Karen Nicholas Training

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Hate Working Out? Try This Alphabet Workout

A former client of mine posted a picture on my Facebook page last week featuring another trainer’s alphabet workout. She commented that it was just like something I would make my clients do! Little did she know, I’m a huge fan of alphabet workouts.  If you are constantly watching the clock while working out, then this one is for you. Time flies by while you are doing it.

You can use any word for an alphabet workout – and still get a great workout! This week my clients had to pick a card that featured a word highlighting spring – unpredictable, invigorating, blossoming or magnificent. They found the letters on the corresponding poster board and completed the listed exercises and repetitions. Another go-to word/phrase that I use for alphabet workouts is my first, middle and last name.

See my image below for a picture of today’s workout as well as links to the various moves listed below. You are welcome to use my suggested spring words or pick something else. After you finish your workout, if there are moves that you haven’t done at least three times, then add them on to the end of the workout.

Knee and hip-friendly suggestions are listed throughout the workout. Do what is best for your body!

Alphabet Workout:

A 25 Knee Strikes

B 15 Lunges (per leg); Knee-friendly option – Seated Leg Raises

C 30 Elevated Bridges (Option - keep feet flat on the ground; not elevated.)

D 10 Side Plank Dips (per side); Option – hold Plank for 20 seconds.

E 15 Push-ups

F 15 Bird Dogs

G 20 “T” Arm Flips (Use 3 lb weights or water bottles for a little more challenge) Elevate your arms out to your side, so they are in line with the tops of your shoulders and you form a "T" with your body. Keep the arms out to the side but flip your palms toward the ceiling and then toward the ground. 

H 20 Side Lying Leg Lifts (per leg)

I 15 Lunges (per leg); Knee-friendly option – Seated Leg Raises

J 25 Knee Strikes

K 30 Elevated Bridges (Option - keep feet flat on the ground; not elevated.)

L 10 Side Plank Dips (per side); Option – hold plank for 20 seconds.

M 15 Push-ups

N 15 Bird Dogs

O 30 Elevated Bridges (Option - keep feet flat on the ground; not elevated.)

P 20 “T” Arm Flips (Use 3 lb weights or water bottles for a little more challenge.) Elevate your arms out to your side, so they are in line with the tops of your shoulders and you form a "T" with your body. Keep the arms out to the side but flip your palms toward the ceiling and then toward the ground. 

Q 30 Elevated Bridges (Option - keep feet flat on the ground; not elevated.)

R 15 Lunges (Per Leg); Knee-friendly option – Seated Leg Raises

S 25 Knee Strikes

T 20 Side Lying Leg Lifts

U 10 Side Plank Dips (per side); Option – Hold plank for 20 seconds

V 15 Push-ups

W 15 Bird Dogs

X 25 Knee Strikes

Y 20 “T” Arm Flips (Use 3 lb weights or water bottles for a little more challenge.) Elevate your arms out to your side, so they are in line with the tops of your shoulders and you form a "T" with your body. Keep the arms out to the side but flip your palms toward the ceiling and then toward the ground. 

Z 20 Side Lying Leg Lifts (per leg)