Thursday, February 5, 2009

TV Challenge!


“I just don’t have enough time to work out.” First off, I don’t like the term “work out,” but that’s another topic for another blog. Second, claiming they don’t have time to train is usually a perception of a lack of time, not a reality. Now don’t get me wrong, I know some people who start their day at 6 am and don’t finish working until 8 or so in the evening. But you know what: even they find time to train consistently.

The same people who claim they “don’t have enough time” still manage to get in a couple of hours (or more) of TV per day. You see, we make time for the things that are important to us. You best believe that these same people who claim they don’t have time to train would make time for something more enjoyable such as a massage, a date, or some other activity.

With that said, I offer to you what I call the “TV Challenge.” What I want you to do is perform some bodyweight exercises during commercial breaks while you’re watching your favorite shows. I sincerely hope this won’t be your only training you engage in, but it’s better than nothing.

By adding this exercise to your normal activities, you’ll increase your work capacity and burn more fat.

Want to know some things you can do?

Bodyweight Squats and Pushups:
Alternate sets of squats and pushups. Perform 20 body weight squats and then perform 15 pushups. Then do 15 squats and 10 pushups, and then 10 squats and 5 pushups. Go through these with no (or minimal) rest.

Squat Thrusts and Jumping Jacks:
Alternate sets of squat thrusts and jumping jacks. Start out doing 15 of each, and try to do at least 3 rounds. Once again, alternate back and forth with no (or minimal) rest.

Burpees:
These are a squat thrust with an added jump at the end. Stand with your arms by your side, squat down and place your hands outside your feet on the ground. Kick your feet back so you’re in the top of a pushup position. Jump your feet back up to your hands and then explode straight up in the air. Land and repeat. Do as many of these during the commercial break as you can; taking rest when needed. Be warned: these are tough! For those of you who want to make it a little harder, add in a pushup once you get in the pushup position.

Let’s say you watch TV for an hour. There will probably be at least 4 commercial breaks. During those 4 commercial breaks, do the circuits mentioned above. You can stick with one, or mix them up. Feel free to get creative and do some of your own!

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