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Your goal this week: To strengthen your core. Each workout will end with a plank, which targets your core muscles. (See how to do this exercise here.)
Monday: Cardio Session
We're stepping it up again this week! Choose the treadmill, elliptical, stationary bike, or head outside for a run or a bike ride.
5-minute warm up
5 minutes at a comfortable pace (5-6 on a scale of 10)
1 minute at an uncomfortable pace (working at a higher intensity, 8-9 on a scale of 10)
Repeat 3 times
Cool down for 5 minutes
After you cool down, find a place to perform a plank, and work to hold it for 30 seconds.
Tuesday: Upper-Body and Lower-Body Circuits
Good news: You only have to do each one once!
Upper-Body Strength Circuit: Find a weight that you can lift for a full set, but still feel fatigued on the last rep. In between each set, do 30 seconds of jumping jacks. (Click here for the how-to instructions for each exercise below.)
10 push-ups on toes, if possible (targets chest and shoulders); 30 seconds of jumping jacks
15 single-arm rows on each side (targets back and shoulders); 30 seconds of jumping jacks
20 tricep dips off of an elevated surface like a chair (targets triceps); 30 seconds of jumping jacks
16 alternating bicep curls and hammer curls using no less than 5-pound weight in each hand (targets biceps); 30 seconds of jumping jacks
Lower-Body Strength Circuit: You will need a jump rope. If it's not something you are willing to buy, simulate turning a jumping rope. If you aren't comfortable jumping, try marching in place. In between each exercise, jump rope for 60 seconds. Do the entire circuit 2-3 times through. (Click here for the how-to instructions for each exercise below.)
20 squats with feet shoulder width apart (targets glutes, quads, and hamstrings); jump rope for 60 seconds
20 alternating front lunges with a two-second hold (targets glutes, quads, and hamstrings); jump rope for 60 seconds
12 single-leg extensions by either balancing or holding onto a chair (targets quads and hips); jump rope for 60 seconds
20 plié squats (targets inner thighs and glutes); jump rope for 60 seconds
After you cool down, find a place to perform a plank, and work to hold it for 30 seconds.
Wednesday: Repeat Monday's Cardio Session
If you feel yourself getting bored, mix it up by either choosing a different exercise completely, or switch halfway through the routine. After you cool down, find a place to perform a plank, and work to hold it for 30 seconds.
Thursday: Quick Full-Body Circuit Parts I and II
Quick Full-Body Circuit Part I: Start with a 5-minute warm up like jogging, jumping jacks, or jumping rope, then start the circuit below. (Click here for the how-to instructions for each exercise below.)
20 squats with feet shoulder width apart (targets glutes, quads, and hamstrings)
10 push-ups on toes, if possible (targets chest and shoulders)
10 lunges on each leg (targets glutes, quads, and hamstrings
15 tricep dips (targets triceps)
Quick Full-Body Circuit Part II: Start with an easy 5-minute warm up like jumping rope or jogging/marching in place. (Click here for the how-to instructions for each exercise below.)
20 squats to alternating knee lifts (targets glutes, quads, hams, hips, and core)
10 push-ups to T-rotation on knees or toes, whichever gives you the best form (targets chest, shoulders, and core)
10 traveling lunges on each leg (targets glutes, hamstrings, quads, and core)
10 tricep dips with right leg up; 10 dips with left leg up (targets triceps and glutes)
After you cool down, find a place to perform a plank, and work to hold it for 30 seconds.
Check out the short clip below to see this workout come together.
Friday: Repeat Monday's Cardio Session
If you feel yourself getting bored, mix it up by either choosing a different exercise completely, or switch halfway through the routine. After you cool down, find a place to perform a plank, and work to hold it for 30 seconds.
Sara Haley (sarafitness.com) is a Fitness DVD Personality, Master Trainer and Creative Consultant for Reebok.





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