20 minute workouts posted Monday thru Saturday requiring little or no equipment to complete.
Saturday 30 May 2009: RUN FOR DISTANCE
Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.
Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.
Basic:
Powerwalk for twenty minutes.
Post results to Comments.
Friday 29 May 2009: BP / PULL CHALLENGE
Today's workout involves back-to-back ten minute challenges.
Advanced:
- Perform as many burpees as possible in ten minutes
- Perform as many pull-ups as possible in ten minutes
Intermediate:
- Perform as many squat thrusts as possible in ten minutes
- Perform as many partial, assisted, or jumping pull-ups as possible in ten minutes
Basic:
- Perform as many jumping jacks as possible in ten minutes
- Perform as many body rows as possible in ten minutes
Post results to Comments.
Thursday 28 May 2009: SPRINT 8
Today's workout is based on a sprint protocol designed by Phil Campbell, author of Ready, Set GO! Synergy Fitness for Time-Crunched Adults.
The sprints are progressive. The first sprint begins at a jog and climaxes at 50% of maximum effort; the second sprint goes from 40% at the beginning to 60% at the climax; the third sprint goes from 50-70%; the fourth sprint from 60-80%; the fifth sprint from 70-90%; the sixth sprint reaches 95% of maximum effort; the seventh and eighth sprints are run at 95-100% effort.
If you are not accustomed to the type of sprint training we do around here, do not max out on the final three sprints - climax between 80-90% of maximum effort.
Advanced:
- Run 5 minutes
- Repeat eight times:
Sprint 15 seconds
Recover 1 minute - Run 5 minutes
Intermediate:
- Run-walk 5 minutes
- Repeat six-eight times:
Sprint 15 seconds
Recover 60-85 seconds - Run-walk 5 minutes
Basic:
- Powerwalk 5 minutes
- Repeat four-six times:
Sprint 15 seconds
Recover 85-120 seconds - Powerwalk 5 minutes
Post results to Comments.
Wednesday 27 May 2009: PU DROP SETS
- Feet Elevated PU
- Regular PU
- Knee PU
Intermediate:
- Regular PU
- Knee PU
- Countertop PU
Basic:
- Knee PU
- Countertop PU
- Countertop PU (move feet closer to the countertop)
Post results to Comments.
Monday 25 May 2009: FIFTEEN MINUTES
The following circuit takes fifteen minutes to complete. Intermediate and Basic trainees should take short rests between exercises as necessary. Advanced trainees should move between exercises as quickly as possible.
You may want to spend a couple of minutes warming the body before the workout by performing jumping jacks and/or basic mobility exercises.
Advanced:
- 1 minute: Max Pull-ups
- 1 minute: Max Sit-ups
- 1 minute: Max Push-ups
- 2 minutes: Max Squats
- 10 minutes: High Intensity Cardio
(E.g. Skip rope fast, Sprints, Running, Burpees, etc.)
Intermediate:
- 1 minute: Max Partial Pull-ups or Body Rows
- 1 minute: Max Sit-ups or Crunches
- 1 minute: Max Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)
- 2 minutes: Max Squats or Half-Squats
- 10 minutes: Intense Cardio
(E.g. Skip rope, Sprints, Jumping Jacks, Squat Thrusts, etc.)
Basic:
- 1 minute: Max Body Rows
- 1 minute: Max Crunches
- 1 minute: Max Knee Push-ups
- 2 minutes: Max Half-Squats
- 10 minutes: Cardio
(E.g. Skip rope, Sprints, Jumping Jacks, etc.)
Post results to Comments.
Saturday-Sunday 23-24 May 2009: RUN & REST
Sunday 24 May 2009
REST DAY
Saturday 23 May 2009
Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.
Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.
Basic:
Powerwalk for twenty minutes.
Post results to Comments.
Friday 22 May 2009: TRIPLE-UPs
PULL-UP, SIT-UP, PUSH-UP
Perform as many supersets of pull-ups, sit-ups, and push-ups as possible in twenty minutes.
A superset is done by performing one set of each exercise back to back to back with little or no rest in between. Choose a number of reps that is well below your max to prevent early burnout during the training session. The training effect today will come from the overall volume of exercise combined with short rest periods, not max effort sets. Rest between supersets as necessary.
Intermediate and Basic trainees should substitute assisted, partial, or jumping pull-ups, body rows, crunches, and knee push-ups as necessary.
Post results to Comments.
Thursday 21 May 2009: SPEEDPLAY
Perform intermittent sprints of varying lengths and intensities during brisk walking and easy running (or jogging) for twenty minutes.
Today's workout involves random combinations of fast walking, easy running, and sprinting. After several minutes (~5 minutes) of powerwalking and/or easy running, begin performing intermittent sprints. Vary the length and intensity of each sprint (E.g. Sprint for twenty seconds, jog for 90 seconds, sprint hard for ten seconds, walk/jog for two minutes, etc.).
If you are unable to recover sufficiently by jogging, reduce your pace to a walk. Go slower at first than you think is necessary. It is easy to overdo it on this workout. Vary your pace every one to three minutes throughout the twenty minutes training session.
Ideas to incorporate in your workout:
- High intensity sprints of 8-15 seconds
- Medium intensity sprints of 15-30 seconds
- High/medium intensity running for 1-3 minutes
- Sets of Jumping Jacks, Burpees, Mountain Climbers, or Jump Squats
- Sets of Squats, Lunges, or Pushups
- Bear Crawling or Crab Crawling
Post results to Comments.
Wednesday 20 May 2009: FIVE BASIC EXERCISES
This circuit can be performed virtually anywhere. It requires very little room to complete. When time crunched, try performing a single circuit (10 minutes) for a quick physical and mental boost.
Complete two of the following circuits in twenty minutes.
- 2 minutes - Sun Salutations
- 1 minute - Squats
- 1 minute - Push-ups
- 1 minute - Sit-ups or Leg Raises
- 5 minutes - Jump Rope, Jumping Jacks, or Run in Place
Modifications for Intermediate and Basic trainees
- Perform Half-Squats instead of Squats
- Perform Knee Push-ups instead of Push-ups
- Perform Crunches instead of Sit-ups
- Perform Cardio Exercise 30/30 style (30 sec. work, 30 sec. rest)
Post results to Comments.
Tuesday 19 May 2009: J-SQ + BW-SQ #2
JUMP SQUATS + BODYWEIGHT SQUATS #2
Complete as many rounds as possible in twenty minutes.
Advanced - Intermediate:
- A set of Squat Jumps
(e.g. Box Jumps, Hurdle Jumps, Star Jumps, Half-Squat Jumps, etc.) - A set of Bodyweight Squats
(e.g. Deep Knee Bends, Half Squats, Hindu Squats, Sumo Squats, Pistols, etc.)
If you are unaccustomed to plyometric training, perform the Basic WOD.
Basic:
- A set of Half Squats
- A set of Lunges
- A set of Calf Raises
- A set of Jumping Jacks
Post results to Comments.
Monday 18 May 2009: TIMED SETS #4
60/60 - 60 seconds work, 60seconds rest
30/60 - 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest
Repeat two times (2x):
- 60/60 Pull-ups
- 60/60 Sit-ups
- 60/60 Push-ups
Repeat two times (2x):
- 30/60 Pull-ups
- 30/60 Sit-ups
- 30/60 Push-ups
Substitutions for Intermediate & Basic Levels:
- For Pull-ups - Partial or Assisted or Jumping Pull-ups, Body Rows
- For Sit-ups - Crunches, Leg Levers, Flutter Kicks, other abdominal exercise variations
- For Push-ups - Knee Push-ups, Dips, other push-up variations
Post results to Comments.
Saturday 16 May 2009: RUN FOR DISTANCE
Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.
Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.
Basic:
Powerwalk for twenty minutes.
Post results to Comments.
Friday 15 May 2009: JJ + PU CHALLENGE
Today's workout involves two ten-minute challenges.
- For the first ten minutes, perform as many jumping jacks as possible, resting as necessary.
- During the second ten minutes, perform as many push-ups as possible.
Intermediate and Basic trainees should substitute Knee Push-ups as necessary.
Post results to Comments.
Thursday 14 May 2009: CRAWL...SPRINT #2
Same workout for everybody today, but adjust the intensity according to your ability.
Complete as many rounds as possible in twenty minutes.
- 30 seconds Bear Crawl
- 15 seconds Sprint
- 30 seconds Crab Crawl
- 15 seconds Sprint
Advanced trainees should rest as necessary between rounds.
Intermediate and Basic trainees should rest as necessary during each round.
30/30 = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat for specified repetitions
15/45 = 15 seconds work, 45 seconds rest, repeat for specified repetitions
Post results to Comments.
Wednesday 13 May 2009: PULL OTM
PULL-UPS ON THE MINUTE
Perform a set of pull-ups at the top of every minute for twenty minutes.
Intermediate and Basic trainees should substitute partial, assisted, or jumping pull-ups or body rows as necessary.
Post results to Comments.
Tuesday 12 May 2009: CONDITIONING
Today's workout uses 30/30 intervals (30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat for time allotted).
Advanced:
- 5 x 30/30 Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope
- 5 x 30/30 Burpees
- 5 x 30/30 Mountain Climbers
- 5 x 30/30 Squats
Intermediate:
- 5 x 30/30 Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope
- 5 x 30/30 Squat Thrusts (add push-up if possible)
- 5 x 30/30 Mountain Climbers
- 5 x 30/30 Squats
Basic:
- 5 x 30/30 Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope
- 5 x 30/30 Half-Squats or Squat Thrusts
- 5 x 30/30 Mountain Climbers
- 5 x 30/30 Half Squats
Post results to Comments.
Monday 11 May 2009: 30/30 CALS CIRCUITS
30/30 CALISTHENICS CIRCUIT
Complete 5 rounds of the following circuit in twenty minutes.
30/30 = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest
Advanced:
- 30/30 Pull-ups
- 30/30 Sit-ups
- 30/30 Push-ups
- 30/30 Squats
Intermediate:
- 30/30 Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Pull-ups
- 30/30 Sit-ups or Crunches
- 30/30 Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)
- 30/30 Squats
Basic:
- 30/30 Body Rows
- 30/30 Crunches
- 30/30 Knee Push-ups
- 30/30 Half- Squats
Post results to Comments.
Saturday 8 May 2009: RUN FOR DISTANCE
Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.
Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.
Basic:
Powerwalk for twenty minutes.
Post results to Comments.
Friday 8 May 2009: 90/30 CALS
PUSH-UP, LEG LEVER, TUCK JUMP
Today's training session involves 90 seconds of continuous calisthenics alternated with 30 seconds of rest.
Perform ten circuits in twenty minutes.
Advanced:
- 30 seconds: Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)
- 30 seconds: Leg Levers
(Lie on your back with your legs straight and your hands under your hips to provide lower back support. Keeping your legs straight, raise them until your legs are at a 45 degree or greater angle. Lower them again but stop short of touching your feet to the floor. Repeat.) - 30 seconds: Tuck Jumps
(Perform a squat jump but in midair bring your knees to your chest.) - 30 seconds: Rest
Intermediate:
- 30 seconds: Knee Push-ups
- 30 seconds: Reverse Crunches
(Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your feet and curl your knees toward your chest.) - 30 seconds: Squat Jumps
- 30 seconds: Rest
Basic:
- 30 seconds: Countertop Push-ups
- 30 seconds: Reverse Crunches
(Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift your feet and curl your knees toward your chest.) - 30 seconds: Half Squats
- 30 seconds: Rest
Post results to Comments.
Thursday 7 May 2009: SPRINT 8
SPRINT 8
Advanced:
- Run 5 minutes
- Repeat eight times:
Sprint 15 seconds
Recover 1 minute - Run 5 minutes
Intermediate:
- Run-walk 5 minutes
- Repeat six-eight times:
Sprint 15 seconds
Recover 60-85 seconds - Run-walk 5 minutes
Basic:
- Powerwalk 5 minutes
- Repeat four-six times:
Sprint 15 seconds
Recover 85-120 seconds - Powerwalk 5 minutes
Post results to Comments.
Wednesday 6 May 2009: PU DROP SETS
Today we'll be applying a popular weightlifting technique to a bodyweight exercise. The concept is simple: perform a set of hard push-ups, then immediately perform a set of an easier push-up variation, then immediately perform a third set of an even easier version. This workout is tough; do not underestimate it. Keep the reps low, especially early in the session, to avoid burnout.
Complete as many drop sets as possible in twenty minutes.
Advanced:
- Feet Elevated PU
- Regular PU
- Knee PU
Intermediate:
- Regular PU
- Knee PU
- Countertop PU
Basic:
- Knee PU
- Countertop PU
- Countertop PU (move feet closer to the countertop)
Post results to Comments.
Tuesday 5 Ma7 2009: ANIMAL CONDITIONING
Today's workout mimics various animal movements to facilitate cardio-strength conditioning.
- 30/30's - 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat
- 15/45's - 15 seconds work, 45 seconds rest, repeat
Advanced:
- 5 x 30/30 Tiger Prowl (3x forward, 2x backward)
(Bend forward to walk on your hands and feet as in a Bear Crawl. Bend your arms to ninety degrees and lower your body so that it hovers 3-6 inches above the ground. Walk in this position keeping your body low.) - 5 x 30/30 Crab Crawl (3x forward, 2x backward)
(Sit on the ground with your feet on the ground, knees bent, and your palms on the ground resting slightly behind your hips. Lift your pelvis so that your bodyweight is supported on your hands and feet. Walk on your hands and feet with your stomach pointed toward the sky.) - 5 x 30/30 Kangaroo Jumps
(Perform a Half-Squat. From the crounched position, swing your arms and leap forward with both feet. Continue for reps.) - 5 x 15/45 Sprints
(Okay, so this isn't exactly an animal movement. Pretend like you're sprinting for your life away from the Tigers, Bears, Crabs, and Kangaroos you have been imitating.)
Intermediate and Basic:
- 5 x 30/30 Bear Crawl (3x forward, 2x backward)
- 5 x 30/30 Crab Crawl (3x forward, 2x backward)
- 5 x 30/30 Kangaroo Jumps
- 5 x 15/45 Sprints
Post results to Comments.
Monday 4 May 2009: PFT
Advanced:
- Max Pull-ups in 1 minute
- Rest 1 minute
- Max Sit-ups in 1 minute
- Rest 1 minute
- Max Push-ups in 1 minute
- Rest 3 minutes
- Run 12 minutes for distance
Intermediate:
- Max Partial or Assisted Pull-ups or Body Rows
- Rest 1 minute
- Max Sit-ups or Crunches in 1 minute
- Rest 1 minute
- Max Push-ups in 1 minute
- Rest 3 minutes
- Run-walk 12 minutes for distance
Basic:
- Max Body Rows in 1 minute
- Rest 1 minute
- Max Crunches in 1 minute
- Rest 1 minute
- Max Knee Push-ups in 1 minute
- Rest 3 minutes
- Powerwalk 12 minutes for distance
Post results to Comments.