The chiropractor I work for also runs really great exercise and nutrition programs. I get to participate in both of them and, on Wednesdays, I lead an exercise group for some of our patients. I combine the technique and overall structure of our company’s workout routine along with some exercises from my own vault.

The Science:

– This workout is anaerobic, rather than low intensity for a long time it’s high intensity for a short time. This means it’s less about cardio and more about developing muscle. Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise is important but I tend to do much more anaerobic not only because of my time constraints but because of the great results it gives me.

– If you do this short, high intensity work on a regular basis your hormones will gradually start to change and your metabolism will increase.

– The muscle you build will continue to burn fat for up to 36 hours after you end the workout.

– All the exercises use only your bodyweight, no other tools, it’s free and easy to do anywhere in the world at any time! THE WHOLE ROUTINE TAKES 16 MINUTES.

– Because they are bodyweight exercises, they compound many different muscle groups in movements that help improve your every day function.

The Warm Up (2 min, 20 seconds) I will eventually record this and post it:

– Upward dog/cobra (5 seconds) into child’s pose (5 seconds), repeat: For upward dog lay on your stomach with your feet pointed, hands by your shoulders, then try to straighten your arms. For child’s pose, kneel then sit on your heels, let your body fall over your legs and, if you can, put your forehead to the ground. Stretch your arms out on the ground in front of you. For both exercises don’t push to the point of pain, just feel the stretch.

– Quad stretch (10 seconds each side): Stand on one foot and grab the other foot behind your bum. Push your foot against your hand. Switch sides.

– Calf/hamstring stretch (20 seconds): Plant both feet on the ground, hip distance apart, bend at the hips and try to touch the ground or hug your legs. Don’t lock your knees, keep a very slight bend in them.

– Quick twist (20 seconds): Spin at the waist and let your arms fall to either side of your body, then go the other direction.

– Arm circles (20 seconds): Small to big, switch directions after 10 seconds.

– Run in place (20 seconds): Jog to get your heart rate up. Do one leg at a time if it’s too high impact.

– Jumping Jacks (20 seconds): If jumping is too high impact, just step out one leg at a time.

The Workout (12 minutes): set a timer for 20 second intervals (find a timer here). Do the exercise for 20 seconds as fast as you can while keeping the right form, then rest for 20 seconds. Repeat each exercise 3 times.

Remember to breathe. Do it in rhythm with your exercises so you don’t forget. It helps take your mind off the pain too 🙂

1) speed lunges – Get in a lunge position, keep your feet there, and do a controlled bounce for 10 seconds, switch legs.

2) push ups – Keep your back, bum, and legs in one straight line.

3) crunches – Lift your head AND shoulders off the ground. Keep them in a straight line and look up at the ceiling the whole time.

4) side hop – Place a rolled up towel or other obstacle in the middle of the floor and jump over it side to side, do it fast! If it’s too high impact, just step one foot at a time, fast.

5) crab dip – Get on all fours with your belly facing the ceiling  and your hands facing your feet (the crab). Keep your bum as high off the floor as possible. Bend your arms! This works your triceps.

6) speed knees – Run in place, bringing your knees up as high as you can without falling over. If this is too high impact, raise your legs one at a time. Do it fast!

Bonus) plank – Get in a push up position with arms straight and legs, bum, back, and head in a straight line. Hold it for as long as you can.

Cool Down (1 min 40 seconds):

– walk in a big circle to get your heart rate down (40 seconds)

– repeat the first 3 warm up stretches

Did anyone try this? Or try to read it? Is it very confusing? I may try to record our whole workout tonight and post it here next week.