habits, fitness goals, body type, ages, etc.  We then created a weekly form via Google Docs that would collect everyone’s responses to the previous week’s workout. The form included questions about soreness, motivation levels, thoughts on the specific exercises and overall accountability for following the week’s recommended circuits.  This seemed to be a promising way of keeping everyone on the same page with progress.  

Our baseline survey taught us that our ages range from 20-37, with the majority of us 27-29 years old. Most of us regularly exercise 3-5 times per week, and are in moderately good shape. We have lots of yogis, runners and barre-lovers in the group, too.  Lastly, we all submitted fitness goals of becoming more confident, stronger, and more toned.  It was refreshing to see so many responses about strength rather than weight and lbs! 

So how has it been going?!  Everyone was really gung-ho about the program in the first two weeks.  We encouraged each other on our group text thread, sent photos and videos for a quick laugh and support, and really just felt like we were going somewhere with the workout plan. It was unanimous that burpees were the worst exercise imaginable, though jump lunges and commandos were up there too. We were all sore, but we also reveled in the feeling of comradery as we suffered together. 

But ever since the first few weeks, we’ve definitely had fallout.  Responses in our weekly progress Google Doc have lessened, and the group text is almost all crickets these days.  I personally suffered a minor injury and fell out of routine as I rested before a 10-day hiking trip.  And I know I can speak for the group in saying that it was difficult to adhere to the exact schedule that’s laid out in the guide.  The guide leads you to do at least three HIIT sessions throughout the week, with recommendations for cardio exercise on other days.  Since we had a group doing it together, we all felt a little guilty whenever we’d miss the workout that day.

So why the fallout?  People didn’t have enough time.  Some of us had minor injuries.  Some of us attended other workout classes and wanted them to “count” for the BBG workout that day.  Some of us just really preferred other ways of working out!  Whatever the reasons were, it felt like life in general just got in the way of the very specific schedule.  And after missing one or two of the workouts, it was ridiculously easy to throw the towel in and quit altogether.

From seeing the team’s responses, and in talking to everyone, I think the hardest struggle here is in consistency and the battle we all have in our minds with ourselves.  There were times when we made ourselves feel down, discouraged and guilty for not sticking to the schedule.  But after reading posts by BBG loyalists and many success stories, I think the main thing we need to keep in mind is that the program is flexible. We just need to do the three HIIT workouts sometime throughout the week.  And sometimes it may be harder than others, but we just need to get it done.

A few of us are still hanging in there.  We’re feeling stronger overall, but a lot of us haven’t seen any dramatic results just yet.  As we approach Week 6, we’ll admit that may have missed some workouts but we still DO want to stay strong and complete the guide.  We’re trying to fight the temptation to quit because we want to tackle this challenge.  We’d love to know: any BBGers out there?  What struggles have you faced while doing the program?  Do you have any tips or suggestions for our team?  Thank you!  Cheers, Kat

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Photography, Haley Sheffield for Waiting on Martha

Serenbe Harvest…Part III

Filed Under > Entertaining


Sometimes on a shoot with so many moving pieces it’s just easiest to dress yourself and smile for the camera.  Or that’s what I at least thought.  The dressing myself part was pretty easy.  I say pretty easy because if you remember this shoot happened in June and trying to pull for fall in the middle of a Southern summer…well that was a challenge.  Luckily my go-to, Bloomingdales at Lenox solved that problem.  However, I will never be the “model” in a shoot I’m styling or running again.  Talk about craziness.  Complete and utter craziness.  Though I did get to wear the most gorgeous flower crown my Gertie Mae’s so technically it was worth it.  Happy Thursday Loves, I hope you’ve enjoyed my little welcome to fall (Part I, Part II, Video).  truly, MKR

P.S. We’re giving away a Zac by Zac Posen bag (up to a $450 retail value)…enter HERE.

It takes an army…

Concept & Styling:  Mandy Kellogg Rye of Waiting On Martha, Inc.

Photography:  Rustic White Photography

Florals:  Gertie Mae’s Florals 

Clothing & Jewelry:  Bloomingdales at Lenox  All Saints jacket  ||  BCBG Max Azria Dress  ||  Sam Edelman Boots  ||  Michael Kors & Kate Spade bracelets, Michael Kors ring

Blanket:  Hermes

Pillows:  Jonathan Adler initial pillows, Restoration Hardware faux fur pillows, One Kings Lane “Merlot” pillow

Location:  Serenbe

Makeup:  Brielle Brenner

Hair:  MichelleMcCoy of Vidal Sassoon

Nails:  Essie wicked + gold glitter polish on the party nail

 

The Best Father’s Day Gifts to Treat Dad This Year

10 Sure-Fire Ways to Spoil Pops This Year
Filed Under > Everyday

Best Father's Day gifts on Waiting on Martha

It can sure be hard to seed through the best Father’s Day gifts!  Just like shopping for Dad during Christmas, finding great Father’s Day gifts prove to be quite the challenge.  Maybe it’s because he has refined tastes, but more likely it’s because he’s done a heck of a lot for you over the years and finding one item to sum up your thanks isn’t easy.  But we’ve simplified the process for you this year; show Dad some love this Father’s Day with anything on this list; I’ve dubbed these items the best Father’s Day gifts around.

From retro-redefined bluetooth headphones to the ultimate manual for aspiring outdoorsmen and a keepsake glass decanter and glass set, there’s something on this list for every father.  And if those aren’t enough inspiration, I’ve included a dozen more great gift ideas in the scrolling widget below.  Tell me, what are you eyeing for Dad this year? Cheers, Kat

P.S. Browse our entire Father’s Day gift collection at Waiting on Martha Home HERE. xo 

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How to Stay Alive in the Woods

Waiting on Martha Home, $19.99

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Is Dad an aspiring outdoorsman?  No matter how much experience he has in the wilderness, he’ll get a kick out of this practical and indispensable guide.  

YETI Hopper 20 Portable Cooler

Amazon, $200

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YETI has proven to be the master of high-quality, must-have coolers, and this specific model is perhaps its best yet.  It’s more portable than your average rolling tub, and it can easily fit a 12-pack and snacks for a day on the lake. 

Hand Engraved Father Decanter & Glass Set

Waiting on Martha Home, $95

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If Dad appreciates the finer things in life, why not treat him to this keepsake decanter and glass set?  He’ll enjoy remembering this Father’s Day gift for years to come. 

Marshall Major II Bluetooth Headphones

East Dane, $150

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Odds are, Pops showed you a thing or two when it came to music back in the day.  Celebrate his mutual love for good tunes with this retro-redefined set of bluetooth headphones from none only than Marshall. 

Tie One On Tie Clip

Waiting on Martha, $18

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Step up your standard tie gift with this catchy tie clip from Waiting on Martha Home!  It’s a great addition to his go-to business casual. 

How to Make a Nation: A Monacle Guide

East Dane, $60

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We’ve always been big fans of the Monacle series, and we’re especially taken by this one in particular.  The book explores different countries that know how to build a perfect embassy, design a modern parliament and engage with international organizations. Have Dad learn about nations that have modernized their armed forces, preserve and enhance their cultures, and even created a home-grown national brand.

Malt Whisky: The Complete Guide

Waiting on Martha Home, $19.50

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If Dad’s a whisky man, he’ll love having this comprehensive guide take up real estate on the coffee table.  Bonus points if you gift him his bottle of choice with the book!

MiiR Howler Insulated Bottle 32 oz.

East Dane, $39.95

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You can’t beat having a proper water bottle, especially when it comes insulated.  This one is nothing but practical, sleek and perfect for him to take with him just about anywhere. 

Wood Face Glasses Holder

Waiting on Martha Home, $17.50

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We’re sure he’ll love this bestseller gift from the shoppe; it’s quirky, yet refined, and extremely useful.  

'Flex 2' Wireless Activity & Sleep Wristband

Nordstrom, $59.95

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Support Dad’s active life with this simple activity and sleep tracker.  It’s not as noticeable or in-your-face as other models.  And it’s pretty fun to geek out over its insights! 

Featured image via Waiting on Martha Home

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