Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer - Completed!

I did it! DONE! I just finished Phase 3 of Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer.

Here's my recap of the first half of the program: http://wwwmindovermayo.blogspot.com/2015/11/halfway-update-jamie-easons-livefit.html

During the second half of Phase 2, I really started noticing results. I cleaned up my diet a bit more and corrected my macros (more protein). I noticed that I leaned out a bit more and my strength capacity was increased. It was great! I probably enjoyed Phase 2 the most out of all the phases.

I started Phase 3 right along with the holidays. Thanksgiving and multiple Christmas celebrations throughout December were rough on me nutrition-wise. Also, I really didn't like the workouts in Phase 3. Instead of building on the strength that I worked on in Phase 2, I felt like I was taking a step back.

Phase 3 includes way too much static cardio - in my opinion anyway. 30-60 minutes doing static cardio multiple days per week is not the most efficient way to workout. And, instead of increasing weights, Eason increases reps and number of exercises. For instance, you'll do a workout comprised of 10-12 lifts focused only on one or two muscle groups to exhaust the muscles. For each exercise, Eason asks that you do at least 10 reps - sometimes 20 reps - for 3 sets. This means, she wants you to exhaust the muscles by endurance, not by strength.

Again, I'm not saying she's wrong. Look at her! She obviously knows what she's talking about. But, for me, I like to lift heavy doing more sets, but shorter sets. And, I like HIIT workouts rather than long cardio workouts. It's just my preference.

That said, I really liked the second half of Phase 3. Eason incorporated complexes and I really enjoyed those workouts. Again, the cardio was too long and boring for me, especially because I already walk about five miles per day and I stand most of the day at work, which is above and beyond my gym time.

Overall, I'm so happy that I challenged myself with this program. I did a lot of workouts outside of my comfort zone, built strength and endurance and saw results! I could definitely see myself doing this workout again, but I'd probably incorporate some of my own modifications so I could enjoy it a bit more.

For my next workout plan, I really wanted to incorporate complexes because I really enjoyed doing them. So, I'll be lifting six days a week again doing two upper body workouts, two lower body workouts and two complexes each week. One rest day! For cardio, I'll incorporate two-three HIIT workouts each week, continue walking at least five miles a day and getting in my NEAT. And, now that the holidays are over, I'll have a much easier time cleaning up my nutrition.

Looking forward to 2016!

Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer - Phase 1 Completed!

I've been reading about Jamie Eason's LiveFit Trainer for quite some time now. It's always been one of those workouts that I thought I would do when I "had time" or wasn't training for something else like a road race.

Most of the time I write my own workout plans because I've been lifting for 10 years now and I've learned to put together workouts. Plus, I know the lifts that I like, that work for me and the equipment I have to work with at my gym.

 

But, my bike is stored for the winter, race season is over for me and I needed a refreshed lifting workout. It was time! I just finished Phase 1 and I started Phase 2 today! Here's my assessment so far:

 

What I did according to plan:

• The workouts themselves. I did every exercise prescribed except for a few that I just didn't have the equipment. For those, I substituted easily.
• The order of the workouts each week.
• The number of workouts per week. The first two weeks require 4 workouts and the second two weeks 5 workouts.

 

What I deviated from:

• The days I did the workouts. The plan asks that you do all 4 or 5 workouts in a row. Some weeks that just didn't pan out for me and I had to swap one of my weekend rest days.
• The diet. For the most part, I'm already eating as the diet calls for. I track calories and macros every day and stick to that as close as possible. That said, I always give myself a free meal every week, which she doesn't. I cut down alcohol significantly, but not 100%.
• She asks you not to do cardio for the first phase. I didn't do any cardio in the gym, but I usually walk 10K steps per day and I stand at my desk all day long. I also biked and hiked for recreation. I can't help it! :) But, really I did more NEAT than cardio.

 

What I liked:

• The workouts themselves are great and easy to follow. And, did I mention FREE?!?! I tend to write full body workouts for myself. It was nice to concentrate on one or two areas per workout for a change.
• In the first 4 weeks I lost 3 pounds and I feel stronger. I notice a difference working my muscles differently.

 

What I don't like:

• No supersets. I'm not much for resting in between sets. I always like to superset two exercises, so I created my own supersets within her workouts.
• When people hog the bench and I need it :) But, that is an issue beyond this workout plan.

 

Honestly, I really like this workout. I'm a bit challenged with keeping up 5-6 days a week, but I will make the time to do it!