What is “Hype” Workout?
I keep using this term “Hype Workout” and I’m not entirely sure that you guys know what I mean – because it’s not a technical term.
My Journey
Back in 2014 I landed my first job out of college and was looking for a great way to get in shape. This was the same year that Kayla Itsines came out with her Bikini Body Guide (BBG) program in e-book form. For those of you who are unaware her workout program is 12 weeks, alternates between cardio and circuit workouts. Her circuit workouts are basically two circuits that you do for 7 minutes each and then repeat them. You can find more about her programs here.
Many other Bikini Body Hype workouts (Tone it Up, Ashy Bines Squad, Jenn Farrugia, etc.) were also starting to flourish at this same time. I decided to give Kayla’s BBG program a try. Basically, I made it to week 6 and then made the humiliating decision that it was too hard. So I quit.
Now if any of you girls are like me, this is probably a similar story to your fitness journey. You try something because there’s a lot of hype around it, get pumped to stick with it for 4 – 6 ish weeks and then the excitement fades and you go back to your monotonous treadmill life.
If you read my post on surprising statistics about fitness programs and resolutions then you’ll know that this is extremely common!
So what is a Hype Workout?
When I refer to a Hype Workout I’m talking about programs just like BBG, Jamie Eason’s Live Fit, P90X, etc. Generally, routines that get you PUMPED about working out for a few weeks and then you get to the end of it (if you actually stick with it) and have no idea how to continue! Do you repeat the same program again and up the weights? Do you look for an entirely new program? How would you even know if that next program would push you farther? How do you change your diet to fit with your new program if you decide to take on another?
SO MANY QUESTIONS!!!!
How do you address all these questions?!?!
This is a really good question! I’m actually going to be writing an entire series on this exact problem (so you’ll have to wait for all of the details – but here’s the summary of how to do it!)
- Educate yourself on healthy eating – that’s right, dig into those macros (mentioned in my previous “Good Diet” series – first part linked here)
- Educate yourself on workout styles – some of this is trial and error and some of it is just a lot of googling. There are LOTS of patterns in hype workouts
- Educate yourself on resources – guys the internet is your oyster. Even some hype workout programs have an app that has instructions for each exercise! EAT THIS STUFF UP LIKE IT’S MADE OF ICE CREAM (or whatever your favorite food is…)
- If you want the program to stick then DON’T treat it just as a way to get “bikini ready.” I know I keep mentioning BBG, but it’s a really well-known program and THOUSANDS of women around the world have turned it into a lifestyle because they no longer saw the program as a “quick fix” to their health problems.
- All of these programs are guides – not the law! Fit the program to your needs and abilities! Modify, modify, modify!
- Listen to your body. I threw my back out last month (I had never injured myself during a workout before this) and I have to tell you it was because I pushed myself too hard and didn’t listen to my body. Just be careful and be aware of what you’re doing!
- It’s OK to fall off the bandwagon. Got a trip to the south of France coming up? GO TO FRANCE. I mean obviously try to fit in some healthy activities, but you can always start again. I know that it can be daunting to think about stopping and starting again, but we all need to get over that fear – it’s not that hard I promise!
- LOVE YOU FOR YOU!!!!!! Quit pinching your bodies and analyzing your skin rolls. You are beautiful – each and every one of you!
Anyways, stay tuned for more info on each of these steps in my series!
As always, thanks for reading!
Love,
Francesca Nicole
