Yes, my quads are getting so ripped (and sore) that the word “fire” requires an alternate, must-be-yelled spelling. Seriously, my quads are on FIYAH!!! Bootcamp is really kicking my legs into high gear!

I’ve always loved the strength in my legs. I mean, c’mon, they’ve carried all this weight around for decades without ever once giving up. That’s commitment The husband always jokes that my legs could kick down trees! They’re strong, that’s no lie. BUT, I realized they definitely need to be worked more than just cardio. The awesome rounds of squats and lunges in bootcamp yesterday had my legs SHAKING.

Particularly this gem: The Split Squat

Oh. My. Poor. Quads. This move is simultaneously horrible and amazing I just use a chair from my kitchen to prop that back foot on, and two hand dumbbells for weight. I have two 5lbs and two 3lbs. Honestly, the 3lbs have really been giving me a run for my money! I never thought that using a small alone (6lbs total) would produce results, but after a dozen reps (and 3 circuits/rounds!) I was cursing myself to get through the last few. An exciting side effect? I’m seeing definition in my quads, after only 1.5 weeks of bootcamp! That is crazy to me. It’s obvious to me now that doing this specific regimen laid out in bootcamp is working my legs in an entirely different way than I ever have. I was going to upload a picture, until I realized that right now the change is probably only noticeable to me. I took a picture anyway so I can post it side-by-side at a later date to show progress!

Instead, here’s a super fit lady and her rockin’ quads:

Do you see how, on the outsides of both her legs above the kneecaps, her quads kind of bump out and cut in all super-awesome like? THAT is what mine are starting to do!! I can also feel how hard and strong that muscle is becoming. I’m still amazed every time I catch a glance of my legs on just how much they are changing. It gives me that extra push; making me want to keep working with weights and see what I can accomplish with this body of mine. It’s the only one I’ve got, right?

Progress, progress, progress! I am so enjoying this challenge and what Tina has done for this! She offers some amazing personalized programs (for cheap city!) on her website. I’m seriously considering just hiring her to be my virtual personal trainer

I hope you all have a great Thursday! I’m off to make Little One some breakfast, and then SIT the eff DOWN. These legs need some rest!

– Emily
Be Strong. Be Fearless.