Tuesday 6 Mar 2007: 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 5 Mar 2007: PFT

Time for the first Monday of the month...
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST

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.

Saturday 3 Mar 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 2 Mar 2007: JR + PU/SU

JUMP ROPE + PUSH-UPS/SIT-UPS


Jump/Skip rope in 30/30 intervals for twenty minutes performing quick sets of calisthenics during the rest intervals.

This is a challenging workout, but it is effective and very satisfying to complete. During the thirty seconds between sets of rope skipping you will complete a brief set of an additional exercise. Alternate sets of push-ups and sit-ups so that you perform ten sets of each during the twenty minutes.

You do not have long to perform each set. You also will need extra time to transition from skipping to pushing or crunching and back again. Plan to keep the sets small (e.g. 5-20 reps) and allow ~5 seconds for the first transition and 5-10 seconds for the transition back to the rope.

Start with sets of push-ups and sit-ups smaller than you think you can handle. This is a conditioning drill, not a strength workout.

This does not have to be done at an all-out sprint. Find a rhythm and work from one exercise to the other.
Advanced
Complete ten sets of:
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Push-ups
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Sit-ups

Intermediate - Basic
Complete ten sets of:

  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Crunches

30/30 Interval = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest

Post results to Comments.

Thursday 1 Mar 2007: SPRINT 8

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 28 Feb 2007: ALT PULL-PU OTM

ALTERNATE PULL-UPS AND PUSH-UPS
ON THE MINUTE

Perform a set of pull-ups or push-ups at the top of every minute for twenty minutes. Perform pull-ups on the odd numbered minutes (1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19) and push-ups on the even numbered minutes (2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20). You will perform ten sets of each exercise. The alternating pattern will allow you to do more reps and/or more challenging reps in each set than you could do in superset fashion.

Advanced:

  • Pull-ups or Chin-ups
  • Push-ups, Dips, Handstand PU, or other challenging variation

Intermediate:

  • Partial, Assisted, and/or Jumping Pull-ups
  • Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)

Basic:

  • Bodyrows
  • Knee Push-ups

Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 27 Feb 2007: CONDITIONING INTERVALS

CONDITIONING INTERVALS

Today's workout uses 30/30 intervals (30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat for time allotted).

Advanced:

Intermediate:

Basic:

Post results to Comments.

Monday 26 Feb 2007: DO IT ALL

DO IT ALL

Complete the following circuit five times:
  • 30/30 Pull-ups
  • 30/30 Sit-ups
  • 30/30 Push-ups
  • 30/30 Squats

30/30 = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest

Substitutions

  • Pull-ups: Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Pull-ups or Body Rows
  • Sit-ups: Crunches, Flutter Kicks, Leg Levers
  • Push-ups: Dips, Knee Push-ups
  • Squats: Squat Jumps, Half-Squats

Post results to Comments.

Saturday 24 Feb 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 23 Feb 2007: J-ROPE + PULL/SQ

JUMP ROPE + PULL-UPS/SQUATS


Jump/Skip rope in 30/30 intervals for twenty minutes performing quick sets of calisthenics during the rest intervals.

This is a challenging workout, but it is effective and very satisfying to complete. During the thirty seconds between sets of rope skipping you will complete a brief set of an additional exercise. Alternate sets of pull-ups and squats so that you perform ten sets of each during the twenty minutes.

You do not have long to perform each set. You also will need extra time to transition from skipping to pulling or squatting and back again. Plan to keep the sets small (e.g. 5-20 reps) and allow ~5 seconds for the first transition and 5-10 seconds for the transition back to the rope. Start with sets of pull-ups and squats smaller than you think you can handle. This is a conditioning drill, not a strength workout.

This does not have to be done at an all-out sprint. Find a rhythm and work from one exercise to the other.


Advanced
Complete ten sets of:
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Pull-ups
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Squats (e.g. Deep Knee Bend, Hindu, Sumo, Lunge, etc.)

Intermediate - Basic
Complete ten sets of:

  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Partial, Assisted or Jumping Pull-ups or Body Rows
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Half Squats

30/30 Interval = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest

Post results to Comments.

Thursday 22 Feb 2007: OH-SQ + SPRINT

OVERHEAD SQUAT + SPRINT


Complete as many rounds as possible in twenty minutes. Keep moving between rounds, i.e. walk or jog while catching your breath.

Advanced:
  • 15 Overhead Squats w/ PVC Pipe, Broomhandle, or Clenched Fists in the Air
  • 30 seconds Sprint
  • Walk or jog back to the start and recover as necessary

Intermediate:

  • 10 Overhead Squats w/ PVC Pipe, Broomhandle, or Clenched Fists in the Air
  • 20 seconds Sprint
  • Walk or jog back to the start and recover as necessary

Basic:

  • 5 Overhead Squats w/ PVC Pipe, Broomhandle, or Clenched Fists in the Air
  • 10 seconds Sprint
  • Walk or jog back to the start and recover as necessary

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 21 Feb 2007: DIPS + CHINS

The tried and true bodybuilder...


DIPS + CHIN-UPS SUPERSETS


Perform sets of Dips and Chin-ups back to back for twenty minutes. Rest between supersets as necessary (e.g. set of dips, set of chins, rest, repeat).

Options for performing dips include parallel bars, positioning the hands on the backs of two chairs, or using the corner of a countertop.

Intermediate and Basic trainees should substitute chair dips, push-ups, or knee push-ups as necessary.


Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 20 Feb 2007: B-CIRCUITS

Today's workout was developed by Bryce Lane.


B-CIRCUITS


Complete as many circuits as possible in twenty minutes.


If you are not accustomed to plyometric training or are obese, perform the Basic WOD.

Advanced:
  • 12 Short Range Squat Jumps
    (Half-Squat Jumps: Squat until your elbows touch your knees and thighs are parallel to ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 12 Full Range Squat Jumps
    (Deep Squat Jumps: Squat deep until your hands touch the ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 20 High Tension Bodyweight Squats
    (Squat while maintaining conscious tension of the leg mucles)
Intermediate:
  • 6 Short Range Squat Jumps
  • 6 Full Range Squat Jumps
  • 10 High Tension Bodyweight Squats

Basic:

  • 5 Half-Squat Jumps
  • 10 Lunges (Each leg)
  • 10 Calf Raise and Flex

Are you tempted to cheat on the jump as your legs become tired? Try Traveling B-Circuits by jumping for distance instead of height. Try to cover the same total distance on each circuit as the workout progresses to ensure that you are pushing yourself adequately.

Post results to Comments.

B-Circuits are covered in Bryce's excellent booklet Fitness Secrets of the Road Ninja. I also highly recommend The Booklet of Bodyweight Power and A Mighty River of Steel.

Monday 19 Feb 2007: TIMED SETS #4

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 17 Feb 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 16 Feb 2007: JR + PU/SQ

JUMP ROPE + PUSH-UPS/SQUATS

Jump/Skip rope in 30/30 intervals for twenty minutes performing quick sets of calisthenics during the rest intervals.

This is a challenging workout, but it is effective and very satisfying to complete. During the thirty seconds between sets of rope skipping you will complete a brief set of an additional exercise. Alternate sets of push-ups and squats so that you perform ten sets of each during the twenty minutes.

You do not have long to perform each set. You also will need extra time to transition from skipping to pushing or squatting and back again. Plan to keep the sets small (e.g. 5-20 reps) and allow ~5 seconds for the first transition and 5-10 seconds for the transition back to the rope. Start with sets of push-ups and squats smaller than you think you can handle. This is a conditioning drill, not a strength workout.

This does not have to be done at an all-out sprint. Find a rhythm and work from one exercise to the other.

Advanced
Complete ten sets of:
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Push-ups
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Squats (e.g. Deep Knee Bend, Hindu, Sumo, Lunge, etc.)

Intermediate - Basic
Complete ten sets of:

  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Half Squats

30/30 Interval = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest

Post results to Comments.

Thursday 15 Feb 2007: 30/90 SPRINTS

The signature sprint workout...

30/90 SPRINTS

Advanced:
  • Run 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 30 seconds
    Recover 90 seconds
  • Run 5 minutes

Intermediate:

  • Run-walk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 20-30 seconds
    Recover 90-100 seconds
  • Run-walk 5 minutes

Basic:

  • Powerwalk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 15-20 seconds
    Recover 100-105 seconds
  • Powerwalk 5 minutes

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 14 Feb 2007: 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 13 Feb 2007: BP -- SQ-TH

BURPEE -- SQUAT THRUST PYRAMID


Perform a pyramid of burpees and squat thrusts for twenty minutes.


To perform a pyramid, begin by performing one rep of the chosen exercise, rest, then two reps, rest, then three reps, and so on until you reach the "top" of the pyramid. Then begin retracing the steps you took to reach that number (e.g. 10 reps, rest, 9 reps, rest, 8 reps, etc.). The "top" of the pyramid can either be predetermined (e.g. 5, 10, 15, 20 reps) or can be ascertained by the inability to complete the required number of reps for the next step (e.g. 6 reps, 7 reps, 5 reps - you missed a set). In either case, the trainee should stop building sets and "descend" the pyramid by performing decreasing sets of his/her chosen exercise.

For this WOD you should go by feel. We do not set predetermined numbers as goals on the TMFS blog, but if you have previous experience with burpees and know your limits, you may choose to do so. A better method will simply be to go by feel. If you are becoming very fatigued and are struggling to complete each set, stop increasing the reps and begin descending with the next exercise. If you complete the pyramid and have extra time left within the twenty minute time limit, go ahead and begin another pyramid until time expires.

During our workout today we will be using a more challenging exercise on the way "up" the pyramid and a less challenging exercise on the way "down." For example, an advanced trainee will perform sets of burpees (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) until he reaches the top, then he will perform squat thrusts on the way down (10, 9, 8, 7, 6, etc.).

How long should you rest? That is up to the individual. You know your level of conditioning. You should rest long enough to catch your breath and recover the strength to continue but not long enough for your heartrate to return entirely to normal levels (it should drop somewhat, however).


Advanced:

Intermediate:

Basic:

  • Half Squats - Up
  • Jumping Jacks - Down

Post results to Comments.

Monday 12 Feb 2007: SPARTAN RUN #4

SPARTAN RUN #4

Complete the following workout in twenty minutes.

  • Run - 2 minutes
  • Repeat three times (3x):
    Pull-ups - 30 seconds
    Squats - 30 seconds
    Run - 2 minutes
    Push-ups - 30 seconds
    Sit-ups - 30 seconds
    Run - 2 minutes

Substitutions:

  • For Running - Run-walk, Powerwalk, Bear Crawl/Crab Crawl, Skip Rope, Jumping Jacks
  • For Pull-ups - Partial or Assisted or Jumping Pull-ups, Body Rows
  • For Squats - Half-Squats, Isometric Wall Squat
  • For Push-ups - Knee Push-ups, Dips, other push-up variations
  • For Sit-ups - Crunches, Leg Levers, Flutter Kicks, other abdominal exercise variations

Post results to Comments.

Saturday 10 Feb 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 9 Feb 2007: JR + PULL/SU

JUMP ROPE + PULL-UPS/SIT-UPS

Jump/Skip rope in 30/30 intervals for twenty minutes performing quick sets of calisthenics during the rest intervals.

This is a challenging workout, but it is effective and very satisfying to complete. During the thirty seconds between sets of rope skipping you will complete a brief set of an additional exercise. Alternate sets of pull-ups and sit-ups (or another abdominal exercise) so that you perform ten sets of each during the twenty minutes.
You do not have long to perform each set. You also will need extra time to transition from skipping to pulling or crunching and back again. Plan to keep the sets small (e.g. 5-10 reps) and allow ~5 seconds for the first transition and 5-10 seconds for the transition back to the rope. Start with sets of pull-ups and sit-ups smaller than you think you can handle. This is a conditioning drill, not a strength workout.
This does not have to be done at an all-out sprint. Find a rhythm and work from one exercise to the other.
Advanced
Complete ten sets of:
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Pull-ups
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Sit-ups

Intermediate - Basic
Complete ten sets of:

  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Partial/Assisted Pull-ups or Bodyrows
  • 30/30 Skipping Rope or Jumping Jacks
  • A set of Crunches

30/30 Interval = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest

Post results to Comments.

Thursday 8 Feb 2007: CRAWL...SPRINT #1

CRAWL...SPRINT #1

30/30 = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat for specified repetitions
15/45 = 15 seconds work, 45 seconds rest, repeat for specified repetitions

Same workout for everybody today, but adjust the intensity according to your ability.

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 7 Feb 2007: PU OTM

PUSH-UPS ON THE MINUTE

Perform a set of push-ups at the top of every minute for twenty minutes.

Intermediate and Basic trainees should substitute knee push-ups as necessary.

Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 6 Feb 2007: 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 5 Feb 2007: PFT

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
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.

Sunday 4 Feb 2007: REST DAY

REST DAY

Saturday 3 Feb 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE


Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

A recent idea from a participant in the 2007 Push-up Challenge:

This looked like the kind of simple challenge I could deal with at the moment. I am on 32 today.

After thinking ahead about how I would break up the sets, I decided that I would do the sets in months. For example, January is over so today I do one set of 31 (January) and I will do 2 more (for February 2nd).

Example;May 16th, if I have stuck with it, my sets will look like this: 31 (January), 28 (February), 31 (March), 30 (April), and 16 (May 16th).When I can do bigger sets, I'll probably change my sets and go bigger. Ten or eleven sets of thirty don't appeal to me. --Tom

Friday 2 Feb 2007: PULL, CLIMB, TWIST

PULLING, CLIMBING, TWISTING

The idea for this workout came from Jim Biancolo over at Lean and Hungry Fitness. Jim has a nice site that fits in with many of the methods we use around here.

Perform ten rounds of the following cycle in twenty minutes.

Advanced:
  • 30 seconds - Body Rows or Pull-ups
  • 30 seconds - Mountain Climbers
  • 30 seconds - Russian Twists
    (Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on the floor. Extend your arms and clasp your hands in front of you. Crunch up so that your shoulder blades are off the ground. Now twist your midsection to the left and to the right so that your arms are parallel to the floor. Once to each side equals one rep. This exercise can also be performed holding a medicine ball or weight in your hands or with a broomstick behind your shoulders.)
  • 30 seconds - Rest

Even though Advanced trainees are accustomed to doing 30 second sets of Pull-ups, the overall intensity of this workout makes the Body Rows an acceptable substitution. If you think the Body Rows are too easy, try the completely suspended version shown in the Body Row link or do them sprint-style and attempt to get 20-30 reps in each round.

Intermediate:

  • 30 seconds - Body Rows
  • 30 seconds - Squat Thrusts
  • 30 seconds - Russian Twists or Regular Crunches
  • 30 seconds - Rest

Basic:

  • 30 seconds - Body Rows
  • 30 seconds - Half-Squats
  • 30 seconds - Crunches
  • 30 seconds - Rest

Post results to Comments.

Thursday 1 Feb 2007: 30/90 SPRINTS

The signature sprint workout...

30/90 SPRINTS

Advanced:
  • Run 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 30 seconds
    Recover 90 seconds
  • Run 5 minutes

Intermediate:

  • Run-walk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 20-30 seconds
    Recover 90-100 seconds
  • Run-walk 5 minutes

Basic:

  • Powerwalk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 15-20 seconds
    Recover 100-105 seconds
  • Powerwalk 5 minutes

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 31 Jan 2007: PULL LADDER + PU

PULL-UP LADDERS + SET OF PUSH-UPS

For today's workout, you will be performing pull-up ladders supersetted with sets of push-ups.

To do ladders: perform 1 pull-up, then a set of 2 pull-ups, then a set of 3 pull-ups, and so on until you miss a set (i.e. you should have done 6 pull-ups but only managed to do 5). After you miss a set, start building again at 1.

Insert a set of push-ups between each set of pull-ups. The push-ups don't have to be done in ladder format. Simply crank out a reasonable number that will provide a nice counterbalance to the pulling exercise without burning yourself out. Continue performing sets of each exercise for twenty minutes.

Advanced:
  • Ladders of Pull-ups/Chin-ups
  • Sets of Regular Push-ups

Intermediate and Basic:

  • Ladders of Partial or Assisted Pull-ups or Body Rows
  • Sets of Regular, Knee, or Countertop Push-ups

Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 30 Jan 2007: B-CIRCUITS

Today's workout was developed by Bryce Lane.

B-CIRCUITS

Complete as many circuits as possible in twenty minutes.

If you are not accustomed to plyometric training or are obese, perform the Basic WOD.

Advanced:
  • 12 Short Range Squat Jumps
    (Half-Squat Jumps: Squat until your elbows touch your knees and thighs are parallel to ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 12 Full Range Squat Jumps
    (Deep Squat Jumps: Squat deep until your hands touch the ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 20 High Tension Bodyweight Squats
    (Squat while maintaining conscious tension of the leg mucles)

Intermediate:

  • 6 Short Range Squat Jumps
  • 6 Full Range Squat Jumps
  • 10 High Tension Bodyweight Squats

Basic:

  • 5 Half-Squat Jumps
  • 10 Lunges (Each leg)
  • 10 Calf Raise and Flex

Are you tempted to cheat on the jump as your legs become tired? Try Traveling B-Circuits by jumping for distance instead of height. Try to cover the same total distance on each circuit as the workout progresses to ensure that you are pushing yourself adequately.

Post results to Comments.

B-Circuits are covered in Bryce's excellent booklet Fitness Secrets of the Road Ninja. I also highly recommend The Booklet of Bodyweight Power and A Mighty River of Steel.

Monday 29 Jan 2007: SPARTAN RUN #3

Get ready. This one is tough.
SPARTAN RUN #3

Complete the following circuit in twenty minutes.
  • Max Pull-ups in 1 minute
  • Run 2 minutes
  • Max Sit-ups in 1 minute
  • Run 2 minutes
  • Max Push-ups in 1 minute
  • Run 2 minutes

  • Max Pull-ups in 30 seconds
  • Run 2 minutes
  • Max Sit-ups in 30 seconds
  • Run 2 minutes
  • Max Push-ups in 30 seconds
  • Run 2 minutes

  • Max Pull-ups in 30 seconds
  • Max Sit-ups in 30 seconds
  • Max Push-ups in 30 seconds
  • Run 2 minutes

Intermediate and Basic trainees should substitute as necessary:

  • Partial/Assisted Pull-ups or Body Rows for Pull-ups
  • Crunches for Sit-ups
  • Knee Push-ups for Push-ups
  • Powerwalking for Running
  • 30/30 or 15/15 Calisthenic Intervals for 1 minute or 30 second assigned Intervals
    (E.g. 30/30 Bodyrows instead of 1 minute Pull-ups; 15/15 Knee PU instead of 30 seconds Push-ups)

There are no assigned rest intervals in this WOD except as modified above. Your body will learn to recover "on the run" (literally). Pace yourself as necessary.

Post results to Comments.

Saturday 27 Jan 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 26 Jan 2007: JJ - PU CHALLENGE

JUMPING JACK + PUSH-UP 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 25 Jan 2007: SPRINT PYRAMID

SPRINT PYRAMID

Today's workout may look complicated, but it really isn't. Run sprints of 10, 15, 20, 30, 20, 15, and 10 seconds with 1 minutes recovery in between (90 seconds on each side of the 30 second sprint).
  • 5 minutes - Run or Run-walk
  • 10 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 15 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 20 seconds – Sprint
  • 90 seconds – Recovery
  • 30 seconds – Sprint
  • 90 seconds – Recovery
  • 20 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 15 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 10 seconds – Sprint\
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 5 minutes - Run or Run-walk

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 24 Jan 2007: PU OTM

PUSH-UPS ON THE MINUTE

Perform a set of push-ups at the top of every minute for twenty minutes.

Intermediate and Basic trainees should substitute Knee Push-ups as necessary.

Post results to Comments.

Check out Bryce's Bodyweight page or Coach Ron's Push-ups page for ideas on advanced variations.

Tuesday 23 Jan 2007: ANIMAL CONDITIONING

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)
    (Bend forward and walk on your hands and feet.)
  • 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.)

Post results to Comments.

Monday 22 Jan 2007: 30/30 CALS CIRCUIT

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 20 Jan 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 19 Jan 2007: PULL, PU, CRAWL

PULLING, PUSHING, & CRAWLING

Complete as many rounds as possible in twenty minutes.

Advanced:
  • A set of Pull-ups
  • 30 seconds - Bear Crawl
  • A set of Push-ups
  • 30 seconds - Crab Crawl

Intermediate:

  • A set of Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Pull-ups
  • 20-30 seconds - Bear Crawl
  • A set of Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)
  • 20-30 seconds - Crab Crawl

Basic:

  • A set of Body Rows
  • 15-20 seconds - Bear Crawl
  • A set of Knee Push-ups
  • 15-20 seconds - Crab Crawl

Post results to Comments.

Thursday 18 Jan 2007: SPRINT 8

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 17 Jan 2007: 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 and/or Body Rows as necessary.

Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 16 Jan 2007: J-SQ, BW-SQ

JUMP SQUATS, BODYWEIGHT SQUATS #1

Today's workout uses the 30/30 interval pattern (30seconds work, 30seconds rest, repeat).

Advanced - Intermediate:
  • 10 minutes - 30/30 Squat Jumps
    (e.g. half, full, jump-overs, etc.)
  • 10 minutes - 30/30 Bodyweight Squats
    (e.g. Hindu, Sumo, Deep Knee Bend, etc.)

Basic:

  • 5 minutes - 30/30 Jumping Jacks
  • 5 minutes - 30/30 Half-Squats
  • 5 minutes - 30/30 Jumping Jacks
  • 5 minutes - 30/30 Half-Squats

Post results to Comments.

Monday 15 Jan 2007: TIMED SETS #2

TIMED SETS CIRCUITS

Perform four rounds of the following circuit.
  • Round One perform each exercise for 60 seconds
  • Round Two perform each exercise for 45 seconds
  • Round Three perform each exercise for 30 seconds
  • Round Four perform each exercise for 15 seconds

Rest 1 minute between each set of exercises in all four rounds.

Advanced:

  • Pull-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • Push-ups

Intermediate:

  • Assisted, Partial, or Jumping Pull-ups
  • Sit-ups or Crunches
  • Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)

Basic:

  • Body Rows
  • Crunches
  • Knee Push-ups
Post results to Comments.

Saturday 13 Jan 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 12 Jan 2007: B-CIRCUITS

Today's workout was developed by Bryce Lane.

B-CIRCUITS

Complete as many circuits as possible in twenty minutes.

If you are not accustomed to plyometric training or are obese, perform the Basic WOD.

Advanced:
  • 12 Short Range Squat Jumps
    (Half-Squat Jumps: Squat until your elbows touch your knees and thighs are parallel to ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 12 Full Range Squat Jumps
    (Deep Squat Jumps: Squat deep until your hands touch the ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 20 High Tension Bodyweight Squats
    (Squat while maintaining conscious tension of the leg mucles)

Intermediate:

  • 6 Short Range Squat Jumps
  • 6 Full Range Squat Jumps
  • 10 High Tension Bodyweight Squats

Basic:

  • 5 Half-Squat Jumps
  • 10 Lunges (Each leg)
  • 10 Calf Raise and Flex

Are you tempted to cheat on the jump as your legs become tired? Try Traveling B-Circuits by jumping for distance instead of height. Try to cover the same total distance on each circuit as the workout progresses to ensure that you are pushing yourself adequately.

Post results to Comments.

B-Circuits are covered in Bryce's excellent booklet Fitness Secrets of the Road Ninja. I also highly recommend The Booklet of Bodyweight Power and A Mighty River of Steel.

Thursday 11 Jan 2007: DIPS + CHINS

The tried and true bodybuilder...


DIPS + CHIN-UPS

Perform supersets (back to back sets with little or no rest in between) of dips and chin-ups for twenty minutes. Rest as necessary between supersets.

Substitutions for Bar Dips:
  • Dip with hands on the backs of two chairs or on railings or at the corner of a countertop
  • Chair Dips (feet elevated or feet on the floor)
  • Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)

Substitutions for Chin-ups:

  • Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Chin-ups
  • Body Rows

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 10 Jan 2007: 30/90 SPRINTS

The signature sprint workout...

30/90 SPRINTS
Advanced:
  • Run 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 30 seconds
    Recover 90 seconds
  • Run 5 minutes

Intermediate:

  • Run-walk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 20-30 seconds
    Recover 90-100 seconds
  • Run-walk 5 minutes

Basic:

  • Powerwalk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 15-20 seconds
    Recover 100-105 seconds
  • Powerwalk 5 minutes

Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 9 Jan 2007: CONDITIONING

CONDITIONING: JUMPING JACKS & BURPEES

30/30 = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest

Advanced:
  • 10 x 30/30 Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope
  • 10 x 30/30 Burpees

Intermediate:

Basic:

  • 10 x 30/30 Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope
  • 10 x 30/30 Half Squats

Post results to Comments.

Monday 8 Jan 2007: SPARTAN #2

SPARTAN RUN #2

30/30 = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest

Advanced:
  • Run 5 minutes
  • Repeat twice:
    30/30 Pull-ups
    30/30 Sit-ups
    30/30 Burpees
    30/30 Squats
    30/30 Bear Crawls (substitute Crab Crawls on second circuit)
  • Run 5 minutes

Intermediate:

  • Run-walk 5 minutes
  • Repeat twice:
    30/30 Partial, Assisted or Jumping Pull-ups
    30/30 Sit-ups or Crunches
    30/30 Squat Thrusts
    30/30 Squats
    30/30 Bear Crawl (substitute Crab Crawls on second circuit)
  • Run-walk 5 minutes

Basic:

  • Powerwalk 5 minutes
  • Repeat twice:
    30/30 Body Rows
    30/30 Crunches
    30/30 Jumping Jacks
    30/30 Half-Squats
    30/30 Bear Crawl (substitute Crab Crawls on second circuit)
  • Powerwalk 5 minutes

Post results to Comments.

Sunday 7 Jan 2007: REST DAY

REST DAY

Week One of the Push-up Challenge is done. How did you do? Are you still on track? Remember, it takes twenty-one days of consecutive behavior to form a habit.

Saturday 6 Jan 2007: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 5 Jan 2007: BP + PULL CHALLENGE

BURPEE + PULL-UP 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 4 Jan 2007: SPRINT PYRAMID

SPRINT PYRAMID

Today's workout may look complicated, but it really isn't. Run sprints of 10, 15, 20, 30, 20, 15, and 10 seconds with 1 minutes recovery in between (90 seconds on each side of the 30 second sprint).
  • 5 minutes - Run or Run-walk
  • 10 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 15 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 20 seconds – Sprint
  • 90 seconds – Recovery
  • 30 seconds – Sprint
  • 90 seconds – Recovery
  • 20 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 15 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 10 seconds – Sprint
  • 1 minute – Recovery
  • 5 minutes - Run or Run-walk

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 3 Jan 2007: PU DROP SETS

PUSH-UP 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 2 Jan 2007: B-CIRCUITS

Today's workout courtesy of Bryce Lane, inventor of the infamous...

B-CIRCUITS

Complete as many circuits as possible in twenty minutes.

If you are not accustomed to plyometric training or are obese, perform the Basic WOD.

Advanced:
  • 12 Short Range Squat Jumps
    (Half-Squat Jumps: Squat until your elbows touch your knees and thighs are parallel to ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 12 Full Range Squat Jumps
    (Deep Knee Bend: Squat deep until your hands touch the ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 20 High Tension Bodyweight Squats
    (Squat while maintaining conscious tension of the leg mucles)

Intermediate:

  • 6 Short Range Squat Jumps
  • 6 Full Range Squat Jumps
  • 10 High Tension Bodyweight Squats

Basic:

  • 5 Half-Squat Jumps
  • 10 Lunges (Each leg)
  • 10 Calf Raise and Flex

Are you tempted to cheat on the jump as your legs become tired? Try Traveling B-Circuits by jumping for distance instead of height. Try to cover the same total distance on each circuit as the workout progresses to ensure that you are pushing yourself adequately.

Post results to Comments.

Push-up Challenge Day Two: Don't forget your two push-ups.

Monday 1 Jan 2007: PFT

It's the first Monday of the year. Time for a benchmark...

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST


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.

The 2007 Push-up Challenge begins today.

Sunday December 31 2006: REST DAY

REST DAY

The 2007 Push-up Challenge begins tomorrow.

Saturday 30 Dec 2006: RUN FOR DISTANCE

The last WOD for 2006


RUN FOR DISTANCE


Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.


Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.


Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.


Post results to Comments.

Friday 29 Dec 2006: PULL PUSH CRAWL

PULLING, PUSHING, & CRAWLING

Complete as many rounds as possible in twenty minutes.

Advanced:
  • A set of Pull-ups
  • 30 seconds - Bear Crawl
  • A set of Push-ups
  • 30 seconds - Crab Crawl

Intermediate:

  • A set of Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Pull-ups
  • 20-30 seconds - Bear Crawl
  • A set of Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)
  • 20-30 seconds - Crab Crawl

Basic:

  • A set of Body Rows
  • 15-20 seconds - Bear Crawl
  • A set of Knee Push-ups
  • 15-20 seconds - Crab Crawl

Post results to Comments.

Gunnar Bozeman has created an excellent Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to keep track of next year's Push-up Challenge. You can download the file here. (Click the link to open the file in your browser, or right-click and choose Save Target As to save the file directly without opening.)

Thursday 28 Dec 2006: SPRINT 8

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 Dec 2006: 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 reps or Body Rows as necessary.

Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 26 Dec 2006: JUMP 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 25 Dec 2006: TIMED SETS #2

You'd better do this before the holiday meal.

TIMED SETS #2

Complete four rounds of the following circuit in twenty minutes.
  • Round One perform each exercise for 60 seconds
  • Round Two perform each exercise for 45 seconds
  • Round Three perform each exercise for 30 seconds
  • Round Four perform each exercise for 15 seconds

Rest 1 minute between each set of exercises in all four rounds.

Advanced:

  • Pull-ups
  • Sit-ups
  • Push-ups

Intermediate:

  • Assisted, Partial, or Jumping Pull-ups
  • Sit-ups or Crunches
  • Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)

Basic:

  • Body Rows
  • Crunches
  • Knee Push-ups

Post results to Comments.

2007 Push-up Challenge

Announcing the 2007 Push-up Challenge
(Add one push-up per day, every day for one year)

Dan Ciruli completed the challenge in 2006, and now he’s issuing the challenge to everyone. I like Dan’s approach. It doesn’t take much time. It is a simple but effective way to boost your daily activity and increase your fitness. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for developing a habit of self-discipline.

The plan is simple: Do one push-up on January 1st, two push-ups on January 2nd, three push-ups on January 3rd and so on throughout the year. On December 31st you will complete 365 push-ups. The difficult part of this challenge is the consistency. As Dan points out, the daily push-ups don’t take long to complete. It’s setting a goal and meeting it day after day that makes this event a challenge.

Don’t overanalyze this project. Doing push-ups everyday will not hurt you. You will still be able to do the blog workouts that are assigned Monday through Saturday. If you miss your assigned push-ups one day, don’t worry about it. Keep on pace and make up those missed reps some other time. This is about self-discipline and self-improvement. Don’t make it more complicated than it actually is.

Dan chose crunches as a complementary exercise to his daily push-up regimen. You might prefer walking, body rows, squats, or simply stick to push-ups and the WOD. You make the call.

You know that you’re going to wonder, “What if? What if I had tried the challenge? What if I had stuck with it?” Right now, ask yourself, “Why not? Why not do a few push-ups every day? What have I got to lose?”

The challenge starts January 1st.

Post commitments to Comments.

You can read about Dan's 2006 Push-up Challenge here, here, and here.

Sunday 24 Dec 2006: REST DAY

REST DAY

Saturday 23 Dec 2006: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run twenty minutes for distance.

Intermediate:
Run-walk twenty minutes for distance.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 22 Dec 2006: STRENGTH CIRCUITS

The Little Bit of Everything...
STRENGTH CIRCUIT

Complete as many rounds as possible in twenty minutes.
  • A set of Pull-ups or Chin-ups
    (e.g. Wide, Regular, Narrow, Mixed Grip, Towel, Rope, etc.)
  • A set of Squat Jumps
    (e.g. Box Jumps, Hurdle Jumps, Star Jumps, Power Skipping, etc.)
  • A set of Push-ups
    (e.g. Regular, Wide, Narrow, Hindu, Divebomber, Elevated, Handstand, Dips, etc.)
  • A set of Squats (non-jumping)
    (e.g. Full, Medium, or Short Range of Motion; Sumo; Hindu; etc.)

Keep the reps well below max in each set.

Advanced:

  • Pull-ups
  • Squat Jumps
  • Push-ups
  • Bodyweight Squats

Intermediate:

  • Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Pull-ups
  • Half-Squat Jumps
  • Push-ups
  • Bodyweight Squats

Basic:

  • Body Rows
  • Walking Lunges
  • Knee Push-ups
  • Half-Squats

Post results to Comments.

Thursday 21 Dec 2006: 30/90 SPRINTS

The signature sprint workout...

30/90 SPRINTS
Advanced:
  • Run 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 30 seconds
    Recover 90 seconds
  • Run 5 minutes

Intermediate:

  • Run-walk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 20-30 seconds
    Recover 90-100 seconds
  • Run-walk 5 minutes

Basic:

  • Powerwalk 5 minutes
  • Repeat five times:
    Sprint 15-20 seconds
    Recover 100-105 seconds
  • Powerwalk 5 minutes

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 20 Dec 2006: PU OTM

PUSH-UPS ON THE MINUTE

Perform a set of push-ups at the top of every minute for twenty minutes.

Intermediate and Basic trainees should use knee push-ups and/or countertop push-ups as necessary.

Post results to Comments.

Looking for inspiration?

Tuesday 19 Dec 2006: CONDITIONING INTERVALS

CONDITIONING INTERVALS

Today's workout uses 30/30 intervals (30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat for time allotted).

Advanced:

Intermediate:

Basic:

Post results to Comments.

Monday 18 Dec 2006: SPARTAN RUN

SPARTAN RUN

Complete five rounds in twenty minutes.

(Each round should take four minutes. There is no rest between exercises. Transition quickly but smoothly between exercises. Go to your knees if necessary on the push-ups.)

Advanced:
  • Pull-ups - 30 seconds
  • Sit-ups - 30 seconds
  • Push-ups - 30 seconds
  • Run - 2:30 minutes

Intermediate:

  • Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Pull-ups - 30 seconds
  • Sit-ups or Crunches - 30 seconds
  • Push-ups - 30 seconds
  • Run-walk - 2:30 minutes

Basic:

  • Body Rows - 30 seconds
  • Crunches - 30 seconds
  • Knee Push-ups - 30 seconds
  • Powerwalk - 2:30 minutes

Post results to Comments.

Saturday 16 Dec 2006: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 15 Dec 2006: JJ - PU CHALLENGE

JUMPING JACK + PUSH-UP 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 Dec 2006: OH SQ + SPRINT

OVERHEAD SQUAT + SPRINT
Complete as many rounds as possible in twenty minutes. Keep moving between rounds, i.e. walk or jog while catching your breath.

Advanced:
  • 15 Overhead Squats w/ PVC Pipe, Broomhandle, or Clenched Fists in the Air
  • 30 seconds Sprint
  • Walk or jog back to the start and recover as necessary

Intermediate:

  • 10 Overhead Squats w/ PVC Pipe, Broomhandle, or Clenched Fists in the Air
  • 20 seconds Sprint
  • Walk or jog back to the start and recover as necessary

Basic:

  • 5 Overhead Squats w/ PVC Pipe, Broomhandle, or Clenched Fists in the Air
  • 10 seconds Sprint
  • Walk or jog back to the start and recover as necessary

Post results to Comments.

Wednesday 13 Dec 2006: ALT PULL-PU OTM

ALTERNATE PULL-UPS AND PUSH-UPS
ON THE MINUTE

Perform a set of pull-ups or push-ups at the top of every minute for twenty minutes. Perform pull-ups on the odd numbered minutes (1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19) and push-ups on the even numbered minutes (2,4,6,8,10,12,14,16,18,20). You will perform ten sets of each exercise. The alternating pattern will allow you to do more reps and/or more challenging reps in each set than you could do in superset fashion.

Advanced:
  • Pull-ups or Chin-ups
  • Push-ups, Dips, Handstand PU, or other challenging variation

Intermediate:

  • Partial, Assisted, and/or Jumping Pull-ups
  • Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)

Basic:

  • Bodyrows
  • Knee Push-ups

Post results to Comments.

Tuesday 12 Dec 2006: B-CIRCUITS

Today's agony brought to you by Bryce Lane, a major inspiration for this site and creator of the infamous...

B-CIRCUITS

Complete as many circuits as possible in twenty minutes.

If you are not accustomed to plyometric training or are obese, perform the Basic WOD.

Advanced:
  • 12 Short Range Squat Jumps
    (Half-Squat Jumps: Squat until your elbows touch your knees and thighs are parallel to ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 12 Full Range Squat Jumps
    (Deep Squat Jumps: Squat deep until your hands touch the ground and then jump for height or distance)
  • 20 High Tension Bodyweight Squats
    (Squat while maintaining conscious tension of the leg mucles)

Intermediate:

  • 6 Short Range Squat Jumps
  • 6 Full Range Squat Jumps
  • 10 High Tension Bodyweight Squats

Basic:

  • 5 Half-Squat Jumps
  • 10 Lunges (Each leg)
  • 10 Calf Raise and Flex

Are you tempted to cheat on the jump as your legs become tired? Try Traveling B-Circuits by jumping for distance instead of height. Try to cover the same total distance on each circuit as the workout progresses to ensure that you are pushing yourself adequately.

Post results to Comments.

B-Circuits are covered in Bryce's excellent booklet Fitness Secrets of the Road Ninja. I also highly recommend The Booklet of Bodyweight Power and A Mighty River of Steel.

Monday 11 Dec 2006: 30/30 CALS CIRCUIT

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 9 Dec 2006: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

Post results to Comments.

Friday 8 Dec 2006: 90/30 CALS

90/30 CALISTHENICS:
PUSH-UP, LEG LEVER, TUCK JUMP

Similar in design to last Friday's workout, 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

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Thursday 7 Dec 2006: CRAWL...SPRINT #1

CRAWL...SPRINT #1

30/30 = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat for specified repetitions
15/45 = 15 seconds work, 45 seconds rest, repeat for specified repetitions

Same workout for everybody today.

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Wednesday 6 Dec 2006: DIPS + CHINS

The tried and true bodybuilder...

DIPS + CHIN-UPS

Perform supersets (back to back sets with little or no rest in between) of dips and chin-ups for twenty minutes. Rest as necessary between supersets.

Substitutions for Bar Dips:
  • Dip with hands on the backs of two chairs or on railings or at the corner of a countertop
  • Chair Dips (feet elevated or feet on the floor)
  • Push-ups (go to your knees if necessary)

Substitutions for Chin-ups:

  • Partial, Assisted, or Jumping Chin-ups
  • Body Rows

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Tuesday 5 Dec 2006: CONDITIONING INTERVALS

CONDITIONING INTERVALS

30/30 intervals = 30 seconds work, 30 seconds rest, repeat for allotted sets

Advanced:
  • 10 x 30/30 Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope
  • 10 x 30/30 Burpees

Intermediate:

Basic:

  • 10 x 30/30 Jumping Jacks or Jump Rope
  • 10 x 30/30 Squat Thrusts or Half Squats

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Monday 4 Dec 2006: PFT

It's the first Monday of the month. Time for another...

PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST

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

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Saturday 2 Dec 2006: RUN FOR DISTANCE

RUN FOR DISTANCE

Advanced:
Run for twenty minutes.

Intermediate:
Run-walk for twenty minutes.

Basic:
Powerwalk hill repeats for twenty minutes.

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