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Showing posts with label glutes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label glutes. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 2

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 2

Equipment Used:
  • Soft ground area (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
  • Optional: Timer (watch/phone/etc) for calculating rest periods
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative!

Circuit #2

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Jumping Jacks (warm-up)
  2. Lunges (20 reps, walking)
  3. Squats (35 reps)
  4. Bulgarian Split Squats (20/leg)
  5. Pistol Squats (15/leg)
  6. Squat Jumps (25 reps)
  7. Box Jumps (30 reps)
  8. Calf Raises (20/leg)

Circuit #2 - Leg Nuke

We decided to start our own Manhattan Project with the purpose of bombing your legs! Our project is not atomic but I guarantee your quads will be burning as if they were irradiated after this workout. As opposed to some of our other workouts, this one is rep-based. You still want to be mindful of time but this is to monitor your rest periods. You want to keep them as short as possible to keep your leg pump high.

The workout is essentially plyometric so move quickly but don't sacrifice form for speed. Keep rest periods at a maximum of 30 seconds. You want to aim to complete the entire "cycle" as fast as possible. Once the cycle is complete, take a longer rest (1 - 3 minutes) and then hit it again. You should be able to finish 3-4 cycles and feel the burn.

Each exercise can be done with just bodyweight but you can use a set of dumbbells or a resistance band to add stress. Your legs are the largest muscle group in your body and can take the extra weight. If you start to tire when using the extra weight, just switch back to bodyweight to finish out. This allows a group of people w/ varying degrees of strength to all workout together.

Most exercises have been covered by us before but there are video examples below to refresh your memory. There are a few new exercises that may prove very difficult initially. The videos below for those exercises include a "progression" to help you work up to the actual exercise. Use the modified versions explained in the progression initially.

Examples

Jumping Jacks Click For Video Example
Walking Lunges: Click For Video Example
Squat Presses: Click For Video Example
Split Squats: Click For Video Example
Pistol Squats: Click For Video Example
Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example
Box Jumps: Click For Video Example
Calf Raises: Click For Video Example

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 10

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 10

Equipment Used:
  • Five colored die (or dice marked with different colors/markings)
  • Soft ground area to lie down (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
  • Optional: Resistance Band or Dumbbells to perform weighted/advanced versions of exercises

Circuit #10

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Black (cardio): Burpees
  2. Blue (cardio/lower): Box Jumps
  3. Red (upper): Push-Ups
  4. Yellow (lower): Squats
  5. Green (abs): Lying Crunches
  6. Snake Eyes (all): Box Jumps, Pull-Ups, Walking Lunges, Rest
  7. Dice total indicates number of reps
  8. The highest numbered die indicates the exercise (color)
  9. If multiple colors share highest number (tie), perform reps for each exercise color

Circuit #10 - Crap Shoot Workout

This circuit is designed to be ran quickly. The point is to keeps moving and attempt to get through multiple rounds as quickly as possible. Since we are moving quickly, we chose to use calisthenic exercises that require no equipment. This type of workout is extremely flexible due to the fact that you can switch up the assigned exercises to suit your needs. The snake eyes rule is optional but we wanted to make them a big deal like they are in shooting craps. In the event of a tie, perform reps for each exercise that shares the highest number.

We chose the above exercises to try and hit each body group and include some cardio. Again, you can change these exercises to suit your own individual needs or to not let the circuit get stale. If in a group, you could also have each member pick their own exercise assignments for each color. Take breaks in between each members custom set.

Many of the exercises we chose to use are explained in greater detail in previous posts so browse those for additional tips and tricks. Video examples are linked below to refresh your memory on each exercise. If you cannot perform the original exercise or become tired, please move to an easier version of the exercise or replace it. For burpees, we use mountain climbers as an alternate exercise. With push-ups, move to using your knees. Replace box jumps with step-ups if needed.

Examples

Burpees: Click For Video Example
Squat Presses: Click For Video Example
Push-Up: Click For Video Example
Lying Reverse Crunches: Click For Video Example
Box Jumps: Click For Video Example
Pull-Ups: Video Example (Assisted)
Walking Lunges: Click For Video Example

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Mueller Lake Park Circuit 8

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 8

Equipment Used:
  • Standard deck of playing cards
  • Soft ground area to lie down (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
  • Optional: Resistance Band or Dumbbells to perform weighted/advanced versions of exercises

Circuit #8

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Hearts (cardio): Burpees
  2. Spades (lower): Squats
  3. Diamonds (upper): Push-Ups
  4. Clubs (abs): Lying Crunches
  5. Jokers (all): Box Jumps, Pull-Ups, Walking Lunges, Reverse Crunches, Rest
  6. Aces: One minute rest / water break
  7. Face Cards & Jokers: 10 reps
  8. Numbered Cards: Reps matching number of that card

Circuit #8 - Deck of Cards Workout

This circuit is designed to be ran quickly. The point is to keeps moving and attempt to get through the deck as quickly as possible. Since we are moving quickly, we chose to use calisthenic exercises that require no equipment. This type of workout is extremely flexible due to the fact that you can switch up the assigned exercises to suit your needs. If you require more rest than what we have come up with here, you can replace the Aces w/ 11 reps and instead take a break every 5-7 cards completed.

Jokers are optional but we wanted to make them a big deal like they are in most card games. We decided to make them worth 10 reps of a unique exercise in each body group. A break is added in at the end to help ease the transition back into the usual exercises. You can choose to leave out the Jokers or come up with your own fun variation to use them.

We chose the above exercises to try and hit each body group and include some cardio. Again, you can change these exercises to suit your own individual needs or to not let the circuit get stale. If in a group, you could also have each member select a group of cards face-down and pick their own exercise assignments for each suit. Take breaks in between each members custom set.

Many of the exercises we chose to use are explained in greater detail in previous posts so browse those for additional tips and tricks. Video examples are linked below to refresh your memory on each exercise.

Examples

Burpees: Click For Video Example
Squat Presses: Click For Video Example
Push-Up: Click For Video Example
Lying Reverse Crunches: Click For Video Example
Box Jumps: Click For Video Example
Pull-Ups: Video Example (Assisted)
Walking Lunges: Click For Video Example

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 6

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 6

Equipment Used:
  • Timer (watch/phone/etc)
  • Soft ground area to lie down (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
  • Highly Recommended: Resistance Band (medium and/or adjustable recommended)
  • Highly Recommended: One pair of heavy dumbbells
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative!

Circuit #6

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Jumping Jacks (warm-up)
  2. Mountain Climbers
  3. Walking Lunges (weighted/incline)
  4. Calf Raises
  5. Squats Press
  6. Burpees
  7. Romanian/Stiff-Legged Deadlift
  8. High Knees
  9. Wall Sit
  10. Hip Bridge/Raises
  11. Squat/Box Jumps

Circuit #6 - Leg Armageddon

Is this madness??? No, this is LEG DAY!!! One of the most effective ways to grow/sculpt a muscle group is to target it specifically. We all dread leg day but secretly love it. It is what separates the casual gym-goer from the turly hardcore. Don't be that guy/gal at the pool or beach with ripped arms but stick legs! It will get real old wearing sweatpants everywhere to cover your Olive Oil legs up, lol.

Since the entire workout is leg specific, we decided to not superset each exercise. You can specify a set amount of reps if you wish but for our group environment, using a timer is best. The main focus is to be actively working the entire time period and not rest. Even if you have to do an easier or modified form of the exercise, keep moving! Don't cheat yourself.

Each exercise can be done with just bodyweight but it's best to use a heavy set of dumbbells or a resistance band to add stress. Your legs have the largest muscles in your body so it's important to provide them with a challenge. If you become fatigued during the alloted time, simply switch to using bodyweight only. Many of these exercises are explained in greater detail in previous posts so browse those for additional tips and tricks. Video examples are linked below to refresh your memory on each exercise.

Examples

Jumping Jacks Click For Video Example
Mountain Climbers: Click For Video Example
Walking Lunges: Click For Video Example
Calf Raises: Click For Video Example
Squat Presses: Click For Video Example
Burpees: Click For Video Example
Romanian/Stiff-Legged Deadlift: Click For Video Example
High Knees: Click For Video Example
Wall Sit: Click For Video Example
Hip Bridge/Raises: Click For Video Example
Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Workout: Spring Full Body Circuit 2

Workout: Spring Full Body Circuit 2

Equipment Needed:
  • One pair of light dumbbells
  • One pair of heavy dumbbells
  • Flat bench (or sturdy chair & floor mat)
  • Weighted medicine ball (abs/curls/squats)
  • Optional Replacement: A Single Heavy Dumbbell, Telephone Book or other object (movements are more awkward however)
Tip: When starting out, perform all exercises with light weight (or no weight on the leg exercises) until you learn correct form and become familiar with the routine. This also allows you to figure out your recovery time as light weight may be enough to challenge you initially.
Tip: This workout hits abs, shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, glutes, hamstrings and calves. It is really a total body workout so allow at least a days rest in between circuits when starting out. Drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest.
Tip: You can alternate this workout with the previously posted Circuit #1

Circuit #2

SUMMARY
  1. Stretch/Warmup
  2. Flat Bench Reverse Crunch
  3. Standing Knee Raises
  4. Knee Push-Ups
  5. Reverse Lunges
  6. Dumbbell Front Raise
  7. Bench Step Ups
  8. Tricep Dips
  9. Medicine Ball Squat Press
  10. Medicine Ball Curls
  11. Single Leg Stand Up
Stretch / Warmup
Stretch your upper body
1- Place your hands on your hips and legs shoulder-width apart. Roll your neck in circles slowly, reversing direction ocassionally.
2 - Look forward and extend your arms out parallel to the ground. Start making small forward circles with your arms. Slowly increase the size of the circles over time until you are making large circles. Reverse direction at this point.
3 - Keep your arms out, look forward and twist your torso back and forth slowly while keeping your arms locked out.
4 - Place your hands back on your hips and roll your hips in a circular fashion clockwise. After 5-10 revolutions, reverse direction.
Stretch your lower body
1 - Legs shoulder-width apart, clasp your hands together and reach toward the sky. Make sure to breathe. After a few seconds slowly bend over and reach toward the ground. Try to keep your head above your heart (unless you're super flexible). Repeat the sky/ground reaches for a few repitions.
2 - With your feet and legs together and your hands at your sides, take a half step forward with your left foot so that your left knee is bent. Take your right foot and step back a whole step so your right leg is straight. Stretch and then reverse feet.
3 - Sit on the ground and attempt to place the bottoms of your feet together. Pull your feet toward your groin area slowly.
Warmup
1 - Perform 10 Jumping Jacks.
2 - Get on the ground and do 5 push-ups on your knees.
3 - Stand back up and do 10 high knees.
4 - Repeat warmup exercises until you feel loose and have a slightly elevated heartrate.

Abs
A - Flat Bench Reverse Crunch
Video Example
Sit near the end of the flat bench. Lay flat back onto the bench. Reach behind your head and hold the sides of the flat bench. Place your legs together and extend them out in front of the end of the bench. They should be parallel to the ground with your butt firmly on the bench still. Perform reps by raising your knees and pulling them in toward your chest & elbows. Release by returning your legs back to the starting position.
Optional: To make it tougher, you can place a weighted medicine ball in between your kness and perform the exercise. Perform at least 10 reps (or as many as you can do if less) and then rest 30 seconds. Repeat at least three times.

B - Standing Knee Raises
Video Example
Stand tall with your feet shoulder width apart. Grab a light weight and hold it with both hands and your arms extended outward about chest high. Perform reps by raising one knee high enough to meet your outstretched arms holding the weight. Relax by returning your feet back to the starting position. Alternate knees each rep.
Perform at least 10 reps per knee (or as many as you can do if less) and then rest 30 seconds. Repeat at least three times.
1 - Knee Push-Ups
Kneeling on the ground, lean forward and place both hands on the ground slightly larger than shoulder width apart. Keep your back straight, knees on the ground and you can optionally cross your lower legs and feet. Perform kneeling push-ups. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10 reps (or until failure if less)
Set#2: Repeat Set #1
Set#3: 5-10 reps (or until failure if you can do 10+)
2 - Reverse Lunges
With your feet together and the weights down by your sides, perform reverse lunges (stepping backwards). Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 5 reps on each leg w/ light weight in hand
Set#2: Repeat Set #1 but w/ heavy weight in hand
Set#3: 10 reps on each leg w/ light weight in hand

3 - Dumbbell Front Raise
With your feet together and the weights in hand, down in front of your body, perform front raises. The standard grip is to handle the dumbbell with your palms facing your body and parallel to the floor once raised (as in video example). You can optionally have your palms facing your thighs (hands by your sides) and perpendicular to the floor once raised. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10-15 reps w/ light weight
Set#2: 4-8 reps w/ heavy weight
Set#3: Repeat Set #2
Set#4: 10+ reps with light weight (or to failure if less, or skip if wiped from previous set)
4 - Bench Step Ups
Standing in front of the flat bench (or chair), stand w/ feet a little closer than shoulder-wodth apart. Have your arms at your sides w/ the appropriate weight in each hand. Take one foot and place it onto the bench. Push off that same foot and raise the rest of your body up so you can step onto the bench with your other foot. To relax, take the original foot you stepped onto the bench with and step down onto the ground. Once planted, return your other foot to the ground. Perform setp-ups. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 5 reps each leg w/ no weight in hand
Set#2: Repeat Set #1 but w/ light weight in hand
Set#3: 10 reps each leg w/ heavy weight in hand

5 - Tricep Dips
Start seating on the bench with your feet flat on the floor and your legs bent out slightly more than 90 degrees. With your palms flat on the bench and your fingers facing the same direction as your body, push your butt out in the air so that you are being supported by your arms. Perform dips. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 5 reps
Set#2: 10 reps
Set#3: 5-10 reps (or until failure if you can do 10+)
6 - Medicine Ball Squat Press
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weighted medicine ball with both hands and a nuetral grip. If you lack a medicine ball, you can use a heavier dumbbell or other equally heavy object. Perform Squat Presses. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 5 reps
Set#2: 10 reps
Set#3: 10 reps or until failure if 10+ (if arms tired, perform without any weight in hand)

7 - Medicine Ball Curls
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a weighted medicine ball with both hands and a nuetral grip. If you lack a medicine ball, you can use a heavier dumbbell or other equally heavy object. Perform curls. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10-15 reps
Set#2: Repeat Set #2
Set#3: Repeat Set #2 (use heavier ball/object if possible)
Set#4: 10-15+ reps with lighter ball/object
8 - Single Leg Stand Up
Stand in front of a chair or flat bench w/ your legs somewhat close together. Hold your arms out for balance and slightly lift one foot off the floor. Perform a squat using only one leg and take a seat onto the chair/bench behind you. You may extend your raised foot outward for balance if needed as well. Rest a second, and then return to standing using only that same leg to propel you upward. Perform single leg stand ups. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Note: The example video is performing the toughest version of this exercise by squatting to the ground almost. Based on your individual flexibility and strength, you may want to alter this exercise. Start out squatting onto something relatively high off the ground and easy to accomplish (ex. tall chair or couch). Gradually lower the height of your target squat as your prowess increases. Video Example
Set#1: 4 reps per leg
Set#2: 6 reps per leg
Set#3: Either repeat Set #2 or only do 4 reps per leg but squat to a lower height

Good luck!!!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Workout: Spring Full Body Circuit #1

Workout: Spring Full Body Circuit 1

Equipment Needed:
  • One pair of light dumbbells
  • One pair of heavy dumbbells
  • Flat bench (or sturdy chair & floor mat)
  • Optional: Weighted medicine ball (abs)
Tip: When starting out, perform all exercises with light weight (or no weight on the leg exercises) until you learn correct form and become familiar with the routine. This also allows you to figure out your recovery time as light weight may be enough to challenge you initially.
Tip: This workout hits abs, shoulders, chest, biceps, triceps, glutes, hamstrings and calves. It is really a total body workout so allow at least a days rest in between circuits when starting out. Drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest.

Circuit #1

SUMMARY
  1. Stretch/Warmup
  2. Reverse Ab Crunch (Flat bench)
  3. Seated Dumbbell Military Press
  4. Stationary Lunges
  5. Lying Dumbbell Chest Press
  6. Squats
  7. Standing Hammer Curls
  8. Calf Raises
  9. Tricep Kickback
  10. Standing Lunges
Stretch / Warmup
Stretch your upper body
1- Place your hands on your hips and legs shoulder-width apart. Roll your neck in circles slowly, reversing direction ocassionally.
2 - Look forward and extend your arms out parallel to the ground. Start making small forward circles with your arms. Slowly increase the size of the circles over time until you are making large circles. Reverse direction at this point.
3 - Keep your arms out, look forward and twist your torso back and forth slowly while keeping your arms locked out.
4 - Place your hands back on your hips and roll your hips in a circular fashion clockwise. After 5-10 revolutions, reverse direction.
Stretch your lower body
1 - Legs shoulder-width apart, clasp your hands together and reach toward the sky. Make sure to breathe. After a few seconds slowly bend over and reach toward the ground. Try to keep your head above your heart (unless you're super flexible). Repeat the sky/ground reaches for a few repitions.
2 - With your feet and legs together and your hands at your sides, take a half step forward with your left foot so that your left knee is bent. Take your right foot and step back a whole step so your right leg is straight. Stretch and then reverse feet.
3 - Sit on the ground and attempt to place the bottoms of your feet together. Pull your feet toward your groin area slowly.
Warmup
1 - Perform 10 Jumping Jacks.
2 - Get on the ground and do 5 push-ups on your knees.
3 - Stand back up and do 10 high knees.
4 - Repeat warmup exercises until you feel loose and have a slightly elevated heartrate.

Abs
Reverse Ab Crunch
Video Example
Sit near the end of the flat bench. Lean back slightly and hold the sides of the flat bench. Place your legs together and extend them out in front of the end of the bench. Perform reps by bending your knees and pulling them in toward your chest while leaning forward. Release by leaning back into starting position and extending your legs back out.
Perform at least 10 reps (or as many as you can do if less) and then rest 30 seconds. Repeat at least three times.
1 - Military Press
Seated on the flat bench (or chair) perform 4 sets of Military Presses. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10-15 reps w/ light weight
Set#2: Repeat Set #1
Set#3: 6-10 reps w/ heavy weight
Set#4: 2-8 reps w/ heavy weight and then 10+ reps with light weight
2 - Stationary Lunges
Standing in front of the flat bench (or chair), place the top of one foot on the bench w/ your heel facing the sky. Dumbells are in hand. Perform stationary lunges. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 5 reps on each leg w/ light weight in hand
Set#2: Repeat Set #1 but w/ heavy weight in hand
Set#3: 10 reps on each leg w/ light weight in hand

3 - Lying Dumbbell Chest Press
Lying on the flat bench (or on the floor) perform 4 sets of Dumbbell Chest Presses. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10-15 reps w/ light weight
Set#2: 6-10 reps w/ heavy weight
Set#3: Repeat Set #2
Set#4: 2-8 reps w/ heavy weight and then 10+ reps with light weight
4 - Squats
Standing in front of the flat bench (or chair), stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and have your arms bent with your weights up near your ears. Perform squats. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 5 reps w/ no weight in hand)
Set#2: Repeat Set #1 but w/ light weight in hand
Set#3: 10 reps w/ light weight in hand

5 - Standing Hammer Curls
Standing up with your feet should-width apart and your weights down by your sides, perform hammer curls. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10-15 reps w/ light weight
Set#2: 6-10 reps w/ heavy weight
Set#3: Repeat Set #2
Set#4: 2-8 reps w/ heavy weight and then 10+ reps with light weight
6 - Calf Raises
Standing on flat ground w/ your feet a few inches apart and your weights by your sides. Perform calf raises. (This is better performed standing on the step of a staircase or elevated slab in the garage. Somewhere you can have the heels of your feet hanging off the elevated platform into free air) Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10-15 reps w/ light weight
Set#2: Repeat Set #1 w/ heavy weight in hand
Set#3: Repeat Set #2

7 - Tricep Kickback
With your right knee on the bench, bend over and place your right hand on the bench as well. Your left leg should be planted on the ground to the left of the bench. A weight should be in your left hand w/ your elbowtucked near your ribcage. Perform kickbacks. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 10-15 reps w/ light weight
Set#2: 6-10 reps w/ heavy weight
Set#3: Repeat Set #2
Set#4: 2-8 reps w/ heavy weight and then 10+ reps with light weight
8 - Standing Lunges
With your feet together and the weights down by your sides, perform lunges. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets. Decrease rest to increase intensity.
Video Example
Set#1: 8 reps per leg w/ light weight
Set#2: Repeat Set #1 w/ heavy weight in hand
Set#3: 4 reps per leg w/ heavy weight and then 8 reps w/ light weight

Enjoy!!!