By Jennifer Triplett, Contributing Blogger
Going outside for gym class is one of my favorite memories of elementary school. The fresh air! The break from being indoors! Getting out all that energy! It was perfect.
Plus, it’s a new year! Now is the perfect time to get back to the workouts that you loved, especially if you’ve made a fitness resolution.
Just because we’re getting older, doesn’t mean we can’t tap into our inner child and go back to some of these fun full-body exercises.
Mix and match or follow along and complete all 5 as a circuit. All you need is a playful attitude, some good tunes, and a few props to complete this workout!
Exercise 1: Jump Rope
Jumping rope is a super effective cardio workout that will get your heart rate pumping and torch calories.
Hold the ends of the rope in each hand with the center of the rope behind your heels.
Initiate the swing of the rope with your wrists. Rotate the rope over your head and jump an inch or two off the ground as it comes around.
Remember to keep a neutral spine, a slight bend in your knees, and your toes pointing down with each hop.
To begin, practice without the rope so you can master the basics.
When you’re ready, grab your rope and start jumping!
Start with 1 - 2 minutes. Work your way up to extended periods of time.
Want to amp it up? Try out fancy footwork such as the boxer step and the double under!
Exercise 2: Hopscotch
This full-body workout will light your legs on fire and challenge your balance!
First, you need to decide your board and pattern. You can alternate between 1 or 2 boxes. Every single box is for hopping on 1 leg, while the double boxes are for both feet.
Want to make it even more challenging? Draw 3 or more single boxes in a row.
Toss an object (beanbag, stone, etc.) into one of the boxes. Start to hopscotch down the board. When you reach the box with your object, skip it! Once you reach the end of the board, turn around (on 1 leg!) and return. This time when you reach your object, reach down and pick it up, again on 1 leg.
The best part is, you can challenge your family and friends!
Exercise 3: Jumping Jacks
Stand in a neutral position with your legs together and your arms by your sides. This is your starting position.
With a slight bend in your knees, simultaneously jump as you swing your arms overhead. Land in the starting position.
See how many you can complete in 1 minute!
The best thing about jumping jacks is that the variations are endless! Try seal jacks, plank jacks, or oblique jacks.
Exercise 4: Crab Walk
To target your arms and legs, crab walk!
Start seated on the ground with your knees bent and your hands behind you, fingers pointing away from your body. Lift your hips a few inches off of the ground.
As you step your right foot forward, move your left hand forward. Repeat with your left foot and right hand. This is 1 step. Continue for 10 steps or a distance of your choosing.
Once you reach the end, crab walk backward to your starting point.
Exercise 5: Supermans
Flip around and let’s target your back body!
Lie on your stomach and stretch your arms in front of you and your legs behind you.
On an exhale lift both your arms and legs off the ground and hold.
Imagine you are flying!
Repeat 5 - 7 times.
Exercising doesn’t have to be boring and these 5 exercises prove just that.
Tap into your inner child and most importantly, HAVE FUN!
