Saturday, September 11, 2010

Quick Anywhere/Anytime Workout

We've always got reasons not to workout - no equipment, no time, no space. Am I right? I've got a quick workout for you that takes away those excuses and you can take it anywhere.  Forget the mindset that you've got to be in a gym, have a ton of equipment, work out for hours...we're starting simple (but still challenging).

Start with a few dynamic stretches and warm-up movements such as arm circles, marching in place with high knees, cat/camel stretch, body weight squats, and leg swings.

Beginners should perform the following circuit 2-3 times with 1 minute rest between cycles, brief rest between exercises only as needed.

Intermediates should perform this circuit 3-4 times with 30-45 seconds rest between cycles, no rest between exercises.

Advanced exercisers should perform this circuit 5 times with between 0 and 30 seconds rest between cycles, no rest between exercises.

Circuit
20 jumping jacks
10 burpees (chest to floor)
20 jog w/ high knees (left + right = 1)
15 mountain climbers (left + right = 1)
15 fast paced squats
10 push-ups
15 sit-ups (arms crossed over chest)

All exercises can be modified to increase or decrease the intensity or to accommodate injuries.  This is a deceptively tough workout, so don't be discouraged if it kicks your butt or takes you longer to complete than you expect.  If one time through is all you can do - then that's where you start!  You'll build from there and that is perfectly F-I-N-E fine.  Try each time you perform this workout to do it a little faster, use fewer modifications, or add another cycle. 

Be sure to cool-down after you've completed your workout with some light movement (walking works!) and some stretching.

Not sure what these exercises are or how to properly perform them?  Need some ideas to ramp it up or take it down a notch?  Let's talk!