Agility Workout 1 |
Equipment Used:
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Tip: Be creative! This workout utilizes a lot of equipment but a
determined mind can find several ways to make do w/ household substitutions. Several
are suggested in the exercise descriptions. |
Agility Workout 1 |
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SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
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Agility Workout 1 |
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The ability to start, stop and change direction is the definition of agility. This
workout was designed to help increase both raw speed and agility via several high
& low impact exercises. Traditional weight workouts may grant you power but what
use is that strength without coordination or function? If you participate in
almost any sporting activity, some form of agility is usually required for you to
be able to excel. An additional benefit to this style of workout is that it is a
form of cardio. Instead of mindlessly running on a treadmill, you can perform a series
of plyometric exercises, achieve a greater caloric burn and have fun at the same time.
The primary drawback to this workout is that is does require specialized equipment. This equipment is readily available at any sporting goods store & can be used in other workouts as well. If you can't get ahold of the outlined accessories, get creative and improvise. The Cones & hurdles can be replaced w/ any type of marker (i.e. shoes, med balls, coolers, etc). Instead of an agility ladder, you can use twine, shoelaces or just spray-paint/chalk your chosen surface. If you lack a waist harness, tie a rope to your weight & simply use your hands to anchor it as you exercise. You can place your hands on the ground or any slightly raised surface as opposed to a Bosu ball. A parachute is not necessary. If you do have a harness setup, sprint dragging a tire. As for the sled, that is a hard one to replace. A cart/wagon filled with weight would work as a substitute however. Once you have figured out the equipment setup, lay out each "station" w/ enough room in between to safely exercise. You can use a timer and perform each station for a set time period (i.e. 30-60 seconds). An alternate method would be to run through each station continuously & rest at the end. Wait a couple minutes and then repeat. Video examples are linked below. These are all new exercises so take time to review them and practice your form before hitting the workout. Good luck! |
Examples |
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1A - Ladder Push-Ups Video Example Begin in a push-up position at one end of the agility ladder. Perform a push-up and return to the starting position. Move your leading hand and foot over to the next rung of the ladder, followed by the lagging hand/food. Perform the exercise on your knees if you need to. Repeat push-up exercise. For an advanced version, lower into push-up position and push your entire body up and over to the next rung. Repeat until you reach the end of the ladder. 1B - In/Out Hand Shuffle Video Example Position your body with one hand and one foot on either side of the agility ladder starting in push-up position. Move one hand at a time into the rung of the ladder. Return to starting position by moving one hand at a time back to the outsides of the ladder. Try to move as quickly as possible while performing this exercise. |
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2A - Ladder In In Out Out Video Example Start at one end of the agility ladder. Moving as quickly as possible, put both feet into the first rung of the ladder, one at a time. Then move them one at a time to the outside of the rung. From the outside of the rung, move your feet one at a time into the next rung of the ladder and repeat. Once at the end of the ladder, without turning around, perform the same pattern moving backwards toward your starting position. 2B - Ladder High Knees Video Example Start at one end of the agility ladder. Bring each knee into your chest (at least to waist height), making sure to step into each rung of the ladder as you move toward the other end. Perform this exercise as quickly as possible. |
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3A - Tire Backwards Run Video Example With a tire (or other weighted object) tied around you waist using a stability belt, start with legs shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent facing toward the tire. Run backwards from one marker to another (distance can vary) as quickly as possible while keeping your balance. 3B - Tire Lateral Side Steps Video Example With a tire (or other weighted object) tied around you waste using a stability belt, start with legs shoulder width apart and knees slightly bent facing sideways. Shuffle laterally from one marker to another (distance can vary). To increase the difficulty of this exercise, move in a Grapevine motion, crossing one leg in front of the other and alternating as you move along. |
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4 - Three Cone L Drill Video Example Setup three cones in a "L" formation. Evenly spaced, about 5 yards apart. Start a cone that is not in the "elbow" of the "L". Sprint to the middle cone, touch the ground & then run back to the start cone. Once you reach the start cone, pivot and then run back to your middle cone. This time cut around the cone & head towards the last cone. Be sure to cut toward the inside direction of the last cone. Run around the last cone & head back to the middle cone. Run around the outside of the middle cone & power back to the start cone. |
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5 - Suicides Video Example Place at least three cones in a straight line equidistant from each other (at least 10 feet apart). Begin by sprinting to the first cone and returning to the starting position. Next, sprint to the second cone and return to the starting position, followed by the third. |
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6 - Centipede Push-Ups (Walkouts) Video Example Begin in standing position with feet together. Reach down toward your toes (it's ok if you're not able to reach your toes) and place your hands on the ground in front of you. Walking one hand out at a time, extend into push-up position. Perform one push-up, and then begin walking one foot at at time into your body until you have returned to starting position. Stand up straight and repeat. |
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7 - Crab Walk (w/ Sit Ups) Video Example Place four cones in a square approximately 15 feet apart (distance may vary based on difficulty). Beginning at one corner, sit on the ground with legs slightly wider than shoulder width apart and both arms placed behind your butt. Lift your pelvis off the ground, placing your weight on your hands and heals. Walk backwards on all fours to the second cone in the square, then proceed sideways to the third cone. From the third cone walk forward back to starting position. Perform 10-15 situps (vary based on level of difficulty). Repeat. |
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8 - Alternating Knee Planks (Side Crunch) Video Example With the flat side of the Bosu ball facing up, place one hand on each side with your legs stretched behind you in plank position. Bring your right knee into the left side of your chest, twisting at the waist, and return to starting position. Repeat the motion with your left knee to the right side of your chest. For a more difficult version, bring your knee in and extend it outward under your body. |
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9 - Mini Hurdle Lateral Two Steps Video Example Beginning at one end of the mini hurdles, step over the first hurdle one foot at a time placing both feet in between the first two hurdles. Repeat as you travel down the line of hurdles. Run back to the beginning and repeat as quickly as possible. |
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10 - Parachute Sprints Video Example Perform sprints, or runs of various lengths depending on level of difficulty with speed chute attached at the waist. |
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11 - Sled Push/Pull Video Example Keeping knees and elbows bent, push the sled to a preset "finish line." Turn the sled around and pull it in reverse position back to the start. |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
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Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Agility Workout 1
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 9
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 9 |
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Equipment Used:
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Circuit #9 |
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SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
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Circuit #9 - Plyo-Iso Intervals |
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This circuit alternates between high intensity and static exercises. It is suppose to
be executed continuously in "rounds" that include every exercise for a period of time.
We initially start out with 30 second intervals but you can increase or decrease this
to fit your fitness level. Between rounds take an extended break for at least a minute
or two to get your composure back. If you become tired or cannot perform the exercises
as listed, there are several ways to make the exercise easier. Tips are listed in the
"Examples" section below.
Plyometric exercises (plyo) help develop explosive muscle power. This can benefit your run times, punching speed or almost any activity that requires acceleration. It also helps increase endurance due to the fact that your heart rate is raised. The cardio and burst aspect of the plyo routine burns a lot of calories. Isometric exercises (iso) strengthen muscle groups at a specific point in your range of motion. It creates maximum tension over a long period of time. Since iso exercises do not have any movement, it is not cardio intensive and thus does not require long rest periods. Iso routines are generally easy on the joints and somewhat safer than complicated plyo movements. By alternating between Plyo and Iso exercises in the routine, you eliminate the need to take long rests between exercises. You essentially are "resting" during your iso exercise. This type of break is more challenging since you are still performing an exercise while waiting for the next plyo round. Test yourself and see how many rounds you can complete before calling it quits. |
Examples |
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PLYO Mountain Climbers: Click For Video Example Modified version: Place your hands on a raised surface instead of the ground. Burpees: Click For Video Example Modified version:Eliminate the push-up step in the sequence. Box Jumps: Click For Video Example Modified version: Step-up onto the surface instead of jumping. High Knees: Click For Video Example ISO Plank: Click For Video Example Wall Sit: Click For Video Example Push-Up (Iso Hold): Click For Video Example Modified version: Place your hands on a raised surface instead of the ground. Pull-Ups (Static Hold): Click For Video Example Modified version 1: Place your feet on the ground or similar solid surface. Pull yourself toward the bar. Hold. Modified version 2: Wrap a resistance band around a high bar or tall pole. Cross the band in an "X" and wrap the slack with your hands. Pull yourself toward the mount point. Hold. |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
Monday, November 26, 2012
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 6
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 6 |
Equipment Used:
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Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative! |
Circuit #6 |
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SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
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Circuit #6 - Leg Armageddon |
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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 |
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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!!! |
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Workout: Abdominal Workout 1
Workout: Abdominal Workout 1 |
Equipment Used:
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Abdominal Workout #1 |
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Get Fab Abs!!! Everyone wants that flat stomach but the icing on the cake is to build up a set of defined ab muscles. The expression "Abs are made in the kitchen" is very true however. No matter how much ab work you put in, if you are not down to a certain body fat percentage, your abs won't show. So make sure to diet properly so that your nutrition doesn't cover your six pack with a layer of fat. This circuit is comprised of all ab exercises to help build up that six pack. Working your abs/core is different than building up other muscle groups. Abs in general have a quicker recovery period that other muscles so we want to limit our rests between sets. You also want to make sure to focus on form and breathing. Perform the exercises deliberately engaging your core and flexing your abs. Make sure to engage your abs on the negative of each exercise too. Squeeze those abs and breathe out at the peak of each exercise rep. You're only cheating yourself if you only put in half-hearted reps! |
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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 - Walk Outs Click For Video Example Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Bend at the waist and roll down until your fingertips touch the floor in front of your toes. Walk your hands forward, keeping your feet stationary, as you release the bend in your back. Walk until your legs are lowered and your arms are in pushup position, then reverse directions. Walk your hands back to starting position. Repeat 5-10 reps for 3 sets. Optional: You can start on your knees instead of on your feet. |
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2 - V-Ups Video Example Lie supine with hands on floor over head. Hold a stability ball with your feet. Simultaneously raise straight legs and torso. Reach toward raised feet and grab the stability ball. Return to starting position but hold the ball with your hands instead of feet. Repeat the motion but when your reach toward your legs, place the ball back in between your feet. Repeat for as many reps as possible for 3 sets. Optional: If the stability ball is too hard, you can leave it out & just reach for your feet each rep. Optional: If the stability ball is too easy, use a slightly weighted stability ball or medicine ball. |
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3 - Oblique Crunches Video Example Sit on the stability ball and walk your feet out and spreading them as wide as you can. As wide as you feel comfortable with your hips and bring your hands up behind your head. You're going to alternate twisting from side to side trying to bring the elbow up towards the opposite thigh or knee. Each time that you come back, you want to come back as deep as you can so that your shoulder blades will touch the edge of the ball each time. Get the full range of motion coming through and focus on squeezing those obliques each rep. Repeat for at least 15 reps each side for 3 sets. |
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4 - Bench Knee Raises Video Example Sit near the end of a flat surface (flat 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. Repeat 15+ reps for 3 sets. |
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5 - Plank Superset A - Plank Click For Video Example 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. Move into Side Planks immediately after. B - Side Plank Click For Video Example Still on the ground, turn to the side. Lift your body off the ground and balance on one forearm and the side of your foot. Contract your abdominals and relax your shoulders. Hold for 20 to 60 seconds to complete a rep. Then switch sides & hold again for an equal amount of time. Repeat the entire superset 3 times. |
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6 - Scissor Kick into Bicycles Superset A - Scissor Kick 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. After completing reps, move into Ab Bicycles. Perform at least 10 kicks per leg. B - Bicycles Click For 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. Perform at least 15 cycles, focusing on form and then repeat the entire superset at least 3 times. |
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7 - Squat Thrusts into High Knee Superset A - Squat Thrusts Video Example Get down on the ground into a push-up position. To perform a rep you want to bring both feet simultaneously toward your hands by bending your legs and "jumping" your feet forward. Once forward, jump both feet back so that you return to your original push-up position. Perform at least 10 thrusts and then move onto high knees. leg. B - High Knee Click For Video Example Get into a standing position with feet shoulder width apart. You want to start running in place but bringing your knees very high, at least up to the start of your torso. At the same time, take your elbows and alternate bringing them down to meet the opposite knee (right elbow to left raised knee then left elbow to right raised knee). Perform high knees for at least 20 seconds (or until too fatigued). Repeat the entire superset at least 3 times. |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
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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