Rock 'n' Reps Pyramid Workout

Are you ready to Rock 'n' Rep? Welcome to the latest edition of Workout Wednesday! This week I have a quick workout for you to try after your next easy run. It's the Rock 'n' Reps Pyramid workout. The rock part is an isometric hold. This means you hold the position for the time indicated. You can you use a timer or just count one-mississippi, two-mississippi, etc. Then perform the assigned amounts of reps for each exercise. 

SQUAT PYRAMID

5 second isometric squat hold, 5 reps
10 second isometric squat hold, 10 reps
15 second isometric squat hold, 15 reps
10 second isometric squat hold, 10 reps
5 second isometric squat hold, 5 reps

PLANK AND PUSH-UP PYRAMID

5 second isometric plank, 5 push-ups
10 seconds isometric plank, 10 push-ups
15 second isometric plank, 15 push-ups
10 seconds isometric plank, 10 push-ups
5 seconds isometric plank, 5 push-ups

BRIDGE PYRAMID

5 second isometric bridge hold, 5 reps
10 second isometric bridge hold, 10 reps
15 second isometric bridge hold, 15 reps
10 second isometric bridge hold, 10 reps
5 second isometric bridge hold, 5 reps

This is also a fun one to try if you have a partner. One partner would perform the reps while the other partner holds and then switch roles before you work up and down the pyramid time/reps.

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Beginner Kettlebell Circuit Workout for Runners

Welcome to the latest edition of Workout Wednesday! This week we are talking kettlebells! One of the reasons that I love kettlebells is that they are great for incorporating a cardio and strength workout in one. The kettlebell swing is a great exercise to get your heart pumping, and for that reason the swing is the cornerstone move in this kettlebell circuit workout for runners. 

I call it a beginner kettlebell workout because it is great for someone who is new to kettlebells to get a feel for the tool without too many complicated moves. There is nothing overly technical here (see notes below to ensure you are performing the swing correctly) and most of these exercises can be done with just a dumbbell too. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link in this post and make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sales with no additional cost to you. No one is getting rich here, it just helps with the running (pun intended) of this blog. 

I am using a 20lb kettlebell. Choose a weight according to your own fitness level.
I like the GymBoss timer to time my intervals, but you could also just use your phone as a timer.

THE KETTLEBELL CIRCUIT FOR RUNNERS

Start this circuit with 30 seconds of kettlebell swings, then do 30 seconds of each move with kettlebell swings between each strength move. 

Kettlebell swings 30 seconds
Squat & Press 30 seconds
Kettlebell swings 30 seconds
Lateral lunge right 30 seconds
Lateral lunge left 30 seconds
Kettlebell swings 30 seconds
Single leg deadlift right 30 seconds
Single leg deadlift left 30 seconds
Kettlebell swings 30 seconds
Plank row right 30 seconds
Plank row left 30 seconds
Rest 30 seconds

Perform circuit 3 times. 

Coaches Tips:

THE KETTLEBELL SWING

Start with your legs hip width apart with your knees slightly bent and the kettlebell between your legs, above your knees. Push your hips back behind your center of gravity. With your arms locked straight use your hips to thrust the kettlebell forward. Keep your core tight, your back straight and chest up. Do not lean back or extend your back at the top of the swing. The most important thing to remember is that this is hip hinge move, not a squat, there should never be more than a slight bend at the knees. 

SQUAT AND PRESS

With your feet a little wider than hip width apart, toes pointing forward, push your hips back and lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground (or as low as your flexibility allows) while shifting your weight onto your heels. Touch your elbows to your knees and press the kettlebell ball over your head into a shoulder press. 

LATERAL LUNGE (EACH SIDE)

Runners only move in one plane of motion, forward (& back). It is important for runners to build hip strength and stability by incorporating lateral moves into their workouts to run stronger and help avoid injuries. 

With both toes pointing forward, push your hips back and take a large step to your right and bend your right knee into a side lunge position and straighten your left leg. Lower your hips as low as your flexibility will allow. Push back to starting position. Repeat on other side. 

SINGLE LEG DEADLIFT (EACH SIDE)

When you run you are balancing on one leg at time repeatedly for the duration of your run. If you perform exercises unilaterally (one side at a time) it will help reduce muscle imbalances, improve core strength & stability and increase runner-specific strength. The single leg deadlift is an ideal exercise for runners.

Standing on one leg, keep your knee slightly bent and perform a deadlift by bending at your hip while keeping your back straight and neck neutral. Extend your free leg behind you in line with your body. Lower until your back is parallel to the floor. With your back straight return to the upright position. Repeat on other side. 

PLANK ROWS

Start in a high straight arm plank position with your wrists directly under your shoulders and your legs wider than hip width for stability. Keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to ankles while engaging your core. Do not allow your hips to hike up or sag down.

With your core tight and your glutes engaged lift your right elbow to row as you bend your elbow up toward the ceiling. Keep your elbows close to your sides as you raise the kettlebell. Repeat on other side. 

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

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TREADMILL TABATA WORKOUT

Welcome to the latest edition of Workout Wednesday! You may have noticed I am a little obsessed with the Tabata protocol. Tabata is 20 seconds of work, followed by 10 seconds of rest for 8 rounds totaling four minutes. I use them a lot on my Workout Wednesday posts, I use them at my bootcamps (great for group fitness!) and even in my own workouts. 

I must point out that a true Tabata is a near 100% effort for 20 seconds/followed by complete rest for 10 seconds. This is not exactly what we are doing here, so it is more of a play on the Tabata protocol, than an exact Tabata workout. 

If four minutes doesn't seem like enough of a workout for you, try doing burpees (or other intense exercise) during the 20 second work periods and see how you feel after four minutes. Hah. Otherwise, I stack them with a one minute rest period between each four minute Tabata.

This is a treadmill workout using my version of Tabata protocol. You can download a free Tabata timer app for your phone to easily track the intervals or use a (---> affiliate link) GymBoss timer like I do.

I don't like to assign speeds (mph) or paces to workouts published on this blog because everyone is so different. A 6.0 mph speed (10 minute mile pace) on the treadmill may feel like a leisurely jog to one person and be an all-out sprint to another. Always work at your own level. Please don't try to hit some arbitrary pace because a workout on Pinterest told you to. 

This is why I prefer the RPE chart. The RPE chart levels the playing field. Rate of Perceived Exertion allows you to work at the level that is appropriate for your fitness levels based on how you feel and your breathing rate. 

TREADMILL TABATA WORKOUT

MINUTES 1-4

Start by warming up for four steady minutes (no Tabata) at a 2-3 on the RPE chart. This is to get your blood circulating and prepare your body for a more intense workout. 

MINUTES 4-8

We will start to increase the intensity in this four minute Tabata. Choose a speed that will put you at a RPE 4-6. This may be a jog. You should be able to carry on a conversation at this pace. Cycle through the 20 seconds work/10 seconds rest protocol for four minutes. 

*During the rest intervals you can choose to lower the speed on the treadmill to a walking pace but with only 10 seconds to rest it doesn't give you much time for the belt to slow down before you need to speed back up into the work phase. Some people may choose to simply jump to the sides of the treadmill during the 10 second rest phase and let the belt roll. This could be dangerous, we don't want to fall off the back of the treadmill when we hop back on. Try at your own risk. I personally always choose to go with staying on the slowing belt during the rest. Safety first. 

MINUTES 8-9

Active rest at RPE 2-3 for one minute before starting your next cycle. This is usually a walk or very slow jog.

MINUTES 9-13

This cycle we are going to up the intensity a little more to a RPE 7-8 from the above chart. You should be working hard during the 20 second work intervals. 

MINUTES 13-14

Active rest at RPE 2-3 for one minute before starting your next cycle. 

MINUTES 14-18

This is your last high intensity cycle. Work at a RPE 7-8 again during the 20 second work intervals and RPE 2-3 during the 10 second rests. This is your last Tabata. Make it count. 

MINUTES 18-20

Cool down for at least two minutes by walking.

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GET YOUR BUTT OUT OF PARK WITH THIS PARK BENCH WORKOUT

Welcome to the latest edition of Workout Wednesday! Spring is in the air and it's a great time to get outdoors, get some fresh air and get in a workout. You don't need a stuffy gym membership to get in shape, all you need is your own bodyweight and a park bench for this challenging full body workout! Get your butt out of park with this park bench workout.

Are you a runner? This is a fantastic strength workout to do on the trails. Go through the circuit once every mile for 3 miles or add a quick running component of 1/4 mile run between circuits. 

I recruited my trusty blog photographer (aka hubs) and my favorite four-legged running partner (aka Ollie) to find a park bench in Fort Worth to do my workout. 

Welcome to Fort Worth!

PARK BENCH WORKOUT

This is a circuit-style workout. Do 12 reps of each exercise, move through the circuit with little or no rest between exercises. Once you complete the 6 exercises, rest for one minute and repeat 2 more times. Always warm up before beginning an intense exercise session. 

Park Bench Workout - save to your favorite Pinterest board

STEP UP (EACH LEG)

Stand facing the bench. Starting with your right leg step up on the bench pressing your weight into your heel. Lift your left leg off the ground and drive your knee up towards your chest. Step your left leg back to the ground, followed by your right leg. Repeat on other leg. Do 12 reps on each leg. 

INCLINE PUSH UP

Start in a straight arm high plank position with your hands on the bench. Keep your body in a straight line from your shoulders to your toes, do not allow your hips to raise in the air or sag down. While engaging your core muscles, bend your elbows to lower your chest to the bench. 

If this is too challenging, try it by starting on the back of the bench.

TRICEP DIP

Position your hands shoulder width apart behind you on the bench. Slide your butt off the front of the bench with your legs extended out in front of you. Bend your elbows to lower your body toward the ground until your elbows are at about a 90-degree angle while keeping your back close to the bench. From the low position, straighten your elbows to return to the starting position. Keep your shoulders down as you lower and raise your body. If this is too challenging you can bend your legs to modify the exercise.

SQUAT JUMP

I also call this one "hot bench." Starting with your feet hip width apart push your hips back and lower your body until your butt hits the bench. As soon as you touch the bench jump up as if the bench was hot. Land in a soft position with your knees slightly bent and repeat 12 times. This will get your heart rate up!

"hot bench"

Jump

LATERAL STEP 

We runners need to make sure we are building strength in all planes of motion. When we run, we just move forward, so building strength laterally improves our hip stability and helps reduce the chance of injury. 

Stand sideways to the bench. Starting with your right leg and take a wide step up on the bench, ensuring there will be enough room on the bench for both feet. Driving your right heel into the bench lift your left leg off the ground and onto the bench. Step back down one leg at a time. Repeat 12 times and face the other direction to lead with the left leg for 12 more reps. 

Ollie photo bomb.

SPLIT LEG LUNGE

Single leg exercises are important for runners. When we run, we essentially are balancing on one leg at time repeatedly over the miles. Building unilateral (single side) strength helps our running strength and performance.

Start by facing away from the bench. Prop your right leg up on the bench behind you. Position your body so that when your left leg lowers into a lunge position that your knee is over your ankle and your left thigh is parallel to the ground. Perform 12 reps and repeat on opposite leg. 

If you want to add an additional cardio component to your workout, add a quarter mile (or 2.5 minute) run in between circuits, Ollie loves to run!

Things started to get silly. 

Go find a park bench and give this workout a try! 

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Coach Lea

20 MINUTE STRENGTH & CARDIO TABATA-STYLE WORKOUT

Welcome to the latest edition of Workout Wednesday! This week we are doing a 20 minute Tabata-style strength and cardio workout! I love the Tabata protocol, which is 20 seconds work, 10 seconds rest for four minutes, because you can always knock out a high intensity 4 minute workout for when you're busy or you combine several Tabatas together for a longer workout. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link in the post and make a purchase, I make a small percentage of the sale with no additional cost to you. No one is getting rich, it just helps with the cost associated with running (pun intended) of this blog. 

This week we are combining a strength move and a cardio move for each four minute circuit. 

20 seconds strength move
10 seconds rest
20 seconds cardio move
10 seconds rest

Repeat for four minutes. Then rest for one minute before moving to the next circuit.

You can download a free Tabata timer app on your phone. I use a GymBoss timer because you manipulate the intervals and rest periods. 

Always spend 5-15 minutes warming up before an intense exercise session. Remember you get out of it what you get into it. Work hard and move quickly, while maintaining proper form, for the best results. Your heart should be pumping! 

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Coach Lea