This Circuit! Oy!

This week I did one workout (besides A1A, which will get its own post) because I was busy and not feeling very well, so I've decided to walk you all through to circuit Elizabeth and I did last Wednesday (on our birthday).

Can you believe we're in our 30s?! I can't.

Complete each exercise for 30-40 seconds and immediately switch to the next until the full set is completed. Rest 60 seconds between sets. Repeat 3-5 times. (We did this one four times and the next day I was so achy I thought my congestion/cold had turned into the flu!)

1. Deadlift - Squat - Lift
This is really exactly what it sounds like. I use two 8-pound dumbbells for this move. Lift the dumbbells in a deadlift motion; bring them to shoulder height and squat; then rise to standing while pressing the dumbbells straight upward. Repeat by lowering the dumbbells in a controlled motion and returning to deadlift position.

Below is what the squat-to-press motion looks like.
2. Plank - Pushup - Cougar - Row
Start in a plank position balanced on weights. Complete a pushup, then jump out into a cougar position. Draw each arm back into a row, then jump back out into the plank position.

Below is the plank-pushup-cougar combo:
And here is the row:

I don't know how she does this move with 35lb weights! To get the full effect of this move in your quads, you need to do the rows while in the cougar position. I skip the pushup part of this combo, but Elizabeth does the entire thing because she is a beast!

3. Ceiling Circles
Lying flat on your back, straighten your legs and point your toes at the ceiling. Keeping your feet together, draw a circle on the ceiling with your toes. I like to go clockwise for half the time and then switch to counter-clockwise circles. You can play around with how tight or wide you want to make your circles.

4. Leg Lifts
This one is self-explanatory! I bend my knees a little for this because I'm not flexible enough to keep them straight!
5. Opposite Plank Lifts
In a plank position, alternate lifting your arms and legs. Lift your right arm, pointing it straight ahead of you, and left leg, pointing it straight back. Hold for 1-2 seconds and focus on keeping your core tight as you balance. Bring your arm and leg back down and repeat with the opposite sides. Continue alternating until time is up.

6. Alternating Bicep Curls
Again, this one is fairly self-explanatory. Alternate bicep curls, keeping your elbows in and tucked slightly back. Your weights should pass each other around your bellybutton.

Workout gifs credited to: Elise's Body Shop (YouTube and Instagram) and Blogilates.

What kinds of exercises do you like to do at home?
Which Instagram fitness trainers do you most like to follow?

ABK