So lately I have been trying to give my workouts variety. I tend to run run run for 30 min to 1 hour and then stretch for about 20 min and then do a weak ab or arm workout. Pretty pathetic. To try to get out of this routine of mine (that didn't really yield any change in my body) I decided to try to add some "circuit" workouts to my daily workouts. I start by doing cardio for my usual times and then I do one of these workouts for 20-30 minutes.
These are some reasons I like these workouts:
Everything is based on time instead of numbers (i.e. mountain climbers for 1 minute instead of 15 reps)
You have to get the specific workouts done in a certain time limit so you have to push yourself harder
The circuit wouldn't necessarily focus just on abs, arms or legs but on all different things, thus giving a full body workout
You can do these at home, in a gym, outside, and other numerous places. (you don't necessarily need a gym or even a large area to do them!)
I don't do a set workout out every time but I make sure I am timing myself during each individual workout and for the whole workout. These are some things I like to include in usually 30 second-2 minute intervals
-Russian twists (pineapple pickers, side to side twists.. etc)
-Alternating lunge to curl
-Plank
-Side planks
Singe Leg Side Full Extensions (visit here to see what this is :http://youtu.be/E0U5LKSABEk)
Toe touches (lie on back feet in the air, do a crunch touching your toes)
Burpees
Scapular Pushups
Kick-downs
Plank to one arm rows (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXi-OCAMBv8)
Back-ups on yoga ball
Tricep pushups
Squat to one arm overhead press
Single leg squat with arm curl (do a single leg squat and come up, staying on the one leg do 5-10 curls; do for 30-45 seconds and switch legs)
Crazy Ivans (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_KJoVZdkl4)
Wood Chops (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNvG_HinopU&feature=related)
Overhead tricep dips
Jump rope (usually about 2 min)
Pushups on medicine ball (if you can put both hands on the ball, that is the most intense, but if that's too hard just put one hand on the ball and switch back and forth between hands after 5-8 pushups)
Dead Lift (holding weight, standing with feet together, bend down to the ground keeping your back flat and without bending the legs)
Single leg Dead lift
These are just some things I like to incorporate into my workouts. I encourage you to try this sometime, just to see how your body reacts to it. It's always good to give your body variety. If you have an Iphone or Ipod touch, you should download the Nike Training Club app. It's not necessarily designed for beginners but it can be used as a guide for anyone at any fitness level. Happy workout!!

