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Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 1

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 1

Equipment Used:
  • A set of sturdy bleachers (preferably solid)
  • Optional: Gloves
  • Optional: Ankle weights
  • Optional: Weight vest
  • Optional: Rubber Bands / Resistance Band Loops
Tip: This workout can be done on any set of stairs.

Circuit #1

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Alternating Toe Taps (up) into Wall Sit Kicks
  2. Walking Push Ups (lateral)
  3. Stair Lunges (up) into Side Squats (down)
  4. Side Plank / V Ups
  5. Calf Raises into Bulgarian Split Squats
  6. Bleacher Burpees
  7. Single Leg Step Ups into Single/Double Leg Hop (up)
  8. Tricep Dips
  9. Bleacher Crawls (backwards or forwards, up & down)

Circuit #1 - Bleacher Workout

This workout is very similar to the plyo/iso workout. This time we are using a set of bleachers to provide an added challenge to the workout. For y'all attending the workout here in Austin, please note that the location is not Mueller Lake Park but Deer Park Middle School (address/directions at the bottom of the page). This workout can be done anywhere w/ a set of bleachers however. If bleachers aren't available, anywhere w/ a sturdy raised surface that will support your weight will do. If bleachers are available, try to find a set that is solid and doesn't have gaps that your foot can slip into. We don't want you out there getting hurt!

Your bodyweight is sufficient enough to use for this workout but if you want an additional challenge, I recommend using some form of added weight. I recently bought a set of K Bands and they work great. You just attach them to your thighs & go about your normal workout. A set of comfortable ankle weights and/or a weighted vest would work too. The workout does include upper body and a tiny bit of abs but it is primarily legs and cardio. Be sure to stretch appropriately.

The order of this workout is setup to travel around a set of bleacher stairs. Certain exercises are done in place wherever you happen to be. Others are done while moving either up or down the stairs. All bleachers are different and you may have to skip a step or two when performing up/down exercises if the stair width is really small. You can also travel up/down the bleacher seats themselves if it seems safe. Pay special attention to your footwork and try not to trip (especially when fatigued). Try to avoid using the railing for things like push-ups or wall sits unless you are absolutely sure it is sturdy.

A great portion of these exercises have not been used here before. Video examples are linked below so take time to review them and practice your form before hitting the workout. Good luck!



Examples

Alternating Toe Taps: Click For Video Example
Wall Sit Kicks: Click For Video Example

Walking Push Ups: Click For Video Example

Stair Lunges: Click For Video Example
Side Squats: Click For Video Example

Side Plank: Click For Video Example
V Ups: Click For Video Example

Calf Raises: Click For Video Example
Bulgarian Split Squats: Click For Video Example

Bleacher Burpees: Click For Video Example

Single Leg Step Ups: Click For Video Example
Single/Double Leg Hop: Click For Video Example

Tricep Dips: Click For Video Example

Bleacher Crawls: Click For Video Example


DIRECTIONS
Deerpark Middle School (North Austin)
Address: 8849 Anderson Mill Rd Austin, TX 78729

Find your way to Anderson Mill Road and either turn in one of the service roads or use Turtle Rock Rd to access the school.On the map picture below, the red "X" marks the location of the track. The school is an open campus and accessible 24/7. There is a circular paved track w/ a set of bleacher next to it. We should be gathered near the bleachers.



FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
  • Head North on I-35 / Mopac Loop 1
    *** Or just get to 183 North however you normally would
  • Merge onto US-183 North
  • Take the Anderson Mill Road exit
  • Turn right onto Anderson Mill Road at the light
  • Turn right onto Turtle Rock Rd
  • The school will be on your left, turn into the school at the sign
  • Make an immediate right onto the service road heading behind the school, you will run into the track area. Park anywhere off the road.
FROM NORTH AUSTIN
Toll Road
  • Head South on I-35
    *** Or just get to the TX-45 Toll Road however you normally would.
  • Take exit 250B toward TX-45/TX-1 (toll)
  • Keep right at the fork, merge onto TX-45
  • Take the exit for FM 734/Parmer Ln
  • Turn left onto FM 734/Parmer Ln
  • Turn right onto Anderson Mill Rd
  • Turn left onto Turtle Rock Rd
  • The school will be on your left, turn into the school at the sign
  • Make an immediate right onto the service road heading behind the school, you will run into the track area. Park anywhere off the road.
No Toll Roads
  • Head South on I-35
    *** Or just get to the McNeil Road however you normally would.
  • Take exit 252B-A toward RM 620/McNeil Rd
  • Stay right to keep onto Co Rd 171/McNeil Rd
  • Turn right onto FM 734/Parmer Ln
  • Turn left onto Anderson Mill Rd
  • Turn left onto Turtle Rock Rd
  • The school will be on your left, turn into the school at the sign
  • Make an immediate right onto the service road heading behind the school, you will run into the track area. Park anywhere off the road.
FROM CEDAR PARK
  • Head South on 183
  • Take the Anderson Mill Road exit
  • Turn left onto Anderson Mill Road at the light
  • Turn right onto Turtle Rock Rd
  • The school will be on your left, turn into the school at the sign
  • Make an immediate right onto the service road heading behind the school, you will run into the track area. Park anywhere off the road.
 
Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 12

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 12

Equipment Used:
  • Timer (watch/phone/etc)
  • 12-16lb sledgehammer and medium/large truck tire
  • 20+ feet of rope
  • Two medicine balls
  • Sandbag (or medium dumbbell)
  • Resistance Band (medium and/or adjustable recommended)
  • Ab Roller
  • Jump Rope
  • Soft ground area to lie down (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
Tip: Get creative! Even if you don't have the equipment listed, find suitable replacements.

Circuit #12

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Station #1: Hammer Swing (start)
  2. Station #2: Alternate Ropes
  3. Station #3: Box Jumps / Step-Ups
  4. Station #4: Pull-Ups / Back Rows
  5. Station #5: Medicine Ball Russian Twists
  6. Station #6: Sandbag Squat Presses
  7. Station #7: Resistance Band Punches / Press
  8. Station #8: Ab Rollouts / Plank
  9. Station #9: Push-Ups
  10. Station #10: Jump Rope
  11. Station #11: Lunge Twists (back to start)

Circuit #12 - Station Workout

This workout is our first true "circuit". A circuit is defined as a line, route, or movement that starts and finishes at the same place. Generally our workouts involve everyone performing the same exercise/movement simultaneously but we decided to switch things up. By introducing some new equipment, our hope is to inject some fun into the circuit and provide new challenges for our muscles. This equipment can either be purchased from your local sporting goods store or created from other objects. You can search the web for instructions on how to make DIY workout equipment (i.e. creating sandbag from a duffel bag, trash bag and sand).

Before starting, set out the equipment needed at each "station". Take time to make sure each item is in good working order and become familiar with the form needed to perform your exercises. Using a timer/stopwatch, we want to spend a set amount of time at each station (i.e. 20-30 seconds) and then move onto the next. Once we circle back around to the first station, take a break and grab some water. Then start the process over. Repeat until sufficiently tired! Try to keep your intensity up when moving through the stations.

The order of this circuit is setup to be convenient for our park location. Feel free to change up the order to suit your needs. We generally try to rotate body parts (upper, lower and abs) to give each one at least one break before hitting it again. We also tried to provide alternate exercises for those that may be too difficult for some. Make adjustments to the workout plan to suit your individual needs.

A great portion of these exercises have not been used here before. Video examples are linked below so take time to review them and practice your form before hitting the workout. Good luck!

Examples

Hammer Swing: Click For Video Example

Alternate Ropes: Click For Video Example

Box Jumps: Click For Video Example
Step-Ups: Click For Video Example

Pull-Ups: Click For Video Example
Back Row: Click For Video Example

Medicine Ball Russian Twist: Click For Video Example

Sandbag Squat Press: Click For Video Example

Resistance Band Punch: Click For Video Example
Resistance Band Press: Click For Video Example

Ab Rollout: Click For Video Example
Plank: Click For Video Example

Push-Up: Click For Video Example

Jump Rope: Click For Video Example

Lunge Twists: Click For Video Example


Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 11

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 11

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)
  • A heavy and light pair of dumbbells
  • Highly Recommended: Resistance Band (medium and/or adjustable recommended)
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative!

Circuit #11

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Shoulders: Shoulder Press / Front Raises
  2. Back: Rows / Reverse Fly
  3. Plyo: Burpees
  4. Chest: Push Ups / Chest Press
  5. Arms: Tricep Kickbacks / Bicep Curls
  6. Plyo: Squat Jumps
  7. Core: Crunches / Plank
  8. Legs: Static Lunges / Wall Sit
  9. Legs: Stiff-Legged Deadlifts / Calf Raises
  10. Plyo: Box Jumps (Step-ups)
  11. Bar Work

Circuit #11 - Snider Superset

This circuit encompasses the entire body. It starts with the upper body and works its way down to your legs. This circuit is designed to move quickly and you should limit rest between sets. Since each superset hits the same body part twice, you should feel a good burn. Perform 3-5 sets per superset.

Due to the fact that this circuit will move fast, try to have a variety of different sized dumbbells available. You could also alternately have a light or medium strength resistance band handy to really burn out those last couple reps. Start heavy and when fatigued, drop to a lower weight. Focus on continuous reps and movement to maximize the burn during the entire set.

You can use up to 30 seconds of rest in between sets but we have been running continuous sets lately. Basically perform your first exercise then move into the second exercise to complete the superset. After that is complete, we move immediately back to the first exercise to start a second set. Once three sets are complete, we rest for about a minute. For plyo movements, we rest for 30 seconds in between sets however.

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

Shoulder
Dumbbell Front Raise: Click For Video Example
Shoulder Press: Click For Video Example

Back
Bent Over Dumbbell Row: Click For Video Example
Seated Dumbbell Reverse Flys: Click For Video Example

Plyo
Burpees: Click For Video Example
Box Jumps: Click For Video Example
Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example

Chest
Lying Dumbbell Chest Press: Click For Video Example
Push-Up: Click For Video Example

Arms
Dumbbell Curl: Click For Video Example
Tricep Kickbacks: Click For Video Example

Core
Lying Reverse Crunches: Click For Video Example
Plank: Click For Video Example

Legs
Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example
Wall Sit: Click For Video Example
Romanian/Stiff-Legged Deadlift: Click For Video Example
Calf Raises: Click For Video Example

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!