One of my August goals was to complete the first four weeks of the Charlie Mike workout (created by trainer Ashley Horner). Well, I know I won’t get the first four weeks done because I just started yesterday… but, I finally started! And I’m a pretty big fan so far.

I won’t bore you with the details of every single workout all the time but here’s what day 1 looked like:

First up: Max bench press – 85#.

I haven’t lifted heavy for quite some time so I was pretty excited about being able to press 85 pounds.

Max bench press was followed by two circuits.

Circuit 1 – 13:16. This involved 3 rounds of alternate renegade rows, straight arm dumbbell pullovers, running 200 meters and burpees. This was tough!

This was immediately following the first circuit:

charlie mike workout day 1 - via LiftingMakesMeHappy.com

I was pretty “glowy”. Also, who knew it was so hard to smile when you’re worn out?

After 5-10 minutes of rest…

Circuit 2 – 6:03. This was challenging too but the break from running and burpees was appreciated! This circuit included 3 rounds each of kettlebell thrusters (15# each arm), kettlebell swings and max pull-ups.

Total workout time: ~ 30 minutes including the rest between circuits

charlie mike workout day 1 done

Day 1 is DONE!

Today is leg day which means I’m really excited for tomorrow, which is a rest day. ;)

#CharlieMike Thoughts Day 1

I really love this workout. It’s definitely challenging and that’s what I need right now. I felt shakey and pukey and ready for bed by the time I was finished but it was so worth it. The first couple days of a new workout program are typically the toughest. I’m a little nervous for today’s leg workout but I’m looking forward to it!

What I love:

The lifting heavy element
Circuit-style workouts
There’s an app! (and it’s nicely laid out and easy to use)

Lifting heavy is perfect for building strength (and making me feel like a badass) and the circuits are hard but they make the time fly by pretty quickly. And they really get my heart rate up and make me sweat a lot which lets me know I’m working really hard!

As far as soreness goes, I’m not feeling too sore yet – but it’s only been about 12 hours since I completed the workout. I can feel it in my shoulders and chest a bit.

I got this.

xo Mindi