The zigzag run is an agility drill. This exercise can be used as a dynamic warm-up or for conditioning purposes. The zigzag run develops hip flexibility, body balance, and increase body awareness. Keep the rest periods brief to burn maximum calories per session.
The seated abdominal bracing exercise can be done anywhere you can sit down. It is a very simple isometric exercise to strengthen your abs. When performing the seated abdominal bracing be sure that you are sitting up straight. This is a good exercise for beginners and people who don’t have a lot of time to exercise, the seated abdominal bracing can be done on the ride home from the gym.
The seated back stretch is essential for every office worker. All you need is a chair so there is no reason not to perform it. The seated back stretch will help relieve tension in your low back and help you feel better. While this is a gentle stretch it is still best to warm up before stretching.
The side bend stretches the spinal lateral flexors, obliques and ipsilateral trunk extensors. The side bend can be performed at work or at the end of a workout. Stretch both sides of the body for maximum benefit. Reach the arm overhead to increase the effectiveness of the side bend.
The side rock performed while seated stretches the torso. The side rock requires core, trunk, and hip activation. Positioning the hands above the head stretch the lats.
The standing long jump develops powerful legs and glutes. This exercise can be used to condition the entire body. Combine the standing long jump with back squats to develop explosive strength in the lower body. When repeated for many reps, the standing long jump develops full-body fitness.
The straight leg sit up is a challenging exercise that develops strength in the abdominals and hip flexors. Straight leg sit ups should not be performed by anyone with low back problems. This is a very challenging exercise that is much harder than bent knee sit ups.
Straight-leg sling sit-ups develop power in the core and upper-body. Straight-leg sling sit-ups require more hip flexor strength than the Bent-knee sling sit-ups. Perform this exercise only if you have no back injuries or pain. This is a good exercise for anyone looking to take their ab training to the next level.
The trampoline clock drill increases coordination, balance, and body awareness. The trampoline requires additional ankle, knee, and hip stabilization. This exercise can also be used for conditioning the cardiovascular system. If a trampoline is unavailable perform this exercise on the floor.
The tuck jump is a plyometric exercise that increases power in the hips, legs, and trunk. The ballistic nature of this exercise requires a strong base level of strength in the legs. It’s recommended that beginners do not perform this exercise.
The twisting side bend stretches the inner thighs, torso, and lat muscles. This is a good stretch to perform following a lower body workout or between sets. Increase the stretch by reaching your arm overhead.
The vertical jump with counter movement increases power and explosiveness in the hips, legs, shoulders, and arms. With repeated jumps the body’s cardio-respiratory system is challenged making this an excellent conditioning exercise.
Walking lunges with rotation strengthens the legs, hips and torso. The rotation activates the obliques and challenges your balance. A medicine ball may be used to add resistance to the body and further activate the core muscles.
Push ups with the feet elevated increase the resistance on the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Elevating the feet emphasizes the upper chest. If the hands are elevated, more emphasis is placed on the lower chest.
The wide stance barbell half squat develops power and strength in the legs. The reduced (partial) range of motion allows for greater loads to be used in training. Therefore, additional fast-twitch muscle fibers are recruited. Fast-twitch muscle fibers increase in size (hypertrophy) and add mass to the legs.
The alternating lying row is a good alternative to the bent-over row because it places very little stress on the low back. While you will not be able to use as much weight you will be able to effectively target the shoulders and upper back. This exercise required dumbbells and a bench making it a good exercise for anyone with limited access to equipment. The alternating lying row can also be performed on a swiss ball to engage the core muscles.
The back drape is a good post-workout exercise to help cool you down. The bolster or rolled up towel provides support for your back to help you relax into the stretch. The purpose of the exercise is to stretch the mid back and chest and lower your body temperature. Lay back, relax and breath deeply.
The back pat is an active stretch for the shoulder girdle. Anyone who performs office work or has tight chest muscles would benefit from the back pat. No equipment is required so you could perform the back pat between sets of bench presses or between writing emails. After performing this exercise regularly you may feel your posture and shoulder mobility improve.
