FOR the first time in more than two years, I sat at my computer wondering what to write about in this column.
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And all I could think about was exercise (sad I know, but true).
I had a break from work for several weeks over the Christmas and New Year period and as a consequence I think I have some pent-up exercise tension!
For someone who spends many hours every week guiding others and designing exercise sessions, I felt a little underutilised when I just had my own personal sessions.
So feeling refreshed and back into it, I’m looking to share my love of movement with whoever will listen.
So for this week, I’m going to say less and move more.
Here’s my post-holiday workout guaranteed to blow away the cobwebs (assuming you have them) and purge away any holiday indulgences.
Are you with me?
I like to call this one my 20/20 workout.
And no it has nothing to do with cricket. It’s simply an all-body workout, 20 reps at a time.
WARM-UP:
Jogging on the spot, begin to lift your knees higher for a count of 20, then go back to a regular jog for 20 steps.
Alternate between these two styles for one minute.
Then, using the same sequence, substitute high knees for flicking your feet up behind you towards your bottom for 20.
Complete another minute of alternating between regular jogging and kicking your feet back.
WORKOUT:
Complete 20 mountain climbers by placing hands on the ground, and stacking your shoulders over your hands.
Then draw one leg in under your chest, now switch legs in a jumping motion.
And you are now climbing mountains (wink). Complete 20 reps.
Complete 20 push-ups by keeping your hands on the ground, chest width apart and shoulders stacked over top.
You can do this from toes or on your knees.
Bending through the elbows, lower your chest towards the ground.
Now push your body weight up.
And that’s a push-up. Now repeat 19 more times!
Complete 20 froggers by keeping hands on the ground with them stacked under your shoulders.
Your feet are stretched out behind (just like in push up position), now jump both feet forward at the same time, bending through the knees so that your feet land on the outside of your hands.
Then jump them back to starting position and repeat.
Complete 20 squats (or squat jumps) by standing with feet hip width apart.
Bending through the knees with bottom pushed far out behind, squat down (making sure that knees don’t go past your toes).
And then come back to standing position.
Or if you’d like to complete squat jumps, explode up from your squat so that your feet leave the ground, and then land soft with knees slightly bent.
Complete 20 high/low planks by coming into plank position with hands stacked under shoulders, and body straight (don’t sway your back).
You can do this from toes or knees depending on your core and shoulder strength.
Now lower yourself to your elbows (this is low plank) and then push you way back up to hands (high plank). Now repeat.
Try this sequence for as many rounds as you can manage.
Enjoy, and don’t forget to stretch your muscles.
*Please note that this exercise routine is for anyone with no medical issues that would prevent them from exercising.
Please check with your doctor if you have any concerns before attempting this routine.
Amy Holmes is a personal trainer, columnist and owner of Shape Health and Fitness.