April, 2010


28
Apr 10

Blitzkrieg 15-Minute Workout

For today’s Daily Workout, we are excited to present our first Perfect fan-created workout. It’s called the Blitzkrieg workout and was submitted by super-user Joe Saliga.

A blitzkrieg is a sudden, swift, and overwhelming military attack. Joe developed this workout to combine the benefits of all three workouts (perfect pullup, perfect pushup, ab-strap) into one total workout that only takes 15 minutes. In Joe’s own words, “this is a sudden, swift, and overwhelming workout. that is why i called it ‘blitzkrieg’.”

 Here’s how to do it:

1. Find your one set max for pushups, pullups, and knee-ups using the 2 minute drill charts in the instructional poster for each product.

Pushup Chart

Pullup Chart

Ab Rippers Chart

Enter the first (or highest) number from the first set of each chart for each of the following movements: full pullups, regular pushups, ab rippers, Australian pullups, wide pushups, standing rows, and close pushups. See Perfect Online if you aren’t sure how to do these exercises.For knee-ups and oblique knee-ups, use your ab ripper number.

Example: Joe’s workout

Set 1
10-full pullup             14- reg push-up           12-ab knee-up
10-full pullup             14-reg push-up            12-ab knee-up
 
Set 2
15-australian               14-wide push-up         12-oblique knee-up left
15-australian               14-wide push_up        12-oblique knee-up left
 
Set 3
25-standing row          14-close push-up       12-oblique knee-up right
25-standing row          14-close push-up       12-oblique knee-up right

 Starting with Set #1, work from left to right across each row to complete each exercise in succession with no rest in between.

Once you complete a set, you immediately start the next set until you have completed all three sets. Try not to rest between sets, but if you start feeling dizzy, or short of breath, take as much time as your body needs.

Here is a blank template that you can print and personalize your own workout.

Good luck, and savor the burn! Joe, thank you for leading the way!

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24
Apr 10

Week 3, Days 4-7: Show Me Your Abs Challenge

Bicycle with oblique crunch

You are about halfway through the final week! Here’s the outlook for the rest of Week 3, and the end of the Show Me Your Abs Challenge!

Workout charts to follow.

Today’s workout: Workout 3.1 & Abs 3.2

Day 5: Workout 3.2 & Abs 3.1

Day 6: Cardio 3.2 and Abs 3.2

Cardio 3.2: Long Run*
Warm up easy jog – 5 min
Run steady pace 20 min
easy jog – 2 min
steady pace 20 min
Cool down easy jog – 5 min
Stretch Stretch 15-30 sec each:
hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, shoulders

*If running is not an option for you, above cardio workout may be adapted to cycling, elliptical training, or any other endurance exercise.

Total time: 52 min

Day 7: Rest

Workout details (for reference):

Workout 3.1      
Equipment      
  - parallel bars or Perfect Pullup with Dip Bar attachment
- sturdy platform or bench- light dumbbells
Warm-up      
  5-10 min
Instructions      
  Perform the following movements in the order indicated below, one after another in a circuit style. Rest 10 seconds (or as much time as needed) in between exercises. Once the first circuit has been completed, rest for one minute, then begin the next, up to three circuits.
# Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
1 overhead squat 3 1 min 10 sec
2 16-count body builder 3 1 min 10 sec
3 tricep dip with knee raise 3 12-15 10 sec
4 side to side pushup* 3 5-8 each side 10 sec
5 box jump 3 1 min 10 sec
6 single leg calf raise 3 10-12 ea 10 sec
7 shoulder press with tricep press 3 12 10 sec
8 single leg squat 3 10-12 each side 10 sec
Cool-Down      
  Light stretch: chest, quadriceps, tricep, shoulders, and calves
* option: use perfect Pushup handles or place hands on ground  

 

Workout 3.2      
Equipment      
  - chinup bar (or Perfect Pullup)
- rubber resistance tubing
Warm-up
  5-10 min
Instructions      
  Perform the following movements in the order indicated below, one after another in a circuit style. Rest 10 seconds (or as much time as needed) in between exercises. Once the first circuit has been completed, rest for one minute, then begin the next, up to three circuits
# Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
1 lunge with twist 3 12-15 ea 10 sec
2 pullup with knee raise 3 12-15 (or max in 1 min) 10 sec
3 lateral jump 3 1 min 10 sec
4 deadlift with bicep curl 3 15 10 sec
5 bear crawl 3 1 min 10 sec
6 shoulder raise sequence 3 12 each 10 sec
7 rear fly with balance 3 12 10 sec
8 jumping jack with squat thrust 3 1 min 10 sec
         
Cool-down      
  Light stretch: upper back (hold onto bar and hang), hamstrings, quadriceps, shoulders

 

Abs 3.1      
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
plank with leg lift 3 1 min 10 sec
bicycle w/ oblique crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
combo crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
single leg bridge 3 10-12 ea leg 10 sec

 

Abs 3.2      
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
reverse crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
side plank with reach 3 10 ea side 10 sec
table top combo crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
superman 3 10-12 10 sec

 See Perfect Situp Poster and previous Week 3 workouts for movement descriptions.

Enjoy your newly sculpted flat stomach.

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23
Apr 10

Week 3, Day 3: Show Me Your Abs Challenge

Today’s workout: Cardio 3.1 and Abs 3.1

Cardio 3.1 : Interval Run*
Warm up 7 minutes easy jog
Interval Intervals:
2 x run at 80% 1 min, jog or walk 30 sec
2 x run at 85% 2 min, jog or walk 1 min
1 x run at 80% 3 min, jog or walk 2 min
2 x run at 75% 4 min,jog or walk 3 min
Cool down easy jog – 5 min
Stretch Stretch 15-30 sec each:
hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, shoulders
   
*If running is not an option for you, above cardio workout may be adapted to cycling, elliptical training, or any other endurance exercise

Total time: 31 min

Abs 3.1      
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
plank with leg lift 3 1 min 10 sec
bicycle w/ oblique crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
combo crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
single leg bridge 3 10-12 ea leg 10 sec

Plank with leg lift – Lie face down, forearms on ground and parallel to each other. Lift stomach, hips, and knees off ground, forming a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Draw navel into spine. Lift one leg off ground 4-6 inches. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then lower and repeat on other leg, alternating back and forth. Avoid letting lower back arch during movement by tucking hips under. Imagine trying to extend tail bone to ankles.

See Perfect Situp Poster for other movement descriptions.

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22
Apr 10

Week 3, Day 2: Show Me Your Abs Challenge

It’s Day 2 of the third and final week. Your abs may be sore and your mental toughness may be wearing, but keep going strong You’ll have that flat stomach before you know it. 

Today’s workout goes as follows: Workout 3.2 & Abs 3.2.

Some tips to keep in mind today: over the past two weeks, you have been building up a solid base of core strength. Make sure you engage your abdominals, no matter what exercise you are doing, then try to reach further, jump farther, and move faster in every move you do. You will burn more calories, and get a bonus abdominal workout.

Workout 3.2      
Equipment      
  - chinup bar (or Perfect Pullup)
- rubber resistance tubing
Warm-up
  5-10 min
Instructions      
  Perform the following movements in the order indicated below, one after another in a circuit style. Rest 10 seconds (or as much time as needed) in between exercises. Once the first circuit has been completed, rest for one minute, then begin the next, up to three circuits
# Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
1 lunge with twist 3 12-15 ea 10 sec
2 pullup with knee raise 3 12-15 (or max in 1 min) 10 sec
3 lateral jump 3 1 min 10 sec
4 deadlift with bicep curl 3 15 10 sec
5 bear crawl 3 1 min 10 sec
6 shoulder raise sequence 3 12 each 10 sec
7 rear fly with balance 3 12 10 sec
8 jumping jack with squat thrust 3 1 min 10 sec
         
Cool-down      
  Light stretch: upper back (hold onto bar and hang), hamstrings, quadriceps, shoulders

 Lunge with twist – from standing position, lunge forward with right leg so that right knee tracks directly over right ankle when bent at 90-degrees. Reach left arm across body Use right leg to lift body back to standing, balancing as you lift left knee in front of body to waist height, activating abdominals. Repeat on left leg, alternating back and forth each repetition.               

Lateral jump – Stand and lift one leg. Leap sideways, landing on other leg. Jump from side to side, landing on one leg and swinging the arms with each jump. Keep body low to the ground, knees bent and try jumping for distance rather than height.

Deadlift with bicep curl – Stand with feet hip distance apart. Place medium resistance band under feet so that resistance is felt. Grasp handles so arms hang in front of body, knuckles face out. Legs should be straight but not locked out at knees. Keeping chest lifted, bend trunk forward by hinging at hips while sending glutes backward to balance body’s forward motion. Continue until chest can no longer stay lifted, then return to start. Once standing, perform bicep curl, bending at elbows. Tip:keep elbows in close to body during bicep curl.

Bear crawl – Facing down, place all four hands and feet on ground. Draw navel in and keep body in alignment. Try to avoid sticking hips in air. Lift one hand up and the opposite leg walk forward. Repeat the movement with opposite hand and foot to take the next step  Continue forward approximately five to eight yards and then reverse direction, walking hands and feet backward. Change that pattern of motion of movement. Keep hips low throughout movement.

Shoulder raise sequence - Standing, place light resistance band under feet. Grasp handles so arms hang at sides of body. Slowly and with control, raise arms in front of body to shoulder height then lower. Continue for number of reps indicated, then repeat for side raises, and for Diagonal raise. Diagonal raise: rotate palms so thumbs face down. Raise arms out at 45-degrees, squeezing back of shoulders    Keep arms fairly straight throughout movements.

Rear fly with balance – Standing, place band around sturdy post. This is your anchor point. Facing anchor point, grasp handles so arms are suspended in front of body together. Inhale, then exhale as you squeeze back of shoulders, separate arms and open chest. Go as far as you can, keeping arms level, then return to start.       

Jumping jack with squat thrust  - Start timer. Perform one jack followed by one burpee, alternating for one minute       

Abs 3.2      
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
reverse crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
side plank with reach 3 10 ea side 10 sec
table top combo crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
superman 3 10-12 10 sec

Side plank with reach – Lie on right side, body extended, with right elbow directly under right shoulder. Root elbow and foot to ground, lift body to form a straight line from head to feet. Reach left arm to the ceiling, then across body and through the space between body and floor. Return to neutral side plank then repeat as indicated. Repeat on other side.               

Superman – lie on ground face down with hips and chest in contact with ground. Keep legs straight as you raise legs and chest simultaneously. Hold at top of movement then slowly lower down. Repeat. Keep arms and legs long during movement.

See Perfect Situp Poster for other movement descriptions.

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21
Apr 10

Week 3, Day 1: Show Me Your Abs Challenge

You have made it to the final week of the 21-Day Show Me Your Abs Challenge!

This week, we are going to increase the intensity of your workouts by enhancing movements, decreasing rest time, and taking your strength sessions circuit-style to get you cut abs, a flat stomach, and a beach-ready body.

Nutrition is key this week, so don’t abandon the subtle changes you have been incorporating into your eating regimen. Below today’s workout are daily guidelines along with a sample menu that will cut calories to get you slim in the shortest amount of time possible.

Today’s workout: Workout 3.1, Abs 3.1

Workout 3.1      
Equipment      
  - parallel bars or Perfect Pullup with Dip Bar attachment
- sturdy platform or bench- light dumbbells
Warm-up      
  5-10 min
Instructions      
  Perform the following movements in the order indicated below, one after another in a circuit style. Rest 10 seconds (or as much time as needed) in between exercises. Once the first circuit has been completed, rest for one minute, then begin the next, up to three circuits.
# Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
1 overhead squat 3 1 min 10 sec
2 16-count body builder 3 1 min 10 sec
3 tricep dip with knee raise 3 12-15 10 sec
4 side to side pushup* 3 5-8 each side 10 sec
5 box jump 3 1 min 10 sec
6 single leg calf raise 3 10-12 ea 10 sec
7 shoulder press with tricep press 3 12 10 sec
8 single leg squat 3 10-12 each side 10 sec
Cool-Down      
  Light stretch: chest, quadriceps, tricep, shoulders, and calves
* option: use perfect Pushup handles or place hands on ground  

Overhead squat - stand with feet just wider than hips distance apart. Extend arms overhead so arms are in line with ears. Perform squat while maintaining arm position. As you squat down, push butt backward, keep chest lifted and weight in heels.  Repeat as indicated. Avoid buckling inward with knees or excessive outward turning of foot.

Box jump – Stand in front of a secured box or platform. Jump onto platform and immediately back down to same position. Immediately repeat, jumping from floor to platform as fast as possible. To modify, step down with one foot at a time between jumps.

Single leg calf raise – Stand on a raised platform or bench. Keeping legs straight, flex at ankles to lower heels below feet. You may feel a stretch in calves/achilles tendon. Once at the bottom of movement, squeeze calves to raise heels to balls of feet. Step down and repeat.     

Shoulder press with tricep extension – standing, hold light or medium dumbbells at shoulder height, elbows bent, palms facing out, and forearms perpendicular to the ground. Press dumbells up, extending arms overhead and slightly together. At the top of the press, bend arms to lower hands behind head, keeping elbows up and parallel to each other. Press up to straighten arms, then lower arms back to start position.               

Single leg squat – Stand and balance on one leg. Place non-standing leg in front of body and push hips back as you lower down. Try to go as low as you can into the squat, while making sure knee of standing leg does not exceed toes. Press back up, and repeat set standing on other leg. Hold onto a sturdy object for balance; this will allow you a greater range of motion through your squat.

Single Leg Squat - start (shown using Perfect Pullup)

Single Leg Squat - finish (shown using Perfect Pullup)

Abs 3.1      
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
plank with leg lift 3 1 min 10 sec
bicycle w/ oblique crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
combo crunch 3 10-12 10 sec
single leg bridge 3 10-12 ea leg 10 sec

Plank with leg lift – Lie face down, forearms on ground and parallel to each other. Lift stomach, hips, and knees off ground, forming a straight line from shoulders to ankles. Draw navel into spine. Lift one leg off ground 4-6 inches. Hold for 2-3 seconds, then lower and repeat on other leg, alternating back and forth. Avoid letting lower back arch during movement by tucking hips under. Imagine trying to extend tail bone to ankles.

Nutrition

This is a sample day taken from the Perfect Situp Meal Plan, where participants lost an average of 3.6 inches around their lower abdomen over 10 weeks.

Daily Protocol:

-          Protein: 8-12 ounces per day. Meat, Fish, Tofu, Eggs, Whey, Hemp or Soy protein

-          Vegetables: 6-12 servings per day

-          Fruits: 2 servings per day

-          Flaxseed dressing  to replace salad dressing. Whisk together 3 tablespoons flax seed oil, 1 – 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 1 clove minced garlic, and store refrigerated in a dark bottle.

Sample menu:

MORNING: Hot Lemon Water

BREAKFAST: Egg White Omelet

-          6 egg whites, lightly beaten

-          1 tsp. Olive oil

-          1/2-cup red pepper chopped

-          1/2 cup diced zucchini

-          1 small tomato

-          3 sprigs fresh herbs (or dry)

-          1 clove chopped garlic

-          NO SALT

-          Put olive oil in pan add garlic, veggies and basil-cook on med. Heat stir frequently add egg whites and scramble until cooked.

SNACK: 1 tbsp. Peanut butter with celery

LUNCH: Tuna Salad

-          6 oz water-packed tuna, drained

-          2 slices of tomato

-          1-cup romaine (or baby mixed green)

-          1-cup cucumber and celery

-          Place salad ingredients in a bowl.

-          2 TBS. Flaxseed oil dressing

SNACK: One cup veggies with 2 TBS. with flaxseed dressing

DINNER: Tofu-Vegetable Stir Fry

-          1 oz. extra firm tofu cubed

-          1-cup vegetables

-          (bell peppers, mushrooms, onion, broccoli)

-          (use non-fat cooking spray)

-          1 garlic clove

-          1/4 tbs. Red pepper flakes

-          In a wok or non stick skillet spray with cooking spray, pepper flakes on med high heat, add garlic, onion and vegetables cook for 2-3 minutes, add tofu, stir fry until heated through.

EVENING: 4oz. Aloe Vera Juice

The complete 10-week meal plan comes free with purchase of the Perfect Situp.

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20
Apr 10

Why Rest?

It is widespread knowledge that incorporating a rest day into your workout regimen is extremely important.  Not giving your body the proper time it needs to recuperate can lead to serious injury and ultimately force you to take steps backward in your fitness journey.  Your muscles, joints, and psyche all benefit from rest: your muscles and joints need time to rebuild and repair, while psychologically, a rest day can help you pump yourself up for the upcoming week for workouts.
For those who just can’t sit still, try an “active rest activity” such as yoga or a leisurely walk.

In honor of Week 2, Day 7 of the Show Me YourAbs Challenge, enjoy your rest day!

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16
Apr 10

Days 3-7: Week 2 Show Me Your Abs Challenge

Another Friday, another work week comes to its close. Here is your workout plan for the rest of Week 2 of the 21-Day Show Me Your Abs Challenge.

Week 2, Day 3: Cardio 2.1 and Abs 2.1

Cardio 2.1 : Interval Run*
Warm up 7 minutes easy jog
Interval Run 80% X min, followed by jog to recovery X min as follows:
1/1
2/2
3/3
4/4
Cool down easy jog – 5 min
Stretch Stretch 15-30 sec each:
hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, shoulders

Total time: 32 minutes

*If running is not an option for you, above cardio workout may be adapted to cycling, elliptical training, or any other endurance exercise

Abs 2.1      
Equipment - exercise mat or towel
*Optional: Perfect Situp
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
plank 2-3 45 sec 1 min
bicycle w/ oblique crunch 2-3 12-15 20 sec
crunch 2-3 12-15 20 sec
bridge 2-3 12-15 20 sec

 Day 4: Workout 2.1 & Abs 2.2

Day 5: Workout 2.2 & Abs 2.1

Day 6: Cardio 2.2 and Abs 2.2

Cardio 2.2: Long Run*
Warm up easy jog – 5 min
Run steady pace 15 min
easy jog – 2 min
steady pace 15 min
Cool down easy jog – 5 min
Stretch Stretch 15-30 sec each:
hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, shoulders

Total time: 42 minutes

*If running is not an option for you, above cardio workout may be adapted to cycling, elliptical training, or any other endurance exercise

 Day 7:  Rest

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15
Apr 10

Week 2, Day 2: Show Me Your Abs Challenge

It’s Week 2, Day 2 of the 21-Day Show Me Your Abs Challenge

Your workout for today: Workout 2.2 & Abs 2.2

Workout 2.2      
Equipment      
  - chinup bar (or Perfect Pullup)
- rubber resistance tubing
 
Warm-up
  5-10 min      
Instructions      
  Perform the following movements in the order indicated below. For each movement, perform designated number of sets with prescribed rest intervals between.
# Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
1 front / side lunge with bicep curl 2-3 1 min 20 sec
2 prisoner pullup 2-3 15 20 sec
3 deadlift / rear fly 2-3 15 each leg 20 sec
4 bicep curl 2-3 15 20 sec
5 bear crawl 2-3 1 min 20 sec
6 jumping jack with squat thrust 2-3 1 min 20 sec
7 prone arm/ leg lift 2-3 1 min 20 sec
8 front/side raise 2-3 10 each 20 sec
         
Cool-down      
  Light stretch: upper back (hold onto bar and hang), hamstrings, quadriceps, shoulders

 Front / side lunge with bicep curl – Standing, holding a dumbbell in each hand, lunge forward with right leg so that right knee tracks directly over right ankle when bent at 90-degrees  Perform biceps curl. Use right leg to lift body back to standing, balancing as you lift left knee in front of body to waist height, activating abdominals. Repeat lunge with bicep curl lunging right leg to the side instead of straight ahead. Repeat sequence on left leg, alternating back and forth for one minute 

Deadlift / rear fly – Stand with feet hip distance apart. Place light resistance band under feet. Grasp handles so arms hang in front of body, knuckles face out. Legs should be straight but not locked out at knees. Keeping chest lifted, bend trunk forward by hinging at hips while sending glutes backward to balance body’s forward motion. Continue until chest can no longer stay lifted, pause at the bottom, and squeeze back of shoulders into a reverse fly position. Lower arms then return to start. 

Bicep curl with band – Standing, place band under feet. Grasp handles so arms hang at sides of body. Bend elbows and squeeze top of arm to curl arm so hand is at shoulder height. Squeeze at the top, then slowly lower to start. 

Bear crawl – Facing down, place all four hands and feet on ground. Draw navel in and keep body in alignment. Try to avoid sticking hips in air. Lift one hand up and the opposite leg walk forward. Repeat the movement with opposite hand and foot to take the next step  Continue forward approximately five to eight yards and then reverse direction, walking hands and feet backward. Change that pattern of motion of movement. 

Jumping jack with squat thrust – Start timer. Perform one jack followed by squat thrust, alternating for one minute.  To perform squat thrust: squat down and place hands next to feet, just wider than shoulder width apart. Transfer weight to hands as you push legs back, landing in a pushup start position. Jump legs forward, landing between hands and stand up. 

Prone arm/ leg lift – Assume a full pushup position on ground, with hands directly under shoulders, and straight line from shoulders to ankles. Hold as you slowly raise one leg off ground, while lifting opposite arm forward alongside head. Squeeze glutes to keep leg fully extended, and stabilize shoulders to keep arm straight. Repeat on other leg and opposite arm alternating each repetition.

Front/side raise – Standing, place light resistance band under feet. Grasp handles so arms hang at sides of body. Slowly and with control, raise arms in front of body to shoulder height then lower, keeping arms straight throughout movement. Repeat, this time raising arms to sides instead of front. Alternate front with side raises to completion.

Abs 2.2      
Equipment - exercise mat or towel
*Optional: Perfect Situp
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
bicycle 2-3 12-15 per leg 20 sec
side plank 2-3 45 sec ea side 1 min
crunch – table top legs 2-3 12-15 20 sec
Lying arm/leg extension 2-3 12-15 ea 20 sec

 See Perfect Situp Poster for movement descriptions. 

Bicycle exercise

Side plank- Lie on right side, body extended, with right elbow directly under right shoulder. Keeping elbow and foot rooted to ground, lift body off ground, forming a straight line from head to feet.
Crunch – Lie on back and lift legs to table top legs on stability ball by bending knees 90-degrees. Place hands lightly behind ears, elbows open. Draw in navel and slowly curl trunk, raising shoulder blades off ground while squeezing abdominals. Pause at the top of movement, then slowly uncurl while maintaining a drawn-in position

Lying arm/leg extension – Lie on ground face down with hips and chest in contact with ground. Keep legs fairly straight as you raise one leg at a time off ground. Alternate legs, performing the movement quickly.

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14
Apr 10

Week 2, Day 1: 21-Day Show Me Your Abs Challenge

Congratulations on completing your first week. You should be fresh off your rest day and ready to dig in to the next seven days.

Nutrition: Did you know that sauces and additives found in food are responsible for an average of 350 calories per day? That includes condiments, jellies, gravy, sugar and cream in your morning coffee, and other toppings. Over the course of ten days, you could lose one pound of fat just by eliminating sauces from your food! We are not suggesting you cut out sauces completely, but this week, your homework is to be conscious of your added sauces. Ask yourself, is that mayo on your lunch sandwich really necessary? When reasonable, reduce or go without sauces. If you are eating good food to begin with, you shouldn’t need to cover up the food’s natural flavor. Savor the real taste of what you eat, and cut out calories without even thinking about it!

Workout: Here’s what is on your plate for today (details below): Workout 2.1 & Abs 2.1

Workout 2.1      
Equipment      
  - two sturdy chairs
- light dumbbells
 
Warm-up      
  5-10 min      
Instructions      
  Perform the following movements in the order indicated below. For each movement, perform designated number of sets with presribed rest intervals between.
# Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
1 squat with overhead press to balance 2-3 1 min (alternating legs) 20 sec
2 wide pushup
(option to rotate)
2-3 15-20 20 sec
3 squat sequence:
- regular, narrow, wide
2-3 1 x 8 each 20 sec
4 perfect pushup dip 2-3 20 20 sec
5 lateral step up 2-3 30 sec per leg 20 sec
6 jump (or step up) with calf raise 2-3 15 20 sec
7 shoulder press sequence:
regular press, hammer press, alternating reg grip press
2-3 1 x 10 ea, with 8 count hold after each variation 20 sec
8 squat thrust 2-3 1 min 20 sec
         
Cool-Down      
  Light stretch: chest, quadriceps, tricep, shoulders, and calves
               

 

Squat with overhead press to balance – Stand and rest dumbbells on shoulders. Perform squat, keeping chest lifted, weight on heels, and butt back. At the top of the squat, press arms up and overhead. When fully extended overhead, lift one leg off ground to balance on other leg. Alternate balance leg each repetition.

Lateral step up - Facing chair or bench, rotate body 90-degrees so you are standing perpendicular to platform. Step up and down as quickly as you can leading with the foot closest to platform. Continue for 30 seconds, then rotate body so other foot leads and repeat on other leg.

Jump (or step up) with calf raise – stand in front of raised platform or sturdy chair. Jump or step one foot at a time up  so body is standing on top of platform. Keeping legs straight, flex at ankles to lower heels below feet. You may feel a stretch in calves/achilles tendon. Once at the bottom of movement, squeeze calves to raise heels to tippy toes. Step down and repeat.

Shoulder press sequence: military press, hammer press, alternating reg grip press – standing, hold light or medium dumbbells at shoulder height, elbows bent, palms facing out, and forearms perpendicular to the ground. Press dumbells up, extending arms overhead and slightly together. Lower down. After military press, rotate palms inward (facing each other) and repeat sequence using hammer presses instead. After hammers, rotate palms to face out again, and perform one more set of military presses, alternating arms each repetition.

Abs 2.1      
Equipment - exercise mat or towel
*Optional: Perfect Situp
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
plank 2-3 45 sec 1 min
bicycle w/ oblique crunch 2-3 12-15 20 sec
crunch 2-3 12-15 20 sec
bridge 2-3 12-15 20 sec

See Perfect Situp Poster for movement descriptions.

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12
Apr 10

Days 6-7: Show Me Your Abs Challenge

Here is what Days 6 & 7 look like:   

Day 6: Cardio 1.2 and Abs 1.2

Cardio 1.2: Endurance Run*
warm up easy jog – 5 min
run steady pace 20 min
cool down easy jog – 5 min
stretch Stretch 15-30 sec each:
hip flexors, glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, shoulders

*If running is not an option for you, above cardio workout may be adapted to cycling, elliptical training, or any other endurance exercise.

Abs 1.2      
Equipment: - exercise mat or towel
*Optional: Perfect Situp
Exercise Sets Time/Reps Rest
single leg march 2 :30 sec 30 sec to 1 min
side plank 2 8-12 30 sec
crunch 2 8-12 30 sec
flutter kick 2 8-12 30 sec

See Perfect Situp Poster for movement descriptions.

 Day 7 – Rest

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