I had the opportunity to try the D28 for Life program as part of my involvement with Fitfluential. I did not receive any additional compensation. As always, all opinions are my own.
I genuinely enjoy strength training but I struggle with consistency, especially in the last few months when running has been the priority. A few days here, a week or so off, a few days there. Nothing that is enough to show or feel progress. I always *say* I want to improve but I needed to shut up and take action.
A few disclaimers: When I signed up to take part in the D28 for Life program I thought it was entirely workout based. Based on the small blurb describing the program, I didn’t know there was a dietary and supplement aspect. Due to my personal goals and lifestyle, I did not partake in the nutrition and supplement aspect. I only completed the workouts and, even then, I modified for my goals (ex: I was already running a lot so I didn’t add in the cardio segments in the workouts). Therefore, the workouts didn’t take me as long as listed on the plan. So while my experience isn’t fully comprehensive of the program, I will give my honest thoughts on the *workout* portion.
What is it?
-A home fitness program by Robert Brace
-Lasts for 28 days but provides guidance for Day 29+
-In the package I received workout DVD’s, a nutrition and recipe booklet, a motivation/journaling booklet, a calendar, and 3 jars of dietary supplements.
What I Liked:
-4 days of strength training with a focus on two to three body parts per day (ex: chest, triceps and legs; back and biceps)
-Because I cut out the cardio, it didn’t take me too long to complete (15-20 minutes maybe, I didn’t time it)
-Each exercise is shown in slow motion and with multiple variations based on fitness level
-Moves only required a pair of weights (see below for drawbacks)
What Could Be Improved:
-I like the concept of DVD’s but, and maybe I’m in the minority, I don’t keep a pair of weights in my room so I had to do the workouts in the gym. Therefore, I had to watch the videos first, write down the exercises and then do them on my own. I do have a kettle bell but these exercise required lighter dumbbells. It made the process of working out more difficult than it needed to be, in my opinion.
-On that note, I would suggest maybe having print-outs of the exercises for people like me who can’t take their laptop to the gym. Or maybe have access to videos on your phone? YouTube?
Overall, the workout portion was quick, effective and suitable of all levels of fitness. I enjoyed the chance to have more structured weight workouts and hope to continue it on my own. I say that now ;)
I just started keeping a pair of light dumbbells in my room a couple weeks ago and it’s so great! I’ll start mindlessly doing one-arm curls while studying haha! The plan sounds like a good way to help start implementing more weight workouts :)
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Q&A: Your Questions, Answered
I like that the workouts are so short (when you take out the cardio) since that is exactly what I need right now. I am slacking on my strength training because my runs have been taking up so much more time than they used to when I wasn’t training. Looks like a really cool program!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…{Friday Favorites} 10/9
I bought some (bright pink!) dumbells last weekend and have found them very useful to incorporate into some strength exercises after coming back from a run without having to face everyone in the gym.
It is good fun to mix in some short workouts but I also struggle with structure! xx
Charlotte recently posted…Currently… September 2015
Just this year I finally started keeping some weights in my apartment! Its super nice to just squeeze in some strength work after a run or to take a study break. I will watch/ re-listen to lectures from class and do some bicep curls lol! I am also not huge on supplementation from programs like these, so I don’t think I would have done those either. Strength training is so important, but I am a lover of the cardio endorphins :)
Kerri Mcgrail recently posted…WIAW: Quick, Healthy, Vegan