Following on from my post a few weeks ago about the benefits of training outside, I’ve had a few emails from readers asking what kind of exercises I do at the park, when all you have is the grass and the odd wooden bench here and there!
Before I share them with you I just want to point out that I am in no way a personal trainer and these are just the exercises that work for me. Everyone is different, therefore some of these exercises may not be right for you.
Rob and I went to Wales last week, which was the perfect setting for me to film a few exercise videos – I felt like a country bumpkin version of Davina McCall… with better exercises. Sorry Davina!
I try and mix my workouts in a high intensity interval training way, mixing plyometric exercises with strength conditioning. For those that might not be familiar with the word ‘plyometrics’, these are exercises based around having muscles exert maximum force in as short a time as possible, with the goal of increasing both speed and power.
Oh and I know it goes without saying, but please always warm up before a workout and stretch at the end!
Jumping Lunges
Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, Calves, Glutes & Quads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJA7BV9ZGAo
Burpees
Muscles Worked: ALL OVER!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tjgab7Wfs2Y
Tricep Dips
Muscles Worked: Triceps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_ycul9QFqA
SBC Leg Kicks (I learnt these from the Skinny Bitch Collective, so it’s only right that I name it that.)
Muscles Worked: Triceps, Abs, Glutes, Shoulders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm334nc_6Xs
Press Up to Side Plank
Main Muscle Worked: Chest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYjgslEPNLg
Plank to Press Up Position
Muscles Worked: Triceps and Abs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrQ5TPmUWhk
Incline Push Up (use a park bench)
Muscles Worked: Chest, Shoulders and Triceps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tXHcXIOBtk
Russian Twists
Muscles Worked: Abs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rKwA-XHKpE
Crunch Claps
Muscle Worked: Abs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyOjpK6RzF8
Hip Raises with Leg Lifted (Also do hip raise holds with both feet on the ground)
Muscle Worked: Glutes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZKUl2KWOaw
Plank with leg raises
Muscle Worked: Abs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl3TyZFK-gA
Mountain Climbers
Muscles Worked: Abs and Quads
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l7Noh8bHuK8
Hopefully you’re able to find a few exercises in there that bring something new to your workout. Let me know how you get on by commenting on this post. 🙂
Here’s a few other snaps of our break. If you’re into trail running or just some amazing views to go with your workout, then I definitely recommend going to Pembrokeshire in Wales. We spent each day going for a run along the coastal path and then stopping on a nice grassy cliff edge to do our exercises – heaven!
Enjoy working out! x