Let’s face it. If you want to get lean, or get “in shape”, you need to do cardio.
The problem? Number one–it’s boring.
Number two–It can hammer the joints. Running one mile is equal to 1500 plyometric reps… or hopping 750 times on each leg. Would you ever prescribe that to someone who wanted to lose weight and reduce fat?
Number three–Well, we live here in the desert and going for a run isn’t always fun–in the summer the 100+ degree heat is definitely a deterrent.
The good news? You can get a great metabolic workout, without pounding, without being bored, and maybe within six square feet…
You’re surrounded by nothing. Stuck in a house or hotel, miles from the closest gym. Perhaps visiting the in-laws, or on a business trip (trust me, I’ve been there), but you still want to do a fat burning workout. You can’t even go for a walk because it’s a) raining, b) snowing, c) there are no sidewalks. So what can you do? The only “equipment” you have is your own body, but all they taught you in gym class was how to do crunches, pushups, and flexed arm hangs. And you aren’t doing that from the doorframe here in the Hotel 6.
I’ve spent my entire adult life researching wild workouts, exotic exercises, and body movement. My bodyweight exercise obsession started when I was in the Marine Corps and we were stuck out in the desert for months on end with no gym (and no exercise equipment) for miles and miles.
Fast forward thirteen years later and I continue to hunt for more bodyweight workouts. You don’t need to be outside to do this bodyweight cardio fat burning workout, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to be out in the sunshine, getting a glorious sweat on while undertaking this intense exercise routine.
A minute of bodyweight exercises doesn’t sound like much, but when you get down to the brass tacks, it is a challenge. I’d love to know what you think of this workout and other ones like it. I have dozens of interval-type workouts that don’t require you to sit on a stationary bike or use a treadmill. And you absolutely have no need to suffer the ‘dishonor’ of slow, boring cardio ever again.
Thanks to bodyweight exercises (plus kettlebells, dumbbells, TRX exercises, etc., if you have access), there are a wide range of fun workouts that can help you burn fat and tone your body, without the need for expensive memberships to overcrowded gyms.
That said, it’s time to work out. Visuals always help, so take a quick minute to view these exercises on our website and you’ll be ready to go anywhere at any time (nextlevelfitness.org).
1 minute each exercise:
Ex 1. Rear Foot Elevated Split Squat (1 minute each leg)
Ex 2. Alt. Push-Up Touches
Ex 3. Single Leg Hip Raise with Single Leg Sit-Up (1 minute each leg)
Ex 4. Superman Pulls
After completing this circuit, rest for 1 minute. Do 3 rounds total..
Get sweaty…reduce fat…build muscle…and enjoy!
Casey Washack is certified in diet and nutrition, strength and condition training, water aerobics and kick boxing. He has trained a broad array of clients from US Marines, to PGA golfers, to those with physical limitations and medical conditions. Casey is co-owner of Next Level Fitness and co-creator of the highly successful FitIn42 Program. He can be reached at 760.341.8200.
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