I love the gym. But sometimes it’s just too nice outside to be indoors. Other times, I have space to fill between my clients. Then there are the occasions when I like to tack on a little mixed body training after a run. Whatever the reason, resistance training does not have to be confined to a gym. You can get a good sweat and have fun outside, without any equipment. Check out my bench workout and give it a try for a high rep, endurance boosting circuit. Repeat for at least 3 sets or as many as you can do for 30 minutes.
Push-ups
10-15 reps
Place your hands a little wider than shoulder distance on the seat of the bench. Get your body into a plank position. Lower yourself towards the bench and press back up to the start position. This is perfect for a beginner as the bench modification makes a regular push-up easier to do. If you are advanced, why don’t you go ahead and do 20-25 reps.
Step Ups
20 reps total or 60 seconds
Place your right foot on the bench. Step up and place your left foot on the bench. Step down with your right foot, leaving your left on the seat. Repeat this process with the left and keep going. I like to add a little hop as I switch feet, which is a great idea if you are a runner, as it mimics the movement pattern of running and will enhance your training.
Dips
10-20 reps
Sit on the bench with your hands holding on to the end with your fingers pointed forward. Lift your butt and shift your body a few inches away from the bench. Keeping your elbows tracking straight back, lower your body toward the ground. Pause when you make a 90 degree angle with your elbows. Push back up to the first position. Beginners can bend their knees to make it easier.
Plyo Jumps (See picture at the top of this post)
10-20 reps
Box jumps, or in this case, bench jumps, help develop explosive power. But they are challenging and should not be anyone’s starter exercise. If you’ve never done anything like this, start with just a basic squat jump or even just squats. Otherwise, if you have a bit of experience with these, start in a quarter squat position, facing the bench. Using your hips and arms, push your feet off the ground to propel yourself onto the bench. Your goal is to land as quietly as possible. Step down and repeat.
Take a look at the entire sequence inthis seven second video by clicking this link: Blitz Your Body Bench Workout or check me out on Vine (AmyBlitz1), where I have posted this workout and more.