Nerd Fitness Beginner Body Weight Circuit

So it's been a while since I posted anything about my ongoing fitness goals, but I've been working on it really consistently. After I did the full 30 Day Shred, I thought I would want to do another Jillian video. Unfortunately, I just wasn't seeing the results I really wanted with Jillian. It was a GREAT jumpstart, but I really want to be strong. So I decided to focus on building my strength and doing my cardio separately.

I did some research (shocking, I know!) and decided that I would strength train 2-3 times a week and do interval cardio 2-3 times a week. I've been doing one of my Leslie Sansone videos that has intervals in it for my cardio, but I needed a new strength routine. I tried doing the strength moves from Jillian without the video, but it still wasn't what I wanted.

And then I found Nerd Fitness.

I've been doing this routine (3 circuits, 2-3 times a week) for... man, maybe 6 weeks? Maybe 8? It has made SUCH a difference! I feel like my upper body just snapped into the shape I wanted in the last couple of weeks. I'm up to doing 25 pounds with the dumbbell rows, which just makes me feel ridiculously strong. And doing planks is so much better than crunches. I hate crunches. 

But I love being able to do real pushups. When I started 30 Day Shred last May, I couldn't even do 1 real pushup. Now I'm doing 30 real pushups in one workout. And if I'm not lazy between circuits, I can get the whole workout finished in under 30 minutes. This works perfectly for working out before work in the morning, and then I feel energized for the rest of the day.

I've worked up to doing all the harder moves that he talks about in the video, and believe me, it still kicks my butt. I think I'll be ready in January to move up to something even harder, but until then, this is kicking my tail! I really love that it's all body weight, so I can do it easily anywhere! I choose to do it in front of my TV, watching shows from the night before. ;)

Bonus: I kinda eat all. day. long. and I'm still shaping up like I wanted to. Strength training really helps bump up your metabolism, and I'm loving it! Of course, I'm also trying to stick to really healthy choices and whole foods and that helps with being able to eat more. I love it!

If you're looking for something to get strength training started, I would really encourage you to try this circuit! It has made a huge difference for me, and it's not too hard or confusing. Let me know if you do!