Philadelphia Magazine’s Fitness Challenge 2010: Jessica Aiken

Jessica’s Sweat Trainer: Meghan Anderson

[sidebar]Initial assessment: “Jessica was extremely positive and determined to enter into our training program. In the past, she tried working out but never stuck with a regular routine.”

The goal: Turn her sporadic workouts into regular sweat sessions and bust through stubborn fat quickly with high-intensity interval training.

The plan: Jessica’s training program is structured on a six-day-per-week regime. It surrounds the philosophy of high-intensity interval training and muscular confusion. Monday, Spinning; Tuesday strength circuits with treadmill intervals of speed and incline; Wednesday, Spinning; Thursday, plyometric strength circuits—explosive movement exercises, like two-way hops, jumps, and skip-ups—that require powerful contraction and rapid stretching of muscles; Friday, high-intensity intervals of speed and inclines on the treadmill; Saturday, compound-strength routine in conjunction with thirty minutes of cardio on the elliptical. Sunday, rest.

Check out Jessica’s 1,300-calorie plan here, created by Sweat’s Brittany Lucchetto, RD, LDN.

Starting stats
Age: 24
Height: 5’7”
Weight: Around 155

Why we picked her
“I need someone to get my rear in gear…and I mean that in more ways than one! I don’t think I really know how to work out – I never feel like I see results based on my work out methods so it would be helpful to have a personal trainer teach me. I’m a bridesmaid in two weddings that are quickly approaching (April and June). I’m the “MOH” for one and since my face will more than likely be a hot-tear stained-MESS while saying my speech, I’m hoping to be rocking the form fitting dress. Broke up with my boyfriend and now need to focus on me! (Cliché, but true.)”

"I’m a hard worker and I’m looking forward to seeing results. I’m confident I can win because I love a good challenge so the competitive aspect will give me the push I need to get the ball rolling on a healthier lifestyle. … Oh, and the prizes will be a great added bonus! I can’t wait to get started!"
 

  regime. It surrounds the philosophy of high-intensity interval training and muscular confusion. Monday, Spinning; Tuesday strength circuits with treadmill intervals of speed and incline; Wednesday, Spinning; Thursday, plyometric strength circuits—explosive movement exercises, like two-way hops, jumps, and skip-ups—that require powerful contraction and rapid stretching of muscles; Friday, high-intensity intervals of speed and inclines on the treadmill; Saturday, compound-strength routine in conjunction with thirty minutes of cardio on the elliptical. Sunday, rest.

JESSICA’S DAILY DIARY

WEEK 1
Monday January 25th-January 31st

MONDAY, JANUARY 25
I’m meeting my personal trainer, Meghan tomorrow. I’m a little nervous but really excited. I didn’t necessarily start a “diet” today because I want to see what she recommends first but I did try to eat healthy. I have to be up bright and early tomorrow for an AM workout so my goal is to get as much rest tonight as I can.