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Showing posts with label Military Press. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Military Press. Show all posts

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 2

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 2

Equipment Used:
  • One pair of dumbbells
  • Soft ground area for push-ups/sit-ups
  • Park Bench or flat area of similar height
  • Hill with a steep incline (at least 45 degree) or a set of stairs
  • Highly recommended:Water source / Shade
Tip: This workout is outside, designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out parks near you.
*** Directions to the park we use is at the bottom of the page. (Mueller Lake Park)
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

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Push-Up into Military Press Superset
  2. Walking Alternating Lunges
  3. Sit-Ups / Crunches
  4. Bicep Curls
  5. Squats into Shoulder Raise Superset
  6. Reverse Ab Crunches into Plank Superset
  7. Tricep Dips
  8. Box Jumps / Step-Ups
  9. Lying Flutter Kicks/Bicycles into Lying Chest Press Superset
  10. Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups
  11. Incline Wind Sprints
  12. Agility Slalom Run
  13. Optional: 1-2 mile warm down run/walk
Stretch / Warmup
Loosen your muscles (both upper/lower body). Stretch out and hydrate.

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.
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.
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).
4 - Bicep Curls
Video Example
Grab your dumbbells, stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and perform bicep curls. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
  • Head South on I-35
    *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would
  • Take the exit toward 51st Street
  • Merge onto I-35 Frontage Rd
  • Turn left onto E 51st St
  • Turn right onto Mueller Blvd
    *** Once on Mueller, Seton Hospital will be to your right
  • At the traffic circle, make a left onto Aldrich St
  • Make the first right onto Simond Ave
  • Go to the 2nd driveway entrance
    *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street
FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
  • Head North on I-35
    *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would
  • Take the exit toward Airport Blvd (237A)
  • Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Airport Blvd S/TX-111 Loop E and merge onto TX-111 Loop S/Airport Blvd
  • Turn left onto Aldrich St
    *** Should be first major stoplight
  • At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Aldrich St
  • Make the first right onto Simond Ave
  • Go to the 2nd driveway entrance
    *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street

Monday, May 21, 2012

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 1

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 1

Equipment Used:
  • One pair of dumbbells
  • Soft ground area for push-ups/sit-ups
  • Park Bench or flat area of similar height
  • Hill with a steep incline (at least 45 degree) or a set of stairs
  • Highly recommended:Water source / Shade
Tip: This workout is outside, designed for a park with some space & some basic equipment. Scout out parks near you.
*** Directions to the park we use is at the bottom of the page. (Mueller Lake Park)
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
  1. Stretch/Warmup
  2. Push-Up / Military Press Superset
  3. Squats
  4. Sit-Ups / Crunches
  5. Bicep Curls
  6. Walking Alternating Lunges
  7. Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups
  8. Tricep Dips
  9. Incline Wind Sprints
  10. Agility Slalom Run
  11. Optional: 1/2 mile run
Stretch / Warmup
Loosen your muscles (both upper/lower body). Stretch out and hydrate.

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.
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).
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).
4 - Bicep Curls
Video Example
Grab your dumbbells, stand w/ feet shoulder-width apart and perform bicep curls. Rest 30-60 seconds between sets.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
  • Head South on I-35
    *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would
  • Take the exit toward 51st Street
  • Merge onto I-35 Frontage Rd
  • Turn left onto E 51st St
  • Turn right onto Mueller Blvd
    *** Once on Mueller, Seton Hospital will be to your right
  • At the traffic circle, make a left onto Aldrich St
  • Make the first right onto Simond Ave
  • Go to the 2nd driveway entrance
    *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street
FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
  • Head North on I-35
    *** Or just get to E 51st street however you normally would
  • Take the exit toward Airport Blvd (237A)
  • Keep right at the fork, follow signs for Airport Blvd S/TX-111 Loop E and merge onto TX-111 Loop S/Airport Blvd
  • Turn left onto Aldrich St
    *** Should be first major stoplight
  • At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Aldrich St
  • Make the first right onto Simond Ave
  • Go to the 2nd driveway entrance
    *** Has pull-up bars near it, park in the lot or on the street

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!!!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

At Home Beach Body Workout

Ladies: At Home Beach Body Workout

Summer is soon upon us so that means it's time to break out the swimsuits. Although fitness is a lifestyle, it's never too late to start preparing for pool season. A common misconception is that you can target certain areas of your body to burn fat from. This unfortunately isn't true but what you can do is tone certain areas so when you shed that body fat, your muscles will come shining through. Women tend to want to focus specifically on cardio but they really should incorporate weights. Women have different types of hormones compared to men so you will not instantly become "manly" or "buff" by lifting weights. Cardio is great but it burns calories primarily while you are performing the exercise. As your body gets used to a cardio exercise, you have to perform that exercise longer to recieve the same initial effect. Thus you're on the treadmill forever to try and burn the same amount of calories as you once did. It's also extremely boring!

Weight training tears muscle. As the muscle rebuilds, it's requiring energy and burning calories throughout the day (and night). With weights, you simply use heavier weights once your body gets to used to your current routine. So you never have to increase the amount of time needed to exercise like you do with cardio. So try to mix in weights or any sort of high intensity training (HIT) with your cardio ladies. You'll shed fat and gain tone all at once. A beneficial tendency for women is to focus on leg routines. This is actually beneficial because the leg muscles are among the largest in the body. By tearing that muscle you are forcing the body to repair large quantities of tissue and thus burning large amounts of calories. There are "bonus" leg exercises included below to help shape your butt and thighs.

Below are some exercises and a sample routine that gives you a fast, total body workout. It hits the upper body, lower body and abs. Start out slow and learn the form for each exercise. Once you have the routine down, you can increase the pace of the exercises and shorten your rest period between repetitions. This should also allow you to build up a good sweat and get your heart pumping like a cardio or HIT session. I also outline a "superset" routine which combines two exercises into one merged set of movements. All the exercises can be performed at home with or without a set of dumbbells. There is one exercise that uses a resistance band but it can be done without it as well.

Beach Body Workout Example

Clear out some space in an area with a soft surface as we will be lying on the ground (or use a yoga mat in the garage). If you have a set of dumbbells or kettlebells, have them handy. You could also use a chair (i.e. folding chair) and a resistance band if you have them. If you lack these items, the routine will still work. All exercises are numbered and there are video examples of the exercise at the bottom of the page. Please review these videos before attempting the exercise if you're not familiar with them.
  1. Alternating Ab Crunch
    *** Perform for three sets of 10-20 reps
  2. Front Plank
    *** Perform for three sets and hold for at least 30 seconds each set
  3. Chair Squats
    *** If you do not have a chair, you can simply squat but make sure not to go too low. Just act as if you are going to sit.
    *** You can optionally do these with dumbbells in your hand.
    *** Perform for three sets of 10-15 reps
  4. Reverse Lunges
    *** You can optionally do these with dumbbells in your hand.
    *** Perform for three sets of 10-15 reps
  5. Push-Up (knees)
    *** Perform for three sets and hold for at least 30 seconds each set
  6. Military Press
    *** If you lack dumbbells, you can place anything heavy in your hands (i.e. books, firewood, etc) or perform more reps with no weights at all (you will feel it eventually).
    *** Perform for three sets of 8-12 reps (or 20+ reps for little to no weight in hand)
  7. Bonus: You can add the bonus exercises to the routine to make it more intense. After military presses, perform 10 Donkey Kicks per leg and then knock out 10+ side lunges for extra leg and butt toning.
INTENSITY TIP: If the above routine becomes easy, move to doing 4 sets per exercise while increasing any dumbbell weight. You can also decrease the amount of time you rest in between exercises to amp up the intensity.

INTENSITY TIP: You could also alternately perform the exercises in a "circuit". For example: Lie flat on the floor and knock out 10 reps of alternating ab crunches first. Stand up, check your form and then perform 10 chair squats. Get on your knees, then knock out 10 push-ups. While still on the floor, go into a plank position and hold for 30 seconds. Stand up, grab a couple dumbbells and start 10 reverse lunges. After the last lunge, place your feet shoulder width apart and perform 15 military presses. Take a quick break, drink some water and then hit it again! Each "circuit" will represet a set. You can increase sets, increase weights used during the set or time yourself and try to finish the circuit quicker to increase the degree of difficulty.

INTENSITY TIP: You can insert the bonus exercises into your circuit. You can start the circuit with side lunges and then move onto the ab crunches. After you finish the plank portion of the circuit, while still on the floor, add 10 Donkey Kicks per leg.

Superset Example

Use all the tips from the previous example but here make sure you're familiar with the exercises and have good form. This is similar to the "circuit" style workout outlined in the intesity tip above.
  1. Front Plank into Donkey Kicks
    *** Get on the floor and perform a plank for 30 seconds. Go to your knees and perform 10+ Donkey Kicks per leg.
    *** Complete three sets
  2. Knee Push-Ups into Military Press
    *** Get on the floor and do 10+ knee push-ups. While still on the floor, stay on your knees but immediately raise your back up straight. Grab a couple dumbbells and perform 10+ military presses. (You could do the push-ups with dumbbells in hand to make this easier)
    *** Perform for three sets
  3. Chair Squats into Side Lunges
    *** Stand feet should width apart with dumbbells in hand if you have them. Perform 10+ Chair squats. Once done, immediately go into doing 10+ side lunges.
    *** Perform for three sets
  4. Side Steps into Ab Crunch
    *** Stand shoulder width apart with your knees slighty bent. If you have a resistance closed loop band, place this around your lower leg above the ankles. If you have a standard resistance band with handles, step on the resistance band with both feet and stretch the band with your hands up near your shoulders with your elbows bent and tucked in near your body. Be sure to take small, quick steps if you're using the standard band w/ handles. If you have no band, you can still perform this exercise, just take larger, more exaggerated steps to almost semi-squat when you shuffle across.
    *** Start performing side steps for about 10 repetitions. Immediately stop, lie on your back and do 5-10 reps of alternating ab crunches. Stand back up, setup your band again and then shuffle back the way you came doing side steps.
    *** Perform for three sets

Exercises

(w/ links to YouTube video examples)

Main Routine

1 - Alternating Ab Crunch
Click For Video Example

2 - Front Plank
Click For Video Example

3 - Chair Squats
Click For Video Example

4 - Reverse Lunges
Click For Video Example

5 - Push-Up (knees)
Click For Video Example

6 - Military Press
Click For Video Example

Bonus - Leg Exercises

7 - Donkey Kicks (Glute Raises)
Click For Video Example

8 - Side Lunges
Click For Video Example

9 - Resistance Band Side Step
(Can do without band)
Click For Video Example


For more exercises, please visit an earlier post: Home Dumbbell Workout Exercises


See you in Padre!!!