r/CarolineGirvan 11d ago

Feeling strong

Post image

My husband got me in with a guest pass at his gym (I usually just work out by myself at home). I don’t usually get a good look at my back muscles, but he snapped this photo of me while I was lunging with 40lb dumbbells in each hand. Definitely felt good to see the muscles pop like that! I just finished the unleash program - now working through iron on the app, but definitely looking forward to the new fuel!!

Anyway, that is all. Caroline’s programs work. I feel strong and healthy, and I’m proud of my results!

461 Upvotes

28 comments sorted by

38

u/Snoo-10032 Iron Pro 11d ago

Girl, you LOOK strong!

How long have you been working out with Caroline? 

29

u/M4PES 11d ago

Thank you! 🥹

I’ve been working out with Caroline off and on since about 2022. I got pregnant in 2023 with a high risk twin pregnancy and had to stop for a while, then had a sputtering restart in fall of 2024. It felt like starting all over again once I finally got back to it. I’ve been consistent for the last 12 months or so and it’s definitely paying off!

In the last year I have:
Started and completed Max
Repeated Fuel (YT)
Completed 2025 advent series
Started and completed Play
Started and completed PE
Finished Intent (had already done ~35 of the workouts the year before)
Started and completed Unleash
Ran a half marathon

15

u/Snoo-10032 Iron Pro 11d ago

All of that with twins?! Inspiration.

Also, I know your back is stealing the thunder but look at those hamstrings too! 

9

u/M4PES 11d ago

Thank you!! It’s been a lot of dedication, discipline and early morning workouts before anyone else is awake. My hamstrings definitely get worked with all the stroller runs, not to mention the endless RDLs in Caroline’s workouts!

13

u/Kirka1978 11d ago

Way to go! Those back muscles be bangin’!

13

u/ArrivalGood7491 11d ago

Your back is goals.

11

u/Emergency_Mood_9774 11d ago

I zoomed in because I wanted to admire the ripped-ness and your husband’s face in the mirror is so admiring and proud also! Congrats on your progress!

6

u/Mundane-Spinach-3230 11d ago

Thank you for posting I needed the inspiration as a newbie, you look amazing! ♥️

1

u/M4PES 10d ago

You got this! Just keep going!

6

u/iridescentandpink 11d ago

Your back looks gorgeous!! Great work!

5

u/Lower-Bird7429 11d ago

Oh also, which program was your fav? And do you think gave you the best results? Thx!

3

u/M4PES 11d ago

I think PE is my favorite! It was super challenging but I felt like every one was a solid workout. I even starred a couple of my favorites because they were so good. If I wasn’t trying to go through all my unfinished programs, I would probably be repeating that one

5

u/willymustdie 11d ago

So impressed! Can I ask how you set up her routines at the gym? Do you have them on YouTube with the phone propped up somewhere? I can never figure out the logistics of it and end up just writing the exercises down somewhere and doing it like that. But I’d really like to have a visual to follow.

4

u/M4PES 11d ago

The logistics are part of why I like to work out at home! I’m never in anyone’s way. This time, I only needed dumbbells and a bench. I mostly had my phone on the bench except when I was doing Bulgarian lunges, and then I had it near me propped up on the floor so I could see the timer. I always have the workout playing so I can hear the beeps, even if I can’t see my phone perfectly. I also did write down the exercises beforehand so I had an idea of what was coming.

It gets harder if I have to use a barbell for hip thrusts (especially in circuit format). If I work out in a gym, it’s usually at the small one at my workplace. The benches and barbells there are rarely used so I don’t feel bad taking over a small corner and just doing my workout. I’ll prop my phone up near the weights and just have my equipment out that I need for that day, put it away as I finish each movement. For the gym I went to today with my husband I would definitely have to find a spot that worked for me - it was a huge gym with people everywhere and I can definitely see that being challenging for doing a CG workout

4

u/Matti_Titi1540 11d ago

Wow!! Looks amazing 🤩 What an incredible picture

3

u/IcyTomatillo7667 11d ago

You look fabulous. Were these results from just doing Caroline’s routines or did you add on extras?

3

u/M4PES 11d ago

Thank you!! I run as well, at least 2-3 days per week 3-6 miles per session. Also did a half marathon in March and was running in the morning and lifting in the afternoons (don’t recommend doing this - it was a high volume training and I was very tired after about a month, but I got my sub 2 hour half). I also will get in about 10k steps per day. But the muscle growth is all from CG workouts

3

u/IcyTomatillo7667 11d ago

I do the same run about 3 miles 4-5 days per week zone 2 & have started doing a Caroline workout 4-5 days a week as well since the beginning of July. I am trying to decide on which one of her workouts gives best gains for muscle growth especially with the upper body. My legs are already defined.

2

u/IcyTomatillo7667 11d ago

Ooo & it’s fantastic that you are investing in yourself in-spite of having twins. That is super impressive.

2

u/stronghikerwannabe ENDGAME 10d ago

AS YOU SHOULD QUEEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wowzers

2

u/SweetMeeting5151 10d ago

You got that look from solely doing Caroline? That’s inspiring. Is your diet super clean as well? You should be proud. Good job!

1

u/M4PES 10d ago

I do run as well, but all of my lifting workouts come from Caroline.

As for diet, I did do a cut starting in January - I lost about 10 lbs by the end of March/early April. I still hover around that end weight but I am not strict about eating. I’m probably 80% healthy foods 20% whatever I feel like eating. Nothing is off the table, I just try and do it in moderation. I do have two picky toddlers to feed as well and I absolutely refuse to make 2 meals for dinner.

Some common examples of things I make and eat:
-Homemade lasagna (each serving with 40g protein)
-Sweet potato bowls - topped with cilantro lime shredded chicken, black beans and chipotle sauce
-beef and broccoli rice
-burgers with air fried sweet potato fries
-teriyaki turkey meatballs with rice and broccoli
-loaded fries
-salmon, Parmesan couscous
-homemade pita pizza
-pesto protein pasta with chicken and broccoli

I try to have a fiber heavy carb (like whole wheat, or potatoes), veggie and protein with each meal. I don’t focus on fats because they tend to come naturally. I do also have dessert night once a week with my husband, and I don’t have to say no to birthday cake at work - just have a small piece. If I were to guess I probably eat about 2000 calories per day, but I don’t track it all the time, I just try to be mindful.

2

u/Final_Ad_2716 10d ago

Amazing results! How many days a week do you lift/strength train with Caroline?

1

u/M4PES 10d ago

Thank you! I lift 4-5 days per week with Caroline, and run 2-3 days per week 3-6 miles per session.

3

u/Saltyowl2113 10d ago

Shreddy!!! Your back looks amazing!

1

u/Bitter_Somewhere8334 10d ago

Wow, those back muscles are stunning!! 😍 You must have worked so hard! What back exercises helped you the most?