GF8WG first week impressions
(I was feelin’ my nails when I took these photos…)
If you follow me on Twitter you may have seen my obsession with the #GF8WG hashtag. That’s because last week I started doing a new workout programme created by the amazing Grace Fit UK. After successfully completing one week of the programme, I wanted to share my first impressions and progress with you.
I chose Grace’s plan because I’ve been lacking structure in the gym for a while now and not seeing the results I want. Grace has been one of my key fitness inspirations over the past year (read my post here) and I hardly needed any convincing to purchase the plan. It was £35 for the 8-week workout plan and there was the option to buy a programme than included recipes for an extra £5. Grace’s programme comes in a lot cheaper than competitors like LDN Muscle (their bikini plan is around £80) so I thought it was well worth the money.
What’s in the #GF8WG programme?
The programme is split into legs, arms & chest, booty, shoulders & back, abs & cardio, and there are also upper body and lower body finishers to add to the end of your workout. There are two workouts for each split and you do them repeatedly for one month before swapping to the next month’s workout.
For example, I train legs workout one every Monday for four weeks, then swap to legs workout two for the other four weeks. You train for five days a week and have two rest days. This does sound quite strict but the programme does emphasise that you should listen to your body and take extra days rest if you need to.
First impressions
I’m absolutely loving the programme! I’m not going to lie, it is very hard work. I wouldn’t recommend it for a complete beginner to fitness because it is exhausting.
Omg #GF8WG girlies, don’t do arms and chest in your lunch hour ???
— Hannah Louise (@HannahGetsHench) January 10, 2017
I had to keep my sports bra on and go back to work because my arms were too shaky to change into my regular bra ?? #GF8WG
— Hannah Louise (@HannahGetsHench) January 10, 2017
The exercises are all strength based and the plan includes very little cardio. This is the first time I’ve embarked on a weight dominated plan and I’ll admit I was worried that I wouldn’t be getting a good workout by eliminating my trusty cross-trainer. You know when you’re not drenched in sweat you don’t feel like you’ve worked out as hard? However, that’s not the case and I am KNACKERED by the time I finish a full Grace workout. I’m not enjoying having doms every day in places I never knew existed, but I’m hoping that will improve as I get stronger and more familiar with the moves.
Confidence
Even though it’s only been a week, following the Grace Fit UK programme has massively improved my confidence lifting weights and using the equipment in the gym.
First, it’s given me a structured plan to follow so I know exactly what to do and for how many sets/reps. I’m really enjoying doing splits on specific days as it feels a lot more efficient than training random body parts like I was doing.
Secondly, it’s taught me to be more confident in the ‘intimidating’ parts of the gym, aka the scary heavy weights section filled with huge men. I still do feel a bit intimidated walking into that section, and I’m sure I do look silly when I can’t complete a full set on the bench press using only the bar (it’s 20kg), but whatever, I’m still using the bench press and that’s pretty amazing!!
I may have looked like an idiot with my resistance band and I can’t walk down the stairs anymore, but day 1 of #GF8WG is done ????
— Hannah Louise (@HannahGetsHench) January 3, 2017
Wearing new gym gear has also made me feel like a boss in the gym. The trainers in my picture are the Nike Lunarcharge from JD Women’s range and they are incredible, putting them on feels like a comfy pair of slippers. I’ve also got quite a few new bits from JD Women’s, but you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled because there might be a video about that to come…
Motivation
The programme is much harder than anything I’ve tried before, but I’m so motivated to keep working at it.
One of the main reasons is because it’s a structured plan, so if I skip a workout I know I’ll fall behind and it will mess up my splits. This sounds like it could be a negative but I really enjoy it, it makes it easier for me to fit in to my day. I’ve started going to the gym during my lunch break at work as well which is having a massively positive impact on my day.
Another reason for my motivation is the Facebook group. Grace has created a private Facebook group for all the girls doing the programme (and ones who are interested in joining). I’m not usually a fan of groups and chats, the notifications get too much for me and I always leave without contributing. I didn’t even think I’d use it when I signed up (it’s optional by the way) but I thought I’d give it a go. I’m so happy that I did because the group is full of such support, motivation and love! Girls are sharing their personal experiences and it feels like we’re all on the journey together.
Sorry to get soppy, but I love it! I felt really embarrassed after my first chest session (dat dreaded bench press) and I wrote about what happened on the page and within a few minutes girls had commented on it telling me not to worry and that the same thing had happened to them. Encouragement like that makes it really easy to keep going. If you are thinking about getting the programme but aren’t sure I would highly recommend joining the group first, I’ll link it here.
Finally, I already feel like I’m making good progress. My entire body feels stronger, tighter and more muscular. I build muscle quite quickly and even after a week I can see muscles pop up and some definition appearing. I’m nowhere near Grace level yet, but it’s a start!
So there you go, my first impressions of the GF8WG! Hope you enjoyed my post. I’m going to try and write an update every week (they won’t always be this long I promise haha) and show you my progress. If you’re doing the programme too comment below!
You can follow me on twitter at @hannahgetshench and Instagram hannahlgilroy
Thanks for reading x
