My personal fitness goals and routines have changed so much over the course of this blog’s lifespan. In the early days, I still had a gym membership, looooved and thrived on group classes (I still miss you, BodyPump!), and even dabbled in personal training, even though I later realized that it just wasn’t for me.
A couple of years later, I scaled way back on my fitness routines after being diagnosed with Hypothalamic Amenorrhea.
During and after both of my pregnancies, I tried to remain active, but really had no rhyme or reason as to what I was doing. Sometimes I would go weeks or months without a workout in sight; other times, I’d get a pretty good stretch and think hey, mayyyybe this is it…maybe this is when I’ll get my “mojo” back!?
Honestly, I’d say it probably wasn’t until about April of this year (so, about 5 years later from initially being so involved in fitness) when I just started to WANT to make fitness a priority again. And I emphasize want because, in the past, it usually felt like more of a self-imposed need. I “needed” to get a workout in just so I’d feel better for the day, work off those cookies, yadda yadda…you know the drill.
These days, it’s a want because, well, I want to be doing it! The boys are older, they’re (usually) sleeping well, and I’ve been able to recommit to my early morning workouts (long time readers may remember this is my jam, and if it’s not done first thing, it’s likely not going to happen!). I just. feel. good.
So most mornings, this is my fancy workout space (with my laptop propped up on the random storage bin we have sitting there right now).
For a long time, I was an avid YouTube workout video gal. I’ve actually shared many of my favorites in the past, which you can see here:
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6 YOUTUBE WORKOUTS I’M PLAYING ON REPEAT
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5 FREE WORKOUT VIDEOS I’M LOVING RIGHT NOW
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SECOND TRIMESTER FITNESS IS GREAT + WORKOUTS I’M LOVING
All of those videos are still awesome and definitely still bookmarked on my computer, but I was in need of something different. I needed a change!
A few of you wound up commenting on the blog (thank you!!!) about the workout programs from Fitness Blender. I had seen some of their videos come up on YouTube searches (all of their individual videos are free!), but never realized they put together different programs. After checking them out and seeing how affordable they were ($9.99, or $14.99 at most!) I decided to give one a shot.
When it comes to working out, I would 100% rather lift weights than run on a treadmill (or outside). I absolutely love lifting weights, so that’s what prompted me to try the 4 Week FB Strong program. The emphasis on this program is all about building lean muscle and increasing strength/endurance, so I had a feeling it would be right up my alley.
AND IT WAS.
Early last week, I completed my first round of the 4 week program and I absolutely loved it. Here are a few highlights…
- I had NOTHING to try and figure out each morning since the workouts were all laid out for me and ready to go. This was HUGE because I’d often wake up early, get ready, and then spend 5-
10 minutes browsing through my saved videos to see what sounded good. Total time waste!
- The program has a different workout every day, so there’s always something new!
- There are 5 active days, 1 “optional” active recovery day, and 1 rest day each week. You can adjust your personal calendar as needed if you need to skip a day, add an extra rest day, etc. Super easy.
- The FB Strong program typically had an upper body day, lower body day, core day, HIIT, and total body strength day each week – an awesome mix!
- The workouts themselves are SO good. They’re quick (a max of 45 minutes, usually around 35ish), effective, and functional. Some of them left me SO sore (in a great way), and I love how they give an explanation for why each workout was chosen per day.
- I actually like how the videos have no music to them, so I usually just blast the Pop & Hip-Hop Power Workouts station on Pandora.
- It’s been awesome to see my ability to lift heavier as I’ve continued on with the program. The amount of weight I use ranges quite a bit, depending on the type of workout, with anything from 3lbs to 35lbs. I’m usually good with what is seen here, but occasionally on lower body workouts I’m able to really bump it up in weight for things like deadlifts, etc., so I break into Jay’s weights for those.
Plus, since the program is yours to keep forever once you purchase, you can repeat the program however often you like. And since I loved it so much the first time around, I decided to start it over again at the beginning of this week.
I’m really excited to go through round 2 and see my strength and endurance (hopefully!) continue to improve. If you’re in the market for something to switch up your own workout routines (and you’re an at-home workout kinda person like me) then definitely check out their programs – they have all sorts of different ones to choose from!
Kelli Rudolph says
We are so similar sometimes, it’s scary! I have taken exactly 5 years “off” from fitness, too. I have dabbled and done workouts here and there and just like you – it was more because I felt I needed to. And now I am actually wanting to get back into it. My youngest also just turned 2 and I am feeling like we’re past the baby stage and it’s time to get back in the groove. I have been thinking about doing Fitness Blender for the free videos. But I didn’t realize they had programs to purchase. This 4 week one sounds awesome … I did have one question … if you can’t get in all 5 days in the week can you just bump the workouts ahead? I don’t want to purchase it and then miss workouts because I had to take a day off here or there unplanned or because we were going on vacation or something. Thanks for your help!
Courtney says
YES!! I usually try to do my rest days on Sundays and Thursdays, so I just shift things around on my calendar to accommodate that. Super easy!!
Jen says
My eyes light up as I was reading this post. This was perfect timing as I was wanting to start working out again and didn’t want to do the treadmill. Thank you so much for sharing. Great post. You rock girl!!!!
Cara says
I love fitness blender! I was working out a ton with them just before I got pregnant and a bit throughout my pregnancy. Now that I am postpartum and just getting back in to fitness, I am def in the in between. Some days it all works out and I get a workout in and some weeks pass by without more than a walk. I’m hoping to do on of their programs in the coming months as things even out a bit because I found them to just be the perfect mix of everything. So glad you found them too!
Jamie says
Yay! I’m one who commented back when you posted looking for workouts about fitness blender and I’m so glad to see you like it! I’ve purchased so many programs from them and haven’t been disappointed yet. Their workouts are why I workout—I’m addicted to them! I also love their approach to fitness and health.
I’ve been kind of a “ghost” reader for about as long as you’ve been a blogger–I’m not a commenter but my passion for fitness blender is real!
I enjoy your blog and your realness! So thank you!
Katie says
Hi Jamie,
Was wondering if you knew if their programs (specifically the one Courtney talked about) was higher reps and longer sets like BodyPump or lower? I really want to do this but need to buy dumbbells and don’t know which weights to buy. Thanks!
Jamie says
Hi Katie,
The workouts are usually between 8-10 reps.
I bought Powerblock adjustable weights which is what they use and I love them. There’s so many exercises that I need different weights for that the adjustable ones were such a good investment. You really need nothing else to do any of their workouts—but I would say I never use weights above 20 pounds for the exercises if that helps.
They do have a bodyweight only program too if you wanted to just test out a program before buying weights. Although, their programs with weights are really good!
Katie says
Thanks! Got some on prime day and heading to buy the program now :)
Shashaqueefa says
I try to work out but i eventually end up in our pantry with our pet raccoon eating Nilla Wafers and Smuckers strawberry jelly! You look fab Court!
Fiona MacDonald says
I’m so glad you’ve been loving FB!!! I found it after i had ACL surgery and I’ve never looked back! I have tried other programs but just love how they focus SO much on form over speed or trying to get more exercises in. Plus I love them together and that they do this mostly for free!!!
Can’t wait to start the Strong program! :)
April Hayes says
This is a very important article, thank you for it. What do you think about the combination of exercise and supplements? I would like to pay attention to such a brand as Raw Science, it is young, but judging by amazon, we have a lot of positive reviews.
April Hayes says
This is a very important article, thank you for it. What do you think about the combination of exercise and supplements? I would like to pay attention to such a brand as Raw Science (https://rawsci.com/), it is young, but judging by amazon, we have a lot of positive reviews.