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Showing posts with label calf raises. Show all posts
Showing posts with label calf raises. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 2

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 2

Equipment Used:
  • Soft ground area (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
  • Optional: Timer (watch/phone/etc) for calculating rest periods
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative!

Circuit #2

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Jumping Jacks (warm-up)
  2. Lunges (20 reps, walking)
  3. Squats (35 reps)
  4. Bulgarian Split Squats (20/leg)
  5. Pistol Squats (15/leg)
  6. Squat Jumps (25 reps)
  7. Box Jumps (30 reps)
  8. Calf Raises (20/leg)

Circuit #2 - Leg Nuke

We decided to start our own Manhattan Project with the purpose of bombing your legs! Our project is not atomic but I guarantee your quads will be burning as if they were irradiated after this workout. As opposed to some of our other workouts, this one is rep-based. You still want to be mindful of time but this is to monitor your rest periods. You want to keep them as short as possible to keep your leg pump high.

The workout is essentially plyometric so move quickly but don't sacrifice form for speed. Keep rest periods at a maximum of 30 seconds. You want to aim to complete the entire "cycle" as fast as possible. Once the cycle is complete, take a longer rest (1 - 3 minutes) and then hit it again. You should be able to finish 3-4 cycles and feel the burn.

Each exercise can be done with just bodyweight but you can use a set of dumbbells or a resistance band to add stress. Your legs are the largest muscle group in your body and can take the extra weight. If you start to tire when using the extra weight, just switch back to bodyweight to finish out. This allows a group of people w/ varying degrees of strength to all workout together.

Most exercises have been covered by us before but there are video examples below to refresh your memory. There are a few new exercises that may prove very difficult initially. The videos below for those exercises include a "progression" to help you work up to the actual exercise. Use the modified versions explained in the progression initially.

Examples

Jumping Jacks Click For Video Example
Walking Lunges: Click For Video Example
Squat Presses: Click For Video Example
Split Squats: Click For Video Example
Pistol Squats: Click For Video Example
Squat Jumps: Click For Video Example
Box Jumps: Click For Video Example
Calf Raises: Click For Video Example

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 1

Workout: Deer Park Circuit 1

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

Circuit #1

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

Circuit #1 - Bleacher Workout

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

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

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

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



Examples

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

Walking Push Ups: Click For Video Example

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

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

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

Bleacher Burpees: Click For Video Example

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

Tricep Dips: Click For Video Example

Bleacher Crawls: Click For Video Example


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

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



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

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Mueller Lake Park Circuit 7

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 7

Equipment Used:
  • Timer (watch/phone/etc)
  • Soft ground area to lie down (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
  • Highly Recommended: Resistance Band (medium and/or adjustable recommended)
  • Highly Recommended: A heavy and light pair of dumbbells
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative!

Circuit #7

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Jumping Jacks (warm-up)
  2. Lying Dumbbell Chest Press into Bent Over Dumbbell Row
  3. Alternating Dumbbell Curl into Alternating Dumbbell Front Raise
  4. Tricep Dips into Seated Dumbbell Reverse Flys
  5. Lying Reverse Crunches into Plank
  6. Squat Presses into Romanian Deadlifts
  7. Standing Calf Raises into Dumbbell Step-Ups (or Box Jumps)

Circuit #7 - Sanchez 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.

We switch exercises within a superset every 30 seconds and use 30 seconds of rest between sets. We are working toward eliminating rest between sets & allowing maybe 1 minute rest when switching to a new superset.

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
Lying Dumbbell Chest Press: Click For Video Example
Bent Over Dumbbell Row: Click For Video Example
Dumbbell Curl: Click For Video Example
Dumbbell Front Raise: Click For Video Example
Dips: Click For Video Example
Seated Dumbbell Reverse Flys: Click For Video Example
Lying Reverse Crunches: Click For Video Example
Plank: Click For Video Example
Squat Presses: Click For Video Example
Romanian/Stiff-Legged Deadlift: Click For Video Example
Calf Raises: Click For Video Example
Dumbbell Step-Ups: Click For Video Example

Hydrate, Rest and Recover. Good luck!!!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 6

Workout: Mueller Lake Park Circuit 6

Equipment Used:
  • Timer (watch/phone/etc)
  • Soft ground area to lie down (carpet/grass/etc)
  • A raised, solid surface which will support your weight (park bench, steps, sturdy chair)
  • Highly Recommended: Resistance Band (medium and/or adjustable recommended)
  • Highly Recommended: One pair of heavy dumbbells
Tip: This could also be modified for indoor use however, just get creative!

Circuit #6

SUMMARY
***Stretch/Warmup
  1. Jumping Jacks (warm-up)
  2. Mountain Climbers
  3. Walking Lunges (weighted/incline)
  4. Calf Raises
  5. Squats Press
  6. Burpees
  7. Romanian/Stiff-Legged Deadlift
  8. High Knees
  9. Wall Sit
  10. Hip Bridge/Raises
  11. Squat/Box Jumps

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, 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!!!