Tag Archives: abdominals

Full Body Circuit Workout

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Hey there everyone!  I have a challenging Full Body Circuit Workout for you this week for the Home Workout of the Week.  It’s going to work all of the major muscle groups as well as your core and because there is no rest between the exercises, you will be getting a great cardiovascular workout as well.  The goal is to do all 8 exercises in a row before taking a rest but you may need to work up to that point so do what you can and take a rest if you’re not feeling well!

Give it a shot and let me know how you do!

Full Body Circuit Workout

Warm-Up

  • 30 seconds of Jumping Jacks
  • 10 Pushups
  • 12 Spiderman Climbs
  • 10 Spinal Rotations each side
  • 10 Shoulder Circles each arm

Superset

Rest for 60 to 90 seconds then repeat the superset 2 more times

Core

Upper Body/Core Workout

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Last week I showed you a lower body and core workout for the Home Workout of the Week.  I’m sure your legs and abs were burning from that workout so this week it’s time to hit the muscles of the upper body!

A lot of these exercises (especially pushups) can strain the rotator cuff muscles which are important in shoulder movements and in maintaining shoulder joint stability so please make sure you are properly warmed up with lots of arm movement before attempting this workout.

Work hard and have fun!  Let me know if you have any questions.

Upper Body and Core

Warm-Up

  • 30 seconds of Jumping Jacks
  • 10 Pushups
  • 12 Spiderman Climbs
  • 10 Spinal Rotations each side
  • 10 Shoulder Circles each arm

Superset 1

Rest for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat the superset 1 more time

Superset 2

Rest for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat the superset 1 more time

Superset 3

Rest for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat the superset 1 more time

Lower Body/Core Workout

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I have a Lower Body/Core workout for you to try for this week’s Home Workout of the Week.  Make sure you are well warmed up before trying this routine as it is fairly challenging.  This workout includes plyometric training so if you are not used to jumping or if you have knee or back problems then please regress the movements until you feel you are strong enough to handle them.

This Lower Body/Core workout will help with your balance and explosive power as well as increasing your muscle strength and the amount of calories burned.  For an extra challenge, try holding on to some dumbbells if you have some.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Lower Body and Core

Warm-up

  • 30 seconds of Jumping Jacks
  • 12 Body weight Squats
  • 20 Mountain Climbers
  • 5 Burpees

Superset 1

Rest for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat the superset 1 more time

Superset 2

Rest for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat the superset 1 more time

Superset 3

Rest for 30 to 60 seconds then repeat the superset 1 more time

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Pulse Up

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It’s Home Exercise of the Week time and I would like you to try this fantastic abdominal exercise called the Pulse Up.

The Pulse Up strengthens the abdominal muscles, specifically the rectus abdominis, which is a long paired muscle that runs vertically down the stomach and inserts into the pubic crest.

This ab exercise requires only a small amount of movement but don’t think that it will be easy.  The Pulse Up requires some abdominal strength and you may not be able to lift your hips off the floor very much in the beginning but with time and practice you will build the strength needed to perform this exercise.

Let’s take a look at the key points to doing the Pulse Up properly.

  • lay flat on your back with your arms to your sides
  • keeping your legs straight, raise them up until they are perpendicular to the floor (this is the starting position)
  • pull your belly button in towards your spine and push your feet towards the ceiling until your hips come off the floor
  • slowly lower your hips back down to the starting position and repeat
  • make sure you keep your head on the floor throughout the movement

So there you have the Pulse Up.  A simple but challenging move that will really get your lower abs working.  Aim for 2 to 3 sets of 15 – 20 repetitions.

Crunchy Frog

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If you have ever done the P90X abdominal routine then you will recognize this Home Exercise of the Week!  It’s called the Crunchy Frog and I really don’t know how the name came to be but it is memorable.  Whenever I say it’s Crunchy Frog time I’m guaranteed to get a few groans and eye rolls but that’s because it’s a challenging exercise.

This may be a tough exercise but it is effective in working your core and hip flexors as well as your balance and coordination.  It just takes a bit of practice and strength development to get the move down perfectly.

Let’s take a look at how to do the Crunchy Frog properly.

  • start by sitting in a V-like position with your arms extended out to your side and your upper body at about a 45 degree angle
  • your legs will remain off the floor throughout the movement
  • next, pull your knees in towards your chest while wrapping your arms around your legs
  • squeeze the abs then extend your legs back out and your arms out to your side.  You’re now in the starting position again
  • repeat and aim for 15 to 20 repetitions

So there you have the Crunchy Frog.  The movement itself is fairly straight forward but it does take some strength to execute it properly.  If you find that your lower back is hurting on this one then you can place your hands on the floor behind you and just kick in and out with your legs.  As your abs get stronger you will be able to add in the arm movement.