Burpees/Squat Thrusts: 3x10
The mere mention of this exercise brings groans and disgruntled expressions to the faces of athletes, and for good reason: they’re difficult. By combining the core stability of a pushup with the explosiveness of a squat jump, this total body is highly effective, building both strength and stamina. Begin in the “up” position of a pushup. Next, keep your hands on the ground (in the same position) and jump your feet forward into your chest. From that position, jump straight up in the air, reaching your hands up above your head. Land and reverse the initial sequence so that you end up in the starting position again. I’d recommend supersetting these with at least 1 or 2 other exercises, giving yourself adequate rest between sets. Perform as many burpees as you can for 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, and then repeat for 4 minutes (8 sets).
Few bodyweight core movements work better than sit-ups and leg lifts, which is why combining those two motions is so effective. Begin by lying on your back with your legs straight out on the ground and your arms straight out above your head (also on the ground). Simultaneously lift one leg while crunching up and reaching with both hands for the toe of the elevated leg.
The mere mention of this exercise brings groans and disgruntled expressions to the faces of athletes, and for good reason: they’re difficult. By combining the core stability of a pushup with the explosiveness of a squat jump, this total body is highly effective, building both strength and stamina. Begin in the “up” position of a pushup. Next, keep your hands on the ground (in the same position) and jump your feet forward into your chest. From that position, jump straight up in the air, reaching your hands up above your head. Land and reverse the initial sequence so that you end up in the starting position again. I’d recommend supersetting these with at least 1 or 2 other exercises, giving yourself adequate rest between sets. Perform as many burpees as you can for 20 seconds, rest 10 seconds, and then repeat for 4 minutes (8 sets).
3-Way Pushup (Decline, Incline Plyo, Incline Wide): 3x5+ each
This 3-way superset combo begins in the decline position with your feet elevated and your hands on the ground. That’s followed by 2 different pushups in the incline position with your feet on the ground, and then on a sturdy bench. The first incline pushup is a plyo or clap pushup. Once you finish that, you’ll complete the series by positioning your hands outside of shoulder width and doing a set of wide pushups. Do not rest until having done a set at each position. Too easy? Add more reps to each set. No bench? Skip the decline/incline part, doing regular pushups, plyo pushups, and wide pushups on the ground instead.
(Split ) Lunge Jump/Lunge Exchange: 3x10 each leg
Lunge exercises are some of my favorites because they use many large and small muscles of the lower body, and require both balance and coordination to perform. The Lunge Jump begins in a split lunge position and is performed by jumping straight up, switching legs in the air, and landing with the legs in the opposite of the starting position. As you’re engaging the quads and hamstrings in an explosive manner, your heart rate and muscle burn will increase, so again, you’ll want to rest appropriately between sets.
Lunge exercises are some of my favorites because they use many large and small muscles of the lower body, and require both balance and coordination to perform. The Lunge Jump begins in a split lunge position and is performed by jumping straight up, switching legs in the air, and landing with the legs in the opposite of the starting position. As you’re engaging the quads and hamstrings in an explosive manner, your heart rate and muscle burn will increase, so again, you’ll want to rest appropriately between sets.
Single Leg V-Sit/Single Leg Jack knife: 3x10 each leg
Few bodyweight core movements work better than sit-ups and leg lifts, which is why combining those two motions is so effective. Begin by lying on your back with your legs straight out on the ground and your arms straight out above your head (also on the ground). Simultaneously lift one leg while crunching up and reaching with both hands for the toe of the elevated leg.
Both your upper and lower back should come up off the ground. With control, return to the starting position and repeat with the opposite leg. Coordination, balance, and core stability, will all be challenged as your abs, lower back, and hips, work to make the movement possible. Too easy? Skip the single leg action and get both legs in the air.
Sprinting: 6x 50-100 yards
What does sprinting have to do with strength training? A full out, 100%, sprinting effort engages the entire body in a series of coordinated and explosive movements. Take a look at any high level or elite sprinter’s body. Abs, hips, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves are almost always clearly defined. Yes, diet and resistance training do their part, but the power and force generated but sprinting itself develops the muscles in ways that cannot be easily mimicked in the weight room.
What does sprinting have to do with strength training? A full out, 100%, sprinting effort engages the entire body in a series of coordinated and explosive movements. Take a look at any high level or elite sprinter’s body. Abs, hips, glutes, hamstrings, quads, and calves are almost always clearly defined. Yes, diet and resistance training do their part, but the power and force generated but sprinting itself develops the muscles in ways that cannot be easily mimicked in the weight room.
If you’re new to sprinting, begin with the shorter distances and work your way up. Walking back to the start line between reps is usually an adequate rest period, but to get the full benefits of sprinting each effort needs to be at 100%. No space to run? All out efforts on treadmills and stationary bikes can also tax the leg muscles as well as the cardiovascular system.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Using the exercises above as a starting point, give this weightless workout a shot the next time you don’t have gym access:
Using the exercises above as a starting point, give this weightless workout a shot the next time you don’t have gym access:
Burpees: 3 x 10
Jump lunges: 3 x 10
3 Way Pushups: 3 x 5 ea
Bench Dips: 3 x 10
Pullups: 3 x 10
V Situps: 3 x 10
Alternate Heel Touches: 3 x 10
Sprints: 10 x 60 yards
Jump lunges: 3 x 10
3 Way Pushups: 3 x 5 ea
Bench Dips: 3 x 10
Pullups: 3 x 10
V Situps: 3 x 10
Alternate Heel Touches: 3 x 10
Sprints: 10 x 60 yards
There are now no more excuses for not getting a good workout in when away from your regular training facility. The 5 bodyweight exercises above won’t have you throwing the steel around, but they’re still very effective at helping you burn fat and gain strength.
No comments:
Post a Comment