the anywhere workout...
First of all--let me say that I saw this video on facebook.com. I like the video but I have two major complaints (you might call them) with the video.
Complaint number one is the language. I think it would have been totally professional and better received without the language and though I appreciate the BLEEPs over the foul language, I wish they would have left them out. I suppose that means I only fit half of the marketer's target audience. :)
Complaint number two is that the video addresses beginners but gives an intermediate workout. No I am NOT a trainer, a doctor/physician, or any other licensed professional--so please, read this blog for what it is--an opinion of someone who likes and is involved in some areas of fitness and heath! This blog is NOT meant to be life or medical advise. It is just an opinion posted online for whomever to read stating what I think of a video someone else posted on facebook. If you need professional advice, feel free to ask a doctor, physician or other medical personnel, or a personal trainer.....which again, I am NOT.....
....back to the point....
Why do I say this is an intermediate workout? In all the exercise classes (yoga, pilates, step, pump, boot camp, etc) I have attended over the years, beginners can seldom do a full on plank as shown in this video. I could not do it when I started out and even now, my wrists occasionally are too weak to maintain a full plank for too long. The video gives you modifications to the workout like the plank-tap but that is to make it more difficult which is good....but again, the video begins by addressing beginners and making something that is already hard even more difficult is not a way to get someone to stay with it in most cases. (There are those who like a challenge and this would work perfect for those people.)
Planks are also hard on the wrists....if you have weak wrists then the full plank will be difficult and plank-taps even more so again. SO....IF you need an easier modification for this particular part of the exercise, go down on your elbows instead of your wrists... do a plank from there. IF this is still too hard and you need a more basic level at which to begin then start the plank on your knees instead of your toes. It all still works the core and you can build up from there. This is a modification most instructors give you in a pilates/yoga class at most gyms.
The Reverse lunge....well if this is too hard, start with a regular lunge and work your way up. The spider lunge--I am not flexible enough to do this as shown in the video...the girl here in the video is fit, trim, flexible and obviously NOT a beginner. She is the perfect model to show form and to demonstrate what the workout is suppose to look like. However, in my opinion if most people compare (and we do) themselves to her and how she does it, then we will be disappointed and get discouraged. Be careful, keep your balance and take it slow. Work your way up and be patient. The jumping lunge...hard on the knees and I would twist an ankle or a knee trying to do this. Know your limits.
Exercise is meant to get you fit; to make you a healthy person. Healthy means uninjured. know your body, know your limits. Work hard and move up slowly in levels of fitness. We all have to start somewhere and we usually start at different points (depending on the exercise)... Go find your self...the workout you love (or love to hate) and find a better more healthier you! :)
PLEASE NOTE: I am a photographer with a love for fitness. Yes I find it hard to get to the gym on a regular basis. NO, I am NOT a licensed trainer, therapist or medical doctor. This blog is my opinion and experience--NOT medical advise or training. Please DO check with a trainer and/or medical doctor for any professional advise on the matter.
