But this image keeps popping up on my facebook page.
And there are 124 days until my pool club opens up for the summer.
Need I say more?
The last time I did my favorite workout Summer Total Body Tabata Challenge it was very clear that I was in no where near the fitness level I was when I wrote this post. So this is for all you out there ready to start from the beginning.
Summer Total Body Tabata Challenge, Modified
First, read through the challenge. If you are up for it, do it as written and check out the videos. But if you need to work your way up (or back up), check out these modifications. They will still get you to where you want to be and wanting more if you do them consistently.
1. High Knees
2. Burpees
3. Jumping Jacks
4. Push-Ups
5. Jump Squats
6. Mountain Climbers
7. Jumping Lunges
8. Plank Jacks
Read more at http://skinnyms.com/summer-total-body-tabata-challenge/#EgPcZU1LE72Yk6yv.99
2. Burpees -- the video gives a modification with the step out rather than the jump. Start there! Still very effective. After a month I last summer I was doing the real thing plus an extra jump in between.
3. Jumping Jacks -- Modify if necessary...hands over heads and step out to the side. This is also great if you need to go low impact. I <3 Jillian Michaels and she is so right when she says 400 lb people can do them, so can you. But we don't have a trainer yelling at us for 5 hours a day. And I can't afford injury. Keep the arms moving to get your cardio up and add a little jump to the step to keep it going. As you build up strength and endurance, the jumping jacks will come too.
4. Push ups -- the video shows "beginner pushups" and those are fine! Set a goal for your 20 seconds. Is it 5? 8? 10? Start there and work up.
5. [Jump] Squats -- I pretty consistently only do squats here to keep it low impact. Still effective.
6. Mountain Climbers - No big modification here other than avoiding a real running motion and bringing one leg at a time. Again, do what you can and you will work your way up.
7. Crunches -- This is my big modification to work on my problem area, my belly. Rather than the jumping lunges I get down on the floor and do 10 crunches.
8. Plank Jacks -- After doing these for over a month last summer, I realized I wasn't even doing them correctly. Modification #1: Push up position and step out with legs. This can turn to a jump with both legs as you build up. Modification #2: Hold a plank on your elbows for the 20 seconds. Build this up until you can do the jack on your elbows. It took a while but I did them last year. One of my proudest moments :).
So here is my plan through March 1. Then I am starting the Couch to 5K to prepare for a 5K at the end of April. Ready, set......
1. High Knees
2. Burpees
3. Jumping Jacks
4. Push-Ups
5. Jump Squats
6. Mountain Climbers
7. Jumping Lunges
8. Plank Jacks
Read more at http://skinnyms.com/summer-total-body-tabata-challenge/#EgPcZU1LE72Yk6yv.99
