Equipment Used:
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Grab Bag Workout |
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SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
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Grab Bag Workout |
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This workout hits various muscle groups and incorporates strength training alongside plyometric
and isometric exercises. You will need to use basic fitness equipment to complete the circuit
although a couple sets are bodyweight only. To really polish off the workout, we finish with
sled work. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of space to get at it & stretch appropriately
beforehand. Since the equipment used here varies greatly, it would be best to perform the circuit
for reps as opposed to time.
A vast majority of the exercises used here have not been featured in previous workouts. So please take time to review them and practice your form before hitting the workout. Good luck! |
Examples |
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Dumbell/Kettlebell Double Windmill: Click For Video Example Resistance Band Calf Press: Click For Video Example Lying Leg Lifts: Click For Video Example Renegade Row into Pushup: Click For Video Example Straight Leg Deadlifts: Click For Video Example Tricep Dips: Click For Video Example Overhead Medicine Ball Slam Burpee: Click For Video Example Bicep Curl into Shoulder Press: Click For Video Example Supermans: Click For Video Example Side Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example Plank Mountain Climbers: Click For Video Example Bear Crawl Sled Drags: Click For Video Example Hand Over Hand Sled Pull: Click For Video Example |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
Where fitness is a lifestyle. Organized blogs, social media & more!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Grab Bag Workout
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Workout: Design
Workout: Design |
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Designing WorkoutsIf you are brand new to working out, I suggest finding a knowledgeable friend or enlist a trainer to "show you the ropes". It's important to start slow and take your time to learn various exercises and proper form. Once you are comfortable with your gym and the equipment available, you can progress on to customizing your own workouts. When creating your own workout routines there are several things to consider.Goal You need to have an overall goal that you are shooting for and train accordingly to help achieve that goal. No one style of training is superior to another but there are types of workouts that are better suited towards specific goals. Your goal does not have to be specific however. "To keep in shape" is as good a goal as something like "lose 10 lbs". Goals can also change over time. As your goals change, be sure to step back and examine your current training routine. Make adjustments as needed to suit your new goal. Time Working out takes time! Due to work, family, school or a number of other reasons, you may not have as much free time to workout. Be realistic about how much actual time you will devote to your routine. Do not set yourself up for failure by creating a 6 day routine that you don't have time to complete. Figure out how many days you can actually make it to the gym and design your routine around that schedule. If possible, make your routine flexible enough to handle unexpected life events interrupting your schedule. Treat the gym as an important meeting, make it a priority! Also remember that the more time you put in, the better your results will be. Capability Take into account your age, current health and any existing injuries or limitations when creating a workout. Use this as a guide to setup the appropriate amount of rest days between workouts. Also avoid any exercises that may aggravate nagging injuries. Look for stretches and physical therapy exercises you can do to bolster or strengthen your weak areas. You may have naturally stronger or weaker muscle groups. For weaker groups, be sure to add in some extra sets/reps to get them caught up. Do not completely ignore your strong areas but try to use compound exercises to strengthen the surrounding, supporting muscles to that group simultaneously. As you grow stronger, you can decrease the amount of rest between workouts and also in between sets. Constantly test your ability and "push the envelope" if you want to continue to see growth. Body Type Everyone is different and therefore may respond differently to training. There are three basic bodybuilding types: Ectomorph, Mesomorph & Endomorph. (Read Here) It's important to figure out which one you lean toward and train to suit your frame. This will also affect how much cardio you need and your dietary habits. Inspiration Once you figure out your body type, it may be helpful to find a person who represents your goal. Ensure that this person is of a similar body type so you can maintain a realistic expectation. Study your chosen person and try to emulate their training and dietary methods. If your goal role model is a professional bodybuilder/model/etc, do not attempt to use their exact routine right off the bat. Pros usually have years of experience working out and often have extreme discipline when it comes to supplements and diet. A person off the street may not be able to deal with a strenuous routine. What you can do is take pieces of their routine and apply it to your own workout as needed. I like going to Cut And Jacked and browsing their listing of workouts from pros. I take bits and pieces from there to form my own routines. It is also useful for switching up your workouts from time to time so your body keeps guessing. |
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Split vs Full BodyThere are two basic types of workout routines: Full Body and Split. Depending on your goals and the time you have available to workout, one may be better than the other. Again, no one method is "better" than another. It's all about finding out what works best for your body and your schedule.Split Split workouts break the body into individual muscle groups that are trained during different workout sessions. It's up to you how far you want to break down the groups. In the next section we will give some examples of different splits. This style is best for "molding" your body as you can focus on specific areas. It also is the best for building muscle as you can devote an entire session to exhausting a muscle group. This style is not best for burning calories as it's usually doesn't include rapid movements. Skipping a workout also means that a particular muscle group gets ignored during a week. This usually must be made up and shouldn't happen often. If you want to build muscle and have ample time to devote individual areas, use this style of training. Full Body Full body workouts encompass the entire body as one big muscle group. You do several exercises for both upper and lower body during one session. The good thing about this type of workout is that if you happen to skip a day, you are not leaving out a muscle group like you would with Split training. If you are just starting out or only have time to workout intermittently, this is a good way to go. It also is great for folks who are focused on cardio or running events. By keeping the intensity up and decreasing the amount of rest between sets, you can maximize calories burned and burn a lot of fat. This makes it ideal for those trying to lose weight. If you are into building specific muscle groups or bodybuilding in general, you should stick to split training. There are pros who have made tremendous progress doing variable full body workouts but for the average person, there is a big risk of injury and overtraining. |
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Example Workouts
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Monday, August 6, 2012
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 4
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 4 |
Equipment Used:
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Tip: This workout is outside, designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out parks near you. |
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Tip: At least here in Texas, it's hot as hell outside. Bring water and snack bars to keep your energy up. As always, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest.
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Circuit #4 |
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SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
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Circuit #4 - HIIT Style |
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We kept with the high-intensity style workout but tried to balance muscle
groups better. Each superset should contain at least two groups to allow you
to hit it harder. Instead of counting reps, we use a countdown timer and try
to burn out as many reps as possible in the allotted time.
For supersets, perform as many reps as possible for the 1st exercise in 30 seconds. Without rest, move onto the next exercise in the superset and knock out reps of that for 30 seconds. That will complete one "set". Rest 30 seconds and repeat for two more sets. Be sure to drop weight and/or exercise difficulty level if you find it hard to complete reps the entire time. The main focus is to be actively working the entire time period and not rest. For the compound movements (#3/6/9), perform as many reps as possible in 30 seconds. Again, you want to be moving the entire time so even if you get fatigued, keep moving and perform the exercise in a slower, more deliberate fashion. Focusing on form. The exercises used are a reconfiguration of previous circuits so you can review those posts for more detail on each. A quick list of video examples are provided below to refresh your memory on any exercises. |
Examples |
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Walking Lunges: Video Example Push-Up: Click For Video Example High Knees: Click For Video Example Bent Over Rows: Click For Video Example Burpees: Click For Video Example Bicep Curls: Video Example Wall Sit: Click For Video Example Tricep Kickbacks: Click For Video Example Plank: Click For Video Example Mountain Climbers: Click For Video Example Squats: Click For Video Example Shoulder Press: Click For Video Example Reverse Ab Crunch: Click For Video Example Reverse Fly: Click For Video Example Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example Pull-Ups: Video Example (Assisted) |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
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DIRECTIONS The closest intersection is at the edge of the park. Map to the following intersection: Simond Ave & Mattie St, Austin TX 78723 |
FROM NORTH AUSTIN
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FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
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Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 3
Workout: Mueller
Lake Park Circuit 3
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Equipment
Used:
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Tip: This workout is outside,
designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out
parks near you. |
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Tip: At least here in Texas,
it's hot as hell outside. Bring water and snack bars to keep your energy up.
As always, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. |
Circuit #3 - HIIT
Style
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"Superset
to make 'em sweat!!!" |
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SUMMARY
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Stretch / Warm-up |
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1
- Seated Bicep Curls into Reverse Flys Superset |
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2
- High Knees into Shoulder Press Superset |
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3
- Burpees |
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4
- Bent Over Rows into Triceps Kickbacks Superset |
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5
- Static Lunges into Wall Sit Superset |
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6
- Mountain Climbers |
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7
- Push-Ups into Plank Superset |
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8
- Lying Kicks/Bicycles into Chest Press/Fly Superset |
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9
- Squat Jumps (or Box Jumps/Step-Ups) |
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10
- Optional Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups |
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11
- Optional Run |
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Hydrate,
Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
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DIRECTIONS |
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FROM
NORTH AUSTIN
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FROM
SOUTH AUSTIN
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Thursday, June 7, 2012
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 2
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 2 |
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Equipment Used:
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Tip: This workout is outside, designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out parks near you. |
| Tip: At least here in Texas, it's hot as hell outside. Bring water and snack bars to keep your energy up. As always, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. |
Circuit #2 |
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SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
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Stretch / Warmup Loosen your muscles (both upper/lower body). Stretch out and hydrate. |
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1 - Push-Up into Military Press Superset A - Push-Up Click For Video Example Find a soft area to kneel down. Grab your dumbbells and get into the front leaning rest position w/ your hands still wrapped around the dumbbells. Knock out a set of push-ups. Once done, get back onto your knees and move into the Military Press. B -Military Press Click For Video Example While still kneeling after your push-up set, move the dumbbells into position near your head with your arms bent at a 90 degree angle. Perform a set of Military Presses. Afterward, rest 30-60 seconds and then start the superset again with exercise A. Optional: You can perform both exercises without dumbbells if you get tired. |
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2 - Walking Alternating Lunges Video Example Stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and at least 30 paces of flat space in front of you. Perform walking lunges. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: To increase difficulty, hold a dumbbell in each hand down by your sides as you perform this exercise. Optional: You don't have to, but going down low enough to where your knee touches the ground increases difficulty as well. |
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3 - Sit-Ups / Crunches Sit-Up Video Example Crunch Video Example Find a soft area to lie down (or use a mat or park ab equipment). Either peform crunches or sit-ups (may vary based on equipment and/or people to help hold your feet). Rest 30 seconds between sets (abs recover quickly compared to other muscle groups). |
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4 - Bicep Curls Video Example Grab your dumbbells, stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and perform bicep curls. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. |
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5 - Squats into Shoulder Raise Superset A - Squats Click For Video Example Standing in front of a park bench (or similar flat surface) , stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and arms out-stretched. Perform squats. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: To increase difficulty, either perform squats with a single weight held near your chest w/ both hands or hold a weight in each hand in the military press position (near your head w/ arms at 45 degrees). B - Shoulder Raise Click For Video Example 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 30-60 seconds between sets and then start the superset again with exercise A. |
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6 - Reverse Ab Crunches into Plank Superset A - Bench Crunches Click For Video Example Sit near the end of a flat surface (park bench or similar). 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. B - Plank Click For Video Example After completing your ab crunches, drop down onto a soft ground surface. Get face down to the ground, resting on the forearms w/ palms flat on the floor. Push off the floor, raising onto your toes and rest on your elbows. Keep your back flat and form a straight line from head to heels. Tilt your pelvis and contract your abdominals to prevent your rear end from sticking up in the air or sagging in the middle. Hold for 20 to 60 seconds to complete a rep. Lower onto your knees to rest. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets and then start the superset again with exercise A. |
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7 - Tricep Dips Video Example Start seating on a park bench (or similar raised flat surface) 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 30-60 seconds between sets. |
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8 - Box Jumps / Step-Ups Video Example Find a sturdy, raised surface that can support your weight. Stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: If you can't do box jumps or become fatigued before the set is complete, perform the following: Step-Up Video Example. Alternating each leg, step up onto the raised surface and then bring your trailing leg up beside it. Step down carefully with each leg and repeat. Optional: You can increase the height of the object you are jumping onto to increase difficulty. |
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9 - Lying Flutter Kicks/Bicycles into Lying Chest Press Superset A - Lying Flutter Kicks Click For Video Example Find a soft surface and lie down. Tilt your head forward so it is slighty off the ground. Place your hands under your butt to support your lower back. Raise both your feet off the ground a few inches w/ your legs out straight. Now raise your left leg to a 45 degree angle while leaving the right leg out straight. Lower the left leg, keep it straight and then raise the opposite leg 45 degrees. Repeat and alternate to perform reps. Optional: If you do not like flutter kicks, lie on your back and perform the following: Ab Bicycles Video Example. In the same lying position as flutter kicks, place both hands behind your raised head. We will instead bring your left knee in toward right elbow and attempt to make them touch. Keep your right leg out straight. Return to the start position & perform a rep w/ the other leg. Repeat and alternate to complete multiple reps. B - Lying Chest Press Click For Video Example While still lying on the ground after your flutter kicks or bicycles, grab two dumbbells. Lie flat on your back and place your arms at 90 degrees, holding the weights in the air. Perform a set of Chest Presses. Afterward, rest 30-60 seconds and then start the superset again with exercise A. |
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10 - Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups Video Example (Assisted) Find a set of pull-up bars (if none available, skip this exercise or perform Delt Rows off a park bench). Perform as many pull/chin-ups as you can un-assisted. If a workout partner or sturdy cooler is available, perform as many assisted pull/chin-ups as possible. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: If no pull-up bars are available, perform the following: Delt Rows Video Example Optional: You can use a lower hanging pull-up bar and a sturdy cooler to perform assisted pull/chin-ups. Optional: If you have a friend available, you can bend your knees and have a friend assist you by pulling up on your knees. |
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11 - Incline Wind Sprints Video Example Find a steep hill w/out too much debris and uniform surface. Allow enough flat space at the bottom of the incline to slow down. Sprint quickly up the hill and jog back down. Repeat several times and then rest. Optional: If no suitable hills are available, you can run a step of stairs for an incline workout. |
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12 - Agility Slalom Run Video Example Find a set of trees (or other obstacles/landmarks) that are staggered and spaced on flat ground (pictured at the top of the page). Run around each obstacle, alternating left to right. After the last obstacle, clear to the side of all obstacles and sprint straight back to the start. Rest 30 seconds (or until you catch your breath). Optional: You can setup a set of cones, spray paint waypoints on the ground or use other means to create the obstacles course to navigate around. |
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13 - Optional Run If you're still up for it, either walk or jog a short 1/4 to 1/2 mile course around the park. Walk the entire route to cool down or if you're not tired yet, perform alternating sprints and jogs every 1/8 mile. Walk it out an extra 1/8 mile at the end to cool down after. Optional: You can hit the sidewalk and follow it around for a 2 mile course. |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
|
DIRECTIONS The closest intersection is at the edge of the park. Map to the following intersection: Simond Ave & Mattie St, Austin TX 78723 |
FROM NORTH AUSTIN
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FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
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Monday, May 21, 2012
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 1
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 1 |
Equipment Used:
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Tip: This workout is outside, designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out parks near you. |
| Tip: At least here in Texas, it's hot as hell outside. Bring water and snack bars to keep your energy up. As always, drink plenty of water and get sufficient rest. |
Circuit #1 |
SUMMARY
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Stretch / Warmup Loosen your muscles (both upper/lower body). Stretch out and hydrate. |
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1 - Push-Up / Military Press Superset A - Push-Up Click For Video Example Find a soft area to kneel down. Grab your dumbbells and get into the front leaning rest position w/ your hands still wrapped around the dumbbells. Knock out a set of push-ups. Once done, get back onto your knees and move into the Military Press. B -Military Press Click For Video Example While still kneeling after your push-up set, move the dumbbells into position near your head with your arms bent at a 90 degree angle. Perform a set of Military Presses. Afterward, rest 30-60 seconds and then start the superset again with push-ups. Optional: You can perform both exercises without dumbbells if you get tired. |
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2 - Squats Click For Video Example Standing in front of a park bench (or similar flat surface) , stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and arms out-stretched. Perform squats. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: To increase difficulty, either perform squats with a single weight held near your chest w/ both hands or hold a weight in each hand in the military press position (near your head w/ arms at 45 degrees). |
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3 - Sit-Ups / Crunches Sit-Up Video Example Crunch Video Example Find a soft area to lie down (or use a mat or park ab equipment). Either peform crunches or sit-ups (may vary based on equipment and/or people to help hold your feet). Rest 30 seconds between sets (abs recover quickly compared to other muscle groups). |
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4 - Bicep Curls Video Example Grab your dumbbells, stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and perform bicep curls. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. |
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5 - Walking Alternating Lunges Video Example Stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and at least 30 paces of flat space in front of you. Perform walking lunges. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: To increase difficulty, hold a dumbbell in each hand down by your sides as you perform this exercise. Optional: You don't have to, but going down low enough to where your knee touches the ground increases difficulty as well. |
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6 - Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups Video Example (Assisted) Find a set of pull-up bars (if none available, skip this exercise or perform Delt Rows off a park bench). Perform as many pull/chin-ups as you can un-assisted. If a workout partner or sturdy cooler is available, perform as many assisted pull/chin-ups as possible. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets. Optional: If no pull-up bars are available, perform the following: Delt Rows Video Example Optional: You can use a lower hanging pull-up bar and a sturdy cooler to perform assisted pull/chin-ups. Optional: If you have a friend available, you can bend your knees and have a friend assist you by pulling up on your knees. |
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7 - Tricep Dips Video Example Start seating on a park bench (or similar raised flat surface) 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 30-60 seconds between sets. |
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8 - Incline Wind Sprints Video Example Find a steep hill w/out too much debris and uniform surface. Allow enough flat space at the bottom of the incline to slow down. Sprint quickly up the hill and jog back down. Repeat several times and then rest. Optional: If no suitable hills are available, you can run a step of stairs for an incline workout. |
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9 - Agility Slalom Run Video Example Find a set of trees (or other obstacles/landmarks) that are staggered and spaced on flat ground (pictured at the top of the page). Run around each obstacle, alternating left to right. After the last obstacle, clear to the side of all obstacles and sprint straight back to the start. Rest 30 seconds (or until you catch your breath). Optional: You can setup a set of cones, spray paint waypoints on the ground or use other means to create the obstacles course to navigate around. |
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10 - Optional Run If you're still up for it, either walk or jog a short 1/4 to 1/2 mile course around the park. Walk the entire route to cool down or if you're not tired yet, perform alternating sprints and jogs every 1/8 mile. Walk it out an extra 1/8 mile at the end to cool down after. |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
|
DIRECTIONS The closest intersection is at the edge of the park. Map to the following intersection: Simond Ave & Mattie St, Austin TX 78723 |
FROM NORTH AUSTIN
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FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
|
Monday, April 30, 2012
Workout: Spring Full Body Circuit 2
Workout: Spring Full Body Circuit 2 |
Equipment Needed:
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| 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
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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. |
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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. |
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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+) |
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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 |
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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) |
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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 |
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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+) |
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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) |
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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 |
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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:
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| 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
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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!!! |









