Happy Friday before Christmas! I think that since Travis and I both took today off work, it is really starting to feel like the official kick-off to Christmas weekend! Something about Christmas being on a Monday this year is making it feel like the festivities should start today and last through the big day!
Anyway, we started our day off with a sweaty Friday workout (as usual) but with a little Christmas spin! At our gym, it’s an annual tradition to participate in the “12 Days of Christmas” workout. While the individual moves change year by year, the workout is always challenging. The truly “magical” part of the workout is that you act it out just like how it goes in the song! (You start with the 1st move, then build from there, repeating the prior moves each time). It just wouldn’t be Christmas without a 12 Days Workout!
So…just for you, I put together a workout that you can do from the anywhere, no gym needed 🙂 Workout from the comfort of your own home, a relative’s home, or at a local park, all of these moves can be done without equipment, except a bench or sturdy chair.
I know a lot of people will be traveling (a record breaking number in fact?) and I know it can be really hard to get a workout in when you aren’t in your usual routine or close to a gym. I am all for soaking in the family time and taking a much desrreved break around the holidays, but I also know that personally, I am happier, more energetic, and make better food choices when I have at least elevated the heart rate and broken a little sweat.
Unless I plan ahead of time, and write out specifit workouts, I’ll usually end up putting it off until it’s too late and everyone else is ready to get on with the day. So, although I participated in our gym’s 12 Days of Christmas Workout this morning, with you all as my witnesses, I am determined to compelete this at-home verison on Christmas Eve. Who else is with me!? Just doing the little teaser today for pictures made it evident that this will be the perfect way to get our day started!
So, at the risk of being totally confusing, here’s how it works. Run 100 M. Come back and do 2 tricep dips, and then head out for another 100 M run. Come back and do 3 box/bench/chair jumps or step-ups, then 2 dips, then 100 M run. Come back for 4 pushups, and go down the list. You might find it starts out as all fun and games until you get down to about 7-8 🙂
Here are some ridiculously silly pictures, thanks to my dogs, my husband, and my awkward self. Hoepfuly they help explain how to do the movements themselves, if you are unsure!
Tricep Dips
Using a bench or chair, start with your legs straight out in front of you and your hands at shoulder width behind you on the bench. Dip down until your triceps are parallel to the ground.
Box/Bench Jumps or Step-Ups
Find a box, bench, or chair that you can jump up onto and stand tall at the top with your hips fully straightened. Alternatively, you can step up, switching legs each time.
Push Ups
Do your standard push up either flat on your toes, or on your knees if need be. I wasn’t able to do either because my dogs think they are more important than fitness!
Burpees
Everyone loves burpees! Start standing tall, then fall into pushup position. Jump jack up ont your feet, clapping your hands above your head!
Plyo Lunges
Also known as alternating jump lunges. You’ll jump up from the lunge position and switch legs mid-air.
Jump Squats
Squat down, past parallel (your butt goes below your knees). Then jump straight into the air, then straight back down into the squat.
Plank Walks
Start in the plank position on your hands, then go down to your elbows, one at a time. Going from hands to elbows one time counts as 1 rep.
V-Ups
Start laying on your back, with your arms stretched behind your head. Bring your legs up as high as they can go and stretch your arms until your hands meet your toes.
Air Squats
Start standing tall, then squat below parallel (your butt below your knees). Stand all the way back up again, until your hips are straight. Repeat!
Sit-Ups
Laying on your back with your knees bent and hands behind your head, sit up until your hands can reach past your toes.
Ice Skaters
I haven’t done these since my boot camp days, but it seemed fitting for a Christmas themed workout! You’ll bring your foot behind the opposite leg as if you are doing a curtsey. Then rapidly switch to the other side.
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