No time to workout this week? Try Tabata Training

What is tabata training you ask?  Is it like intervals while similar but it involves exercises and is not just limited to the treadmill or other cardio machines.

Tabata training is performing an exercise for 20 seconds as hard and as fast as you can.  Your heart rate should be very high well doing these exercises.  You than will get a 10 second rest and than repeat the exercise for 20 seconds and rest again for 10 seconds.  This is the pattern you will be doing during your tabata training.  Your workout will only last 4 minutes.  If your not tired by the end of the 4 minutes you need to push yourself even harder.

Below are some sample tabata exercises you can do in your own home.

*Note do not perform these exercises if you have a heart condition or were suggested  your doctor to not get your heart rate above a certain beat per minute while exercising.

Below workouts will be done 20 seconds and than rest 10 seconds before performing the same exercise one more time and than resting and move onto the 2nd exercises on the list.  So every exercise is performed twice before moving on.
Workout #1- recommended for beginners 
1. Jumping Jacks
2. Push-ups
3. Squats
4. Up/down planks

Workout #2- Intermediate to advanced 
1. Split Jumps
2. Donkey Kicks from side to side
3. Split Jumps with a reach to sky and touch the ground
4. Plank Jacks w/push-up

Workout #3- Intermediate to advanced
1. Butt kicks w/jumping jack arms
2. Squat Jumps
3. Burpees
4. Plyo-Jacks- (Jumping jack w/a jump off the ground)

Enjoy the holidays and get a quick 4 minute workout in to burn those calories!!
Check out www.safiretraining.com for more workout ideas.

Rag Workout

I love this workout and hate it at the same time.  It is intense but the rewards are wonderful!  You want to do this for timed intervals.  Repeat 2-3 times pending fitness level.  Try and preform the exercise for 30 consecutive seconds or 45 seconds if your more advanced.  If you have lower back issues be very careful if you attempt this workout.

1. Plank- Knee Pull-Ins

A. Put rags on feet and hands on floor in high plank position (as pictured above).  B. Pull knees into chest and than push straight back out behind you.  C. Keep repeating as many times as you can until your time is up.

2. Plank- Mountain Climbers 

A. Put rags on feet again. (Notice this picture does not show the rags) B. Drive knees towards chest alternating legs.  C. Repeat rapidly and as many times as you can in the allotted time. 

3. Plank- In/out leg exercises

A. In high plank position with rags on feet.  B. Take legs straight out to sides and than back into middle.  C. Repeat this motion for the allotted time.

4.  Plank- Obliques 

A. In high plank position with rags on feet.  B. Draw knees into chest and kick back out. C. Kick out legs diagonally to one side. D. Draw legs back into chest and kick out diagonally to opposite side. E. Repeat as many times as you can in the allotted time.