U BEAUTIFUL SOUL 8-Week Program
Have you ever done a workout program that actually makes you feel beautiful? No, seriously. I know it’s a cheesy question, but think about it.
I’ve done countless programs and tried nearly every fitness class LA has to offer. I’ve enjoyed many of them, but I’ve always found myself to be comparing or beating myself up for not being good enough. Not getting in as many reps as my friends in a popular HIIT-based workout guide. Not elongated enough in Pure Barre. Sure as hell not peddling fast enough in SoulCycle.
I started the U BEAUTIFUL SOUL eight-week strength training program because I wanted to try something new and I wanted to support my friend, but I completed the program because I never once felt discouraged. Eight weeks of straightforward, simple movements, not done for time, all laid out for me. All I had to do was show up for myself.
Let me tell you what happens when you show up for yourself six days a week. First of all, you learn how to motivate yourself. It’s hard to change into workout wear and drive or walk to the gym almost every day of the week. Once you do, though, you breathe a sigh of relief. “I’m here.” Over the course of that week, you challenge your body in new ways. You choose whether to go all out or take it back a notch. There’s no one else there to coach you or push you. That’s all up to you.
The second thing that happens is that over the course of just the first three weeks, you’ll notice you need to go up in weights. The 45-pound barbell you used for deadlifts during weeks one and two is too light. You move up to 65 pounds. You’ve already gotten physically stronger, and because you’ve become physically stronger, you become mentally stronger, too. “I’m not so sure,” turns into, “I can totally do this. I’ve got this.” After four weeks you start to notice biceps that have never existed before. The thought of a three-mile run no longer makes you laugh. You can actually do it.
The third thing that happens, though, is the real kicker. Around week six you start to feel comfortable. You confidently stride into the section of the gym that normally houses sweaty men in cut-off tees. This is your zone now. You know each workout like the back of your hand. You don’t need the guide to tell you what to do. The barbell for deadlifts is now up to 85 pounds. You’re doing chin-ups and incline push-ups like you’ve done them your whole life. You breeze through the five rounds of core work as if it didn’t make you want to puke six weeks ago.
Showing up for yourself in this way almost every day of the week means connecting with your body, your breath and your soul. You coach yourself through the days you don’t want to do it. You stare at yourself in the mirror as you notice new definition popping through. YOU are your motivation. Most importantly, you learn to become more confident in yourself. Yes, the leaner body and added toning overall are huge payoffs, but the biggest payoff of this program is learning how to be confident in your beautiful self. And that comes from slow, steady, consistent, daily work, all motivated by you.
THE BASICS
U BEAUTIFUL SOUL is an eight-week strength training program. The specific workouts follow the same order every week. They go:
WEEK 1
Day 1: Legs & Core
Day 2: Chest, Shoulders & Cardio
Day 3: Back & Core
Day 4: Biceps, Triceps & Cardio
Day 5: Rest
Day 6: Legs & Core
Day 7: Chest, Shoulders & Cardio
WEEK 2
Day 1: Back & Core
Day 2: Biceps, Triceps & Cardio
Day 3: Rest
Day 4: Legs & Core
Day 5: Chest, Shoulders & Cardio
Day 6: Back & Core
Day 7: Biceps, Triceps & Cardio
The cardio suggestion is 2.5-3 miles of running, but 30 minutes of any high-energy cardio should do. (Sometimes I just did the elliptical!)
Contact Kelsey at ubeautifulsoul.com to get started today.
DIET
As far as diet goes, I did not do anything specific. I started the program mid-November, which means I was holiday eating and drinking from my birthday through Thanksgiving and Christmas. The only diet I ever do is: eat only exactly what I want. That may be annoying because I have no specific advice to give, but that truly what I live by.
The recommendation while doing the program is to eat healthy: lean protein, healthy carbs, fats, whole foods, less sugar and little alcohol. Again, always do what works best for you.
OVERALL
I highly recommend this program. I was looking for something to do consistently throughout the holidays and travel, and I was able to make it happen with regular gym equipment across the country (AKA in Ohio and Palm Springs in addition to LA). There were weeks when one rest day turned into three consecutive rest days; I just picked up where I left off and kept moving forward.
I genuinely feel strong and empowered after this program. I didn’t hurt any joints from doing one too many burpees (there are ZERO of them, actually) and I never got burnt out. The workouts took me an hour, on average, but they could take you more or less time— go at your own pace.
If you’re looking to get seriously toned and confident, this is the program for you.
ABOUT KELSEY
U BEAUTIFUL SOUL is founded by Kelsey Reddicks, a celebrity trainer based in Los Angeles. Her mission is to empower women to live a life full of confidence and self love through health and fitness. She works with women to build strength and develop personal growth to ultimately achieve their goals within their career, relationships, and life.
