It’s been a hot minute since I posted anything. End of the semester craziness along with competing priorities have gotten me out of my blogging groove. No matter what is happening in my life, though, I never miss a workout. I’m still a huge fan of Lyzabeth Lopez and will be meeting her at the end of June when my husband and I visit Toronto. I hope to train with her, too!
But, as fitness freaks know we often need to do something different to switch things up and shock our muscles a bit. One goal of mine has been to create an hourglass shape and more curves on my banana frame. I have an amazing foundation from the Train with Lyzabeth program and now I’m working on my overall strength. Enter BUILD 1.0 by Stephanie Sanzo.
BUILD is part of the SWEAT app, which I have mentioned in previous posts. The app includes several trainers all focused on a different type of training. BUILD is a powerlifting, bodybuilding style workout. I chose it because Sanzo has a tiny frame like me. She’s five feet tall! If she can build muscle, so can I! So far, I’m really enjoying this style of training. I feel like such a badass lifting all that weight.
Basically, each workout focuses on one major movement, such as a sumo deadlift, squat or bench press, plus a series of supplemental exercises or accessories, designed to build the muscles. Some sets include higher reps and others are only 4 to 6 reps. It’s been fun trying to see how much I can lift when the reps are lower. I finally feel like I will reach the strength goals I’ve set for myself based on research and my bodyweight and fitness level – 80 pound bench press, 120 pound squat and a 150-pound deadlift. After nearly two weeks on her 12-week program, I’ve gotten to a 65-pound bench, 80-pound squat and 85-pound deadlift. I’m on my way!
Like Lopez, Sanzo is extremely active on social media, particularly Instagram, which I find empowering and uplifting. What’s more, she responds when you mention her or ask her questions, providing helpful tips. This week, I had some difficulty with the front squat because it was bothering my wrists to hold the heavy weight that way. She suggested a reverse lunge instead or showed me a picture of straps that you can use around your wrists to help position the bar, all through Instagram messaging!
I’m still trying to figure out my best macro combination. I’m sticking with the 158c/131p/105f for now but increasing my calories when I can. Some days I go a bit higher on the carbs, too. I am curious how Sanzo breaks down her calories because her overall total seems a lot lower than me. So, in time, I hope to figure that part out.
I haven’t been drinking as much wine lately just because I’ve been so busy and tired to be honest! In the evening, all I really want to do is curl up on the couch for a bit and then head to bed! But, last night, since it was #WineWednesday I enjoyed a Chenin Blanc from Dry Creek Vineyard in Sonoma County, California. It was tough waking up this morning, between the wine last night, which kept me up a bit later and the soreness from my new workout routine.
Overall, I think BUILD 1.0 is amazing and I’m excited that 2.0 is being launched soon. If I really love it, I don’t have to stop! Download a free trial today and see for yourself if BUILD or any of the SWEAT workouts are right for you. Cheers!