Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 14 |
|
Equipment Used:
|
Circuit #14 |
|
SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warm-up
|
Circuit #14 - Med Ball Madness |
|
This circuit was created to foster teamwork and camaraderie among our workout group by focusing on partner
exercises. Using a minimal amount of equipment, we utilize a partner to create additional resistance. If you
lack a partner or have odd numbers in your group, the exercises can be modified for solo performance as well.
When choosing partners try to match people who are of similar weight and/or physical ability. While performing
exercises, communicate with your partner to coordinate each movement. Use good form and encourage one another
to give it 100% during the circuit.
Certain exercises may require a slightly longer set to get enough work for both partners. Somewhere between 30 seconds to a minute for most. If you can, bring several different types of resistance bands and medicine balls. You could also use a sandbag or large diameter medicine ball (wall ball) for a couple exercises. Use your imagination and make replacements as needed. You will need a good amount of space to perform the exercises so clear out ample room. All of these exercises are just variations of familiar exercises. Descriptions and video examples are linked below so take time to review them and practice your form before hitting the workout. Good luck! |
Examples |
|
1 - Squat Throw/Press Video Example Stand with feet shoulder width apart holding a medicine ball w/ both hands. Perform a traditional squat. When returning to standing start position, toss the medicine ball above your head. Catch the ball as you return to a lowered position for your next rep. Optional: If the ball is too heavy or you become tired, just press the ball instead of throwing/tossing it. If that's still too much, skip the throw/press altogether and just squat. |
|
2 - Double Crunches Video Example Lie flat on the ground w/ a medicine ball. Hold the ball w/ both hands and extend your arms behind your head so that the ball rests on the ground. Bend at the knees so that your legs are raised off the ground and are at a 90 degree angle. Feet are together. This is the start position. Raise your torso, arms and the medicine ball up. Move your torso toward your legs while swinging the medicine ball over your head and resting it on your raised shins. Now lower your torso and and swing your arms back to the start position. As you do this, leave the medicine ball on your shins and extend your legs outward. They should go from being at a 90 degree angle to flat, all while cradling the medicine ball. Once relatively flat, contract to the raised position in the same manner as before but instead grab the medicine ball from your raised legs and hold it in your hands as you flatten out. Repeat this process as your perform reps. |
|
3 - One Arm Front Raise Video Example Hold your arm straight out in front of you with the medicine ball in your palm. Lower your arm down as far as you can while keeping the medicine ball steady. Press up and return to starting position. Optional: If the ball is too heavy or you become tired, use both arms/hands. |
|
4 - Superman Video Example Lay on your stomach with legs and arms outstretched. Hold the medicine ball in your hands and lift your arms and legs off the ground at the same time. Hold for three seconds and return to starting position. Optional: If the ball is too heavy or you become tired, perform reps w/out the ball. |
|
5 - Walking Lunge Twist Video Example Perform traditional lunges with medicine ball in hand. While lunging forward, start to twist your torso toward the same side as your leading leg. As you rise from the lunge, return to your torso to the center and begin the next rep with the alternate foot. Optional: Some people bring both feet together in between alternating feet. It gives you a chance to re-center and get your balance back. Others go straight into the next lunge after rising from the previous rep. Do what feels best for you. |
|
6 - Russian Twist Video Example Sit in a contracted crunch position with a medicine ball in hand. Hold the ball w/ both hands centered in front of your chest. Your legs should be bent at the knee and your body should make a "V" shape w/ your thighs and torso. Bodyweight should be balancing on your butt. Twist from side to side, lightly touching the medicine ball to the ground if possible. Optional: Some people perform this on a raised surface w/ their legs hanging in the air. |
|
7 - Overhead Tri Extension Video Example Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Hold the medicine ball overhead with arms stretched out directly above you. Bend your arms at the elbow while keeping your shoulders steady. This should place the ball behind your head. Extend the arms back to outstretched position. Optional: You can either have your hands under the ball or on the sides of the ball. |
|
8 - Push-Up Roll Video Examples While in push-up position, place the medicine ball under one of your hands. The other hand will remain pressed against the ground. Perform the push-up motion and when back in starting position, take your raised hand off the medicine ball and place it on the ground. Roll the ball over to your opposite hand and place it on top of the medicine ball. Perform another push-up. Keep alternating hands to perform reps. Optional: A more advanced version is to release the medicine ball at the peak of your "up" position and roll it toward your other hand. While doing this, raise your opposite hand in anticipation of the ball arriving and land that hand on top of it. Keep alternating like this in rhythm. Optional: An easier method is to simply perform half your reps on one arm first and then switch over to your other arm. |
|
9 - Wall Sit Squeeze Video Examples Standard wall sit exercise but squeeze a medicine ball between your knees. Optional: If this is too difficult and no lighter medicine balls are available, just hold the medicine ball in your hands above your head. |
|
10 - Overhead Side Bend Video Examples Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Hold the medicine ball overhead with arms outstretched. Keeping arms straight, bend to your right side as far as is comfortable. Return to starting position and repeat on the left side. |
|
11 - One Arm Shoulder Press Video Examples Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Hold the medicine ball in your hand at a 90 degree angle (this will leave the ball close to the side of your head). Press the ball up until your arm is straight over head. Switch arms and repeat. Optional: You can performs several reps w/ one arm and switch to the other to finish. |
|
12 - Burpee Ball Video Examples Holding the medicine ball with both hands. Jump up lifting the ball overhead. Proceed directly to push-up position with the ball under your hands as you stretch your feet out behind you. Bring your feet back to your chest and return to standing position. Repeat. Optional: As with any burpee, you can optionally skip the jump and/or the actual push-up if you become tired or need an easier version. Optional: A more advanced version can include a chest pass instead of a jump up if there is a wall surface available. |
|
|
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
Where fitness is a lifestyle. Organized blogs, social media & more!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 14
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Workout: Deer Park Circuit 1
Workout: Deer Park Circuit 1 |
|
Equipment Used:
|
|
Tip: This workout can be done on any set of stairs. |
Circuit #1 |
|
SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
|
Circuit #1 - Bleacher Workout |
|
This workout is very similar to the
plyo/iso workout. This time we are using a set of bleachers to provide an added
challenge to the workout. For y'all attending the workout here in Austin, please note that
the location is not Mueller Lake Park but Deer Park Middle School (address/directions at the
bottom of the page). This workout can be done anywhere w/ a set of bleachers however. If
bleachers aren't available, anywhere w/ a sturdy raised surface that will support your
weight will do. If bleachers are available, try to find a set that is solid and doesn't have
gaps that your foot can slip into. We don't want you out there getting hurt!
Your bodyweight is sufficient enough to use for this workout but if you want an additional challenge, I recommend using some form of added weight. I recently bought a set of K Bands and they work great. You just attach them to your thighs & go about your normal workout. A set of comfortable ankle weights and/or a weighted vest would work too. The workout does include upper body and a tiny bit of abs but it is primarily legs and cardio. Be sure to stretch appropriately. The order of this workout is setup to travel around a set of bleacher stairs. Certain exercises are done in place wherever you happen to be. Others are done while moving either up or down the stairs. All bleachers are different and you may have to skip a step or two when performing up/down exercises if the stair width is really small. You can also travel up/down the bleacher seats themselves if it seems safe. Pay special attention to your footwork and try not to trip (especially when fatigued). Try to avoid using the railing for things like push-ups or wall sits unless you are absolutely sure it is sturdy. A great portion of these exercises have not been used here before. Video examples are linked below so take time to review them and practice your form before hitting the workout. Good luck! |
|
Examples |
|
Alternating Toe Taps: Click For Video Example Wall Sit Kicks: Click For Video Example Walking Push Ups: Click For Video Example Stair Lunges: Click For Video Example Side Squats: Click For Video Example Side Plank: Click For Video Example V Ups: Click For Video Example Calf Raises: Click For Video Example Bulgarian Split Squats: Click For Video Example Bleacher Burpees: Click For Video Example Single Leg Step Ups: Click For Video Example Single/Double Leg Hop: Click For Video Example Tricep Dips: Click For Video Example Bleacher Crawls: Click For Video Example |
|
DIRECTIONS Deerpark Middle School (North Austin) Address: 8849 Anderson Mill Rd Austin, TX 78729 Find your way to Anderson Mill Road and either turn in one of the service roads or use Turtle Rock Rd to access the school.On the map picture below, the red "X" marks the location of the track. The school is an open campus and accessible 24/7. There is a circular paved track w/ a set of bleacher next to it. We should be gathered near the bleachers. |
|
FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
|
|
FROM NORTH AUSTIN Toll Road
|
FROM CEDAR PARK
|
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 11
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 11 |
|
Equipment Used:
|
|
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative! |
Circuit #11 |
|
SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
|
Circuit #11 - Snider Superset |
|
This circuit encompasses the entire body. It starts with the upper body and
works its way down to your legs. This circuit is designed to move quickly
and you should limit rest between sets. Since each superset hits the same
body part twice, you should feel a good burn. Perform 3-5 sets per superset.
Due to the fact that this circuit will move fast, try to have a variety of different sized dumbbells available. You could also alternately have a light or medium strength resistance band handy to really burn out those last couple reps. Start heavy and when fatigued, drop to a lower weight. Focus on continuous reps and movement to maximize the burn during the entire set. You can use up to 30 seconds of rest in between sets but we have been running continuous sets lately. Basically perform your first exercise then move into the second exercise to complete the superset. After that is complete, we move immediately back to the first exercise to start a second set. Once three sets are complete, we rest for about a minute. For plyo movements, we rest for 30 seconds in between sets however. Many of these exercises are explained in greater detail in previous posts so browse those for additional tips and tricks. Video examples are linked below to refresh your memory on each exercise. |
Examples |
|
Shoulder Dumbbell Front Raise: Click For Video Example Shoulder Press: Click For Video Example Back Bent Over Dumbbell Row: Click For Video Example Seated Dumbbell Reverse Flys: Click For Video Example Plyo Burpees: Click For Video Example Box Jumps: Click For Video Example Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example Chest Lying Dumbbell Chest Press: Click For Video Example Push-Up: Click For Video Example Arms Dumbbell Curl: Click For Video Example Tricep Kickbacks: Click For Video Example Core Lying Reverse Crunches: Click For Video Example Plank: Click For Video Example Legs Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example Wall Sit: Click For Video Example Romanian/Stiff-Legged Deadlift: Click For Video Example Calf Raises: Click For Video Example |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 9
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 9 |
|
Equipment Used:
|
Circuit #9 |
|
SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
|
Circuit #9 - Plyo-Iso Intervals |
|
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 |
|
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:
|
|
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative! |
Circuit #6 |
|
SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
|
Circuit #6 - Leg Armageddon |
|
Is this madness??? No, this is LEG DAY!!! One of the most
effective ways to grow/sculpt a muscle group is to target it specifically.
We all dread leg day but secretly love it. It is what separates the casual
gym-goer from the turly hardcore. Don't be that guy/gal at the pool or
beach with ripped arms but stick legs! It will get real old wearing
sweatpants everywhere to cover your Olive Oil legs up, lol.
Since the entire workout is leg specific, we decided to not superset each exercise. You can specify a set amount of reps if you wish but for our group environment, using a timer is best. The main focus is to be actively working the entire time period and not rest. Even if you have to do an easier or modified form of the exercise, keep moving! Don't cheat yourself. Each exercise can be done with just bodyweight but it's best to use a heavy set of dumbbells or a resistance band to add stress. Your legs have the largest muscles in your body so it's important to provide them with a challenge. If you become fatigued during the alloted time, simply switch to using bodyweight only. Many of these exercises are explained in greater detail in previous posts so browse those for additional tips and tricks. Video examples are linked below to refresh your memory on each exercise. |
Examples |
|
Jumping Jacks Click For Video Example Mountain Climbers: Click For Video Example Walking Lunges: Click For Video Example Calf Raises: Click For Video Example Squat Presses: Click For Video Example Burpees: Click For Video Example Romanian/Stiff-Legged Deadlift: Click For Video Example High Knees: Click For Video Example Wall Sit: Click For Video Example Hip Bridge/Raises: Click For Video Example Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example |
| Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
Monday, August 6, 2012
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 4
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 4 |
Equipment Used:
|
|
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 #4 |
|
SUMMARY ***Stretch/Warmup
|
Circuit #4 - HIIT Style |
|
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 |
|
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!!! |
|
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
|
FROM SOUTH AUSTIN
|
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 3
Workout: Mueller
Lake Park Circuit 3
|
|
|
|
Equipment
Used:
|
|
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 #3 - HIIT
Style
|
|
"Superset
to make 'em sweat!!!" |
|
SUMMARY
|
|
Stretch / Warm-up |
|
1
- Seated Bicep Curls into Reverse Flys Superset |
|
2
- High Knees into Shoulder Press Superset |
|
3
- Burpees |
|
4
- Bent Over Rows into Triceps Kickbacks Superset |
|
5
- Static Lunges into Wall Sit Superset |
|
6
- Mountain Climbers |
|
7
- Push-Ups into Plank Superset |
|
8
- Lying Kicks/Bicycles into Chest Press/Fly Superset |
|
9
- Squat Jumps (or Box Jumps/Step-Ups) |
|
10
- Optional Pull-Ups / Chin-Ups |
|
11
- Optional Run |
|
Hydrate,
Rest and Recover. Good luck!!! |
|
DIRECTIONS |
|
FROM
NORTH AUSTIN
|
|
FROM
SOUTH AUSTIN
|







