Epic Program Workout
Epic Program Workout
Epic Program Workout
F E E L P O S I T I V E
L E E F
D E M R O F N I
EPIC D E T A V I T O M
L E E F
F E E L C H A L L E N G E D
C A R O L I N E G I R V A N
Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
CONTENTS
1. Welcome!
2. All about the training
3. How to get started?
4. How to get the best results.
5. Lets talk nutrition
6. Snacks
7. Simple food swaps
8. Food shopping list
9. FAQS
10. Progress
11. Schedule
C A R O L I N E G I R V A N
Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
WELCOME
FEEL EPIC
by Caroline Girvan
BEGINNER EPIC
5 DAYS / OPTIONAL
RECOMMENDED FOR
BEGINNERS
5
BEGINNER EPIC
OPTIONAL
Some of the workouts may have a staple exercise such as plank, squats
or push ups for example that may be repeated every 3rd set etc. These
are implemented to increase strength and endurance but also help you
practice certain movements!
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
Week 6
A dumbbell full body to kick off the
week, followed by abs & core, then
10
Finishing of course with Hardcore HIIT
Part III! What better way to celebrate
all your hard work than an hour of
HIIT!!!!
WEEKS
HOW TO GET STARTED
You can begin the EPIC Program immediately, or if new to training and/or want further
practice with movements, the 5 day EPIC Beginner Series is a great option to start with!
Plan how you are going to incorporate the workouts into your week. For example, are you
planning on smashing these workouts in the morning, or evening? The programme can be
followed as I am doing it or you can save workouts for other days and space it out.
Plan out complimentary cardio! If like me you walk your dog for an hour most days, 20
minute interval sprint session twice a week, a longer run at the weekend or even a 20
minute brisk walk every single day, think about moving more!
Have all your equipment ready (if applicable) for each day.
Ensure you plan out your meals even just for that day and healthy snacks available!
Don’t forget to take that first photo to use for visible progress over the 10 weeks!!
Check out the FAQs for many of your questions answered!
C A R O L I N E G I R V A N
Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
EQUIPMENT
Essential
1 x pair of dumbbells (Ideally 2 pairs of dumbbells; a lighter pair and a heavier pair)
1 x exercise mat
Optional
Multiple pairs of dumbbells
Ankle weights
Small resistance band (glute band)
The dumbbells I will be using throughout the programme will range from 6kg to 20kg each
(13 lbs to 44 lbs each).
Below is a guide if wanting to purchase dumbbells and am not sure what weight to start
with. Please note; this is only a guide for those relatively new to lifting weights.
Lighter pair of dumbbells: Usually for upper body sessions, dumbbell abs or HIIT dumbbell
workouts / 3kg (approx 6.6lbs) each to 6kg (11 lbs) each range for beginners
Heavier pair of dumbbells: Usually for lower body session, also back and chest overtime /
8kg (17.6 lbs) each to 10kg (22 lbs) each range for beginners.
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
HOW TO GET
THE BEST RESULTS
Balance is key if you want to embrace a healthier lifestyle, but there is no right or wrong
way as our bodies and minds are different.
Consider your daily steps, or overall activity level through the week aside from
workout specific, for example; walking during your lunch break, cycling to & from
work, fitting in a sprint session for 20 minutes, , swimming, cycling or going for a
hike with a friend...these all add up to improve your cardiovascular health, burn
energy and help with mood!
It is important throughout this programme and any training that you rest. Rest days
allow for the body to recover and repair, prevents muscle fatigue, reduces risk of injury
and absolutely helps your performance! Rest days look different for everyone; some
enjoy low impact exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling or stretching, all of
which allow you to stay active whilst letting your body recover.
Sleep, alongside rest days, are key components of a healthy lifestyle. In order to train
the way you want to, to feel motivated and allow for muscle recovery, it is vital you have
enough sleep. There are many other benefits to getting enough sleep that help improve
overall a healthier lifestyle.
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If you suspect you have an injury of any sort, take it easy for afew days as this is better
than soldiering on, aggravating the area and being out of training for a longer time
period. Always seek advice from a specialist if you think you have an injury.
As with training, the foods you eat need to be enjoyable so it is sustainable for life! It
shouldn’t mean completely overhauling the foods you eat, more about making small
changes gradually leading to a balanced, varied, nutritious and sustainable intake full
of the foods you love without feeling restricted. We all like different foods, so finding
simple ways to incorporate our favourites into our nutrition is so important!
It is beneficial in your free time to spend stretching even for 15 minutes per week. We
complete a gentle stretch during cool down, however this can be a perfect opportunity
to then continue stretching yourself whilst you are on the mat!
Each training session should be taxing. What I mean is, it you should be pushing
yourself with every movement. If you perform a HIIT session and you aren't exhausted
and 'done' after, it could be that you didn't give it the most intensity you could
have...and that will happen absolutely. There will be days when your energy is lower, or
you are preoccupied with life in general!
During the workouts, please work at your own pace and don't necessarily follow at my
pace. I may be using a heavier weight and therefore be going at a slightly slower pace
or if bodyweight, I may be going at a slightly faster pace than you. Just move at a pace
that is suitable for the workout and to allow correct form to be maintained!
I hope you have alot of fun throughout this program, though remember this saying;
'great things never come from comfort zones'. This will be true during parts of this
program....if there is no struggle, there is no progress!
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
LET'S
TALK
ABOUT
NUTRITION
#BALANCED
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
GENERAL NUTRITION
FEEL EPIC
There is not one food that provides adults Carbohydrates are the body’s main source
with all the nutrients its needs, and that’s of energy.
why a varied and balanced intake is so
important. The following is some Choose more higher fibre or wholegrain
information readily available simplified to varieties of carbohydrates such as brown
help with the principles of a balanced rice and wholewheat pasta; as apposed to
intake. simple carbs like white bread, white pasta
and many cereals. Try to increase intake of
Protein is the most filling of the vegetables and fruit when possible.
macronutrients, good for your bones and
helps repair and build muscle! If exercising Increase unsaturated fat found in salmon,
regularly, your body will need more protein albacore tuna, unsalted nuts & seeds and
compared to those who don’t. Good avocado.Try to avoid trans -fats and
sources include eggs, lean meats, Quorn, saturated fat intake such as in biscuits,
legumes and dairy products. fattier meats and pies.
Consider reducing your salt intake. Even if Vegetarian protein sources include eggs,
you don’t add salt to your food, most of the yoghurts, cottage / cheese, quark. If
salt is already in processed foods such as pescatarian, fish.
soups, bread, cereals and ready to eat
snacks. Vegan protein sources include Quorn, tofu,
tempeh, nus / butters, lentils, chickpeas.
If you can, try to eat fish twice per week,
one at least being oily fish such as salmon. You may only be eating ‘clean’ foods and
Tinned fish is a great option to have minimal processed foods but if you are
stocked in cupboard. eating too much of anything, this could be
detrimental to your goals. Calorie counting
Limit alcohol consumption. apps (many are free) are a great way to
gain some guidance on portion size etc.
Stay hydrated throughout the day with
plenty of water.
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
SNACKS
FEEL EPIC
Who doesn’t love to snack? I certainly do! However, this is one of the areas that many people
tend to struggle with the most.
Having snacks between your main meals help keep sustained energy levels through the day,
improves concentration, reduces cravings for unhealthier choices, actually help you make
healthier main meal options and boosts your mood!
Many snacks ready-made can be high in refined carbohydrates and sugar. Having some
snacks containing protein is also a great option as it helps you feel fuller with slowing
digestion and contributes to increasing your overall protein intake essential for muscle
repair and growth.
Having access to quick, simple and nutritious snacks helps maintain your energy levels
through the day.
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
HEALTHY
FOOD SWAPS
HERE ARE SOME SIMPLE FOOD SWAPS WITH LESS CALORIES PER
SERVING THAT YOU CAN CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING!
FOOD ALTERNATIVE
Latte Americano
Crisps Popcorn
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
Shopping List Ideas
Proteins (Meat/poultry/fish)
Chicken breast
Whole chicken
Ready to eat chicken breast
Chicken sausages
Lean steak (Sirloin / fillet)
Low fat mince
Low fat burgers
Low fat meatballs
Low fat turkey mince
Turkey sausages
Turkey rashers
Pork chops
Salmon
Tuna
Seabass
Fridge essentials
Semi-skimmed milk
Unsweetened Almond / oat milk
Cheese
Butter
Free range Eggs
Carton egg whites
Cottage cheese
Greek yoghurt
Natural yoghurt
Quark cheese
Tofu
Quorn mince / sausages etc
Tempeh
Freezer
Frozen vegetables
Frozen fruit
Pre-portioned frozen
yoghurt/ice cream
Frozen edamame
Cupboard essentials
Almond nuts
Walnuts
Cashews
Peanut butter
Almond butter
Honey
Sultanas
Extra virgin Olive oil
Coconut oil
Brown rice
Whole wheat pasta
Porridge
Weetabix / Shredded wheat
Branflakes
Tinned Beans
Tinned tomatoes
Lentils
Quinoa
Tins of tuna in Spring Water
Tins of red/pink salmon
Sprinkling seeds ie. Chia, sunflower, hemp
Rice cakes
Whole grain bread
Chickpeas
Cauliflower rice
Fruit
Avocado
Berries (frozen or fresh)
Bananas
Apples
Grapes
Watermelon
Oranges
Pomegranate
Kiwi
Vegetables
Sweet potato
Spinach
Courgettes
Carrots
Broccoli
Garlic
Bok choy
Kale
Asparagus
Mushrooms
Squash
Peppers
Lighter sweet
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
FAQ'S
10 WEEK EPIC PROGRAM
C A R O L I N E G I R V A N
Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
FAQ'S
10 WEEK EPIC PROGRAM
...CONTINUED
I AM UNABLE TO CARRY OUT THE EXERCISE WITHOUT STOPPING AT POINTS BEFORE THE
TIMER BEEPS…WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
If you are pushing yourself and training hard, not managing to last the 40 seconds for example can
be a positive! You will certainly see me having to stop at points to take a moment to reset… I
consider this a positive! These workouts are time based. Focus on quality not quantity always!
The EPIC Program is for those with experience of bodyweight & strength training, however there
will be times when you prefer to not do a certain exercise. The same applies to the Epic Beginner
Series, simply perform as you wish and even make your own alternative!
There will be some modifications displayed for some exercises, however it is so important to adapt
it to you. For example, forward stepping lunges can be performed rear stepping if the knees
prefer.
Life is full of situations when you simply won't be able to train when you planned and that is ok!
Simply continue where you left off and get back at it!.
C A R O L I N E G I R V A N
Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
PROGRESS
C A R O L I N E G I R V A N
Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
EPIC SCHEDULE
M T W T F S S
BODYWEIGHT BODYWEIGHT BODYWEIGHT REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY HIIT
FOCUS)
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL DUMBBELL REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY BURPEE HIIT
WK 2 (LOWER BODY
FOCUS)
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL DUMBBELL REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY TABATA STYLE
WK 3 (SUPERSETS)
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL & DUMBBELL REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY DUMBBELL HIIT
WK 4
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL DUMBBELL & REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY HIIT
WK 5 UPPER ABS
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL & DUMBBELL REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY EMOM NO
WK 6 ABS DYMANIC)
DUMBBELL SHOULDERS & DUMBBELL REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY TABATA STYLE
& BICEPS
WK 7
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL & DUMBBELL & REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY DUMBBELL HIIT
LUNGES
DUMBBELL
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY EMOM HIIT
QUADS &
GLUTES & SHOULDERS & (DUMBBELLS)
WK 9 HAMSTRINGS CORE
LOWER ABS
DUMBBELL DUMBBELL & DUMBBELL & REST DAY FULL BODY REST DAY HARDCORE
ABS & CORE BODYWEIGHT BODYWEIGHT (STRETCH & HIIT PART III
WK 10
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
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DISCLAIMER
CAROLINE GIRVAN
Exercise is not without its risks and this or any other exercise program many
result in injury. As with any exercise program, if at any point during
your workout you begin to feel faint, dizzy or have physical discomfort, you
should stop immediately and consult a medical professional.
The program cannot and does not guarantee that you will attain a specific or
particular result, and you accept the risk that results differ for each individual.
The health, fitness, and nutrition success depends on each individual’s
background, dedication, desire, and motivation. As with any health-related
program or service, your results may vary, and will be based on many
variables, including but not limited to, your individual capacity, life
experience, unique health and genetic profile, starting point, expertise, and
level of commitment.
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Copyright © Caroline Girvan 2020
W W W . C A R O L I N E G I R V A N . C O M