It feels like just yesterday that I was typing up my last fitness update, but somehow eight weeks have flown by! Back then, I was just dipping my toes into Kayla Itsines’s BBG program, starting with the beginner four-week pre-training. Fast forward to now, and I’m four weeks into the full 12-week program—and honestly, I’m loving every minute of this challenge.
Before BBG, I was already pretty consistent with my workouts, hitting the gym about 5–6 times a week. But as anyone who’s stuck with the same routine for too long knows, there comes a point when the movements start to feel robotic. I could power through sets on autopilot, barely noticing if my body was even responding. That’s exactly why BBG has been such a game changer. It shook me out of that comfort zone, demanded a different kind of focus, and in return, my body has been more responsive than it has in years.
The Beauty of a New Challenge
I think one of the best parts about starting BBG was the element of surprise. Those circuits look innocent on paper, but within minutes I’d be drenched in sweat and bargaining with myself to make it through the timer. There’s something about knowing the workout is only 28 minutes long that keeps you going—it’s intense, but it feels achievable.
Even while traveling, I’ve been able to stick with it. Just last week I was in San Miguel de Allende, and despite the change of scenery, I managed to keep up with my workouts. That’s the beauty of BBG—you don’t need an entire gym floor of equipment. A mat, some weights, and determination are usually all it takes. Being able to take that consistency with me on the road made me feel more grounded while traveling and reminded me how portable fitness can be.
Joining a Gym Again
Here’s something I didn’t expect: after years of swearing off gyms, I actually joined one again. For the longest time, I was more of a “work out at home or outdoors” person. But I have to admit, walking into a gym after so long has been refreshing. The access to equipment, the energy of people around me, even the simple act of putting on headphones and heading out—it’s been a fun change of pace.
On top of that, I’ve been working with a trainer for the first time in ages. She pushes me in ways I never push myself, which is both humbling and exhilarating. Case in point: yesterday she had me throwing around a giant sandbag and pairing it with endless squat presses. By the end, my legs felt like jelly and today I am very aware of every muscle in my body. But there’s a sense of accomplishment that comes from doing something you weren’t sure you could do—those small wins really add up.
That’s become my quiet little mantra lately: do one thing each day that I couldn’t do the day before. Sometimes that’s a heavier weight, sometimes it’s an extra rep, and sometimes it’s just not quitting when I want to. It’s very much a mind-over-matter game, and I’m starting to appreciate how much of fitness is actually about mental resilience.
The Fitness “Essentials” That Keep Me Going
Over the past couple of months, I’ve also discovered a few essentials that have made this journey infinitely better. They’re not fancy or complicated, but they’ve become things I genuinely don’t want to go without:
- A Good Mat – I underestimated this for years, but a sturdy, cushioned mat is a lifesaver when you’re doing circuits. Not only does it keep my joints happy, but it also gives me a mental “start line” every time I roll it out.
- Wireless Headphones – Music is everything when I need motivation, and the freedom of not getting tangled in cords makes all the difference. The right playlist can get me through even the toughest burpees.
- Supportive Sneakers – I used to just grab whatever pair of sneakers I had lying around, but investing in the right pair changed my workouts. My knees and ankles thank me every single day.
- Reusable Water Bottle – Hydration feels so basic, but I can’t tell you how many times I used to skip it. Now I carry a large insulated bottle everywhere, and it helps me stay on top of my water game.
- A Tote for the Gym – Since I’ve been heading to the gym again, having a dedicated bag for my gear has been surprisingly motivating. It’s like packing a little ritual that signals, “Okay, it’s time to work.”
These items may not sound life-changing, but they’ve elevated my workouts in subtle ways. Fitness is already hard enough—having the right tools makes the process a little smoother and a lot more enjoyable.
Reflecting on the Journey So Far
The last few months have reminded me of how important it is to keep challenging myself. For years, I equated consistency with repetition, but now I see the value in shaking things up. Change is uncomfortable at first, but it’s in that discomfort where the growth happens.
I’m not even halfway through the full BBG program yet, but already I can feel a shift—not just in my body, but in my mindset. Fitness isn’t about punishing myself or chasing perfection. It’s about showing up, trying something new, and proving to myself that I can do hard things.
I’m excited to see where the next few weeks take me, both with BBG and with my new gym adventures. If nothing else, I know this much: as long as I keep challenging myself, I’ll keep growing—and that’s exactly the kind of progress I want.
