The Art of Running in the Rain

I was reading an article in Shape magazine on staying toned on the road, it seemed like something that I could easily do while camping so Tara and I tried it out.  We really enjoyed the workout and so I thought I’d share it with you.

The first portion of the workout is referred to as the ‘chair routine,’ so you need a bench or chair of some sort.  They recommend jogging in place or jump rope for a minute between exercises to increase the intensity.

1.) Side-Lunge Pulse: 

2.) Push-Up Hydrant

3.) T-Stand Drive

4.) Dip and Crunch

5.) Wall-Sit Shift

6.) Single-Arm Push-Up

7.) Split Squat

8.) Plank Push

1. Side-Lunge Pulse: Stand with inside of left foot extended out on the bench and right foot on the floor beside it.  Be sure to bend your right leg.  Clasp hands in front of your chest and push your hips back.  First rise up trying to get your leg to hip height, pulse up and down twice, and return to starting position. Do 15 reps then switch.

2.) Push-Up Hydrant: In the plank position with hands shoulder width apart raise your right leg to hip height behind you.  Bend your elbows straight back (ignore my form in the picture) as you bring your right knee towards your right elbow.  Push back up to the starting position.  Do 10 reps and then switch sides.

3.) T-Stand Drive: Bending over the bench place your right hand on the bench and extend your right leg to hip height behind you.  Bend your left elbow and hold your left hand in front of your shoulder.  Rise up and lift your right knee to hip height in front of you while rotating your torso right, bring your palms to meet each other in front of your chest.  Return to starting position.  Complete 15 reps; then switch sides.

4.) Dip and Crunch: Place hands on bench (hip distance apart) fingers facing forward, with butt just in front of your hands (but not touching the bench).  Begin with toes pointed up and bend elbows as you lower your butt toward the ground.  Straighten your arms as you lift up and bring your right knee toward you.  Lower down to the starting position; repeat.  Complete 20 reps alternating legs each time.

5.) Wall-Sit Shift: To get into the starting position begin by standing agains a tree, wall or in our case a truck.  Lower your body down into a seated position (knees bent at a 90 degree angle).  Be sure to have both extended above your head.  Kick out with your right leg (do not come out of the seated position) and lower your left arm.  Do 12 reps, then switch sides.

6.) Single-Arm Push-Up: Stand about a foot away from the wall, car, or tree.  Lean forward and place your right hand on the wall (heels slightly lifted).  Bend right elbow, lowering yourself toward the tree.  Push back to starting position.  Complete 12 reps then switch sides.

7.) Split Squat: To obtain the starting position stand with your back to the tree and take a big step forward with your left foot.  Push bottom of right foot into the tree and bend elbows (left arm forward, right arm back).  Bend left knee while switching arm positions, return to starting position and repeat.  Do 15 reps; switch sides, then repeat.

8.) Plank Push: In the plank position extend your left arm at about shoulder height in front of you and press hand against the cooler.  Hold for 20 seconds (or longer, we held it for 60) then switch sides to complete set.

It was such a fun workout to adapt to the great outdoors.  I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!

Coming up…I’m excited to share with you a French onion soup recipe that I made!

I’m off to my friend’s wedding (can you believe she’s getting married almost exactly 1 month before me!?) in Orcas Island for the weekend,  I’m sure I’ll have some great stories and pictures to share when I get back. have a great weekend everyone!

Be well!