Lower Body Circuit Workout
Hi friends! How’s the day going? It’s been gloomy and kind of cold over here (people with real autumns can tilt their heads back and laugh), and fall is definitely in the air. I love it!!
I taught a packed spin class last night, and then the Pilot and I enjoyed a little date night at Seasons 52.
I’ve felt motivated to clean up my eats this week, mainly because we’ve eaten a lot of takeout since our Tucson trip. We have a fridge packed with protein and produce, and it’s been much easier to make salads and smoothies during the day. It’s funny because I feel like it’s common to see a surge in motivation with eats and fitness right before summer, but for me it usually happens between fall and winter. File that under things that don’t really make sense?
As I mentioned before, I’ve been trying to kick up my strength training with an emphasis on lower body. In the spirit of Squatember, here’s a new circuit workout for ya!
Some form cues and tips:
This workout is meant to be done circuit-style, so you complete 1 round of each workout before quickly moving to the next. Once you’ve made your way through the circuit, you can repeat the entire thing up 2 more times (=3 total times through). As always, talk with a doctor before making any fitness changes. Honor your body and modify as needed. Since this one includes some single leg exercises, jumps (which can be modified for impact) and lots of flexion at the knee joint, I wouldn’t recommend this one if you have knee concerns.
The exercises: (+ some modifications)
Kettlebell swing: ground into your feet and stand hip-width apart. Hold the kettlebell in between your knees and start to gently swing it so you can gain some momentum. When you’re ready, power through your hips, glutes and core to swing the weight up to shoulder height, then bend your knees, swinging it back to start. Remember that you are NOT using your arms to lift the weight; this is pure glute and core power. Every time the weight goes up, make sure you’re strongly exhaling.
Calf raises: hold heavy dumbbell or kettlebell and stand with feet hip-width apart. As you exhale, squeeze your glutes and rise up onto your toes. Inhale to lower halfway down and exhale to repeat.
Rotating squat jumps: Start facing one side and sink low into a squat. Jump 180 degrees, and land with a soft knee to squat on the opposite side. To minimize impact, walk 180 degrees to squat on the other side.
Single leg TRX squat: stand holding the TRX straps and step away from the base. Extend one leg forward and lift it up to just below hip height. Flex your feet. Keeping your arms straight and chest lifted, sink down and back into your squat. Make your your standing knee doesn’t extend past those toes. Exhale and squeeze to rise. (If you don’t have a TRX, a split squat is a great substitute.)
Jumping lunges: be sure to land with a soft knee before sinking down into your lunge. To modify, do quick stationary or walking lunges instead.
Let me know if you give it a try! I’ll see ya back here soon with some adventures from the weekend.
xoxo
Gina
Wearing: Fabletics top (c/o), Lorna Jane crops, Fitbit Alta, and New Balance sneakers
Photos: Arielle Levy
Location: Point Loma Sports Club
19 Comments
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I forgot Squatember was going on! I need to get it together… =) *sigh*
I actually think Fall is the time to make healthy changes. I wrote a post on this last week and how it much easier to get into a routine in the fall than in January. Loving those LJ crops by the way!
I’ve never done a kettlebell swing, silly right? I am afraid of doing it wrong and totally hitting myself (irrational fear)! But I will try this fun workout!
let me know how it goes!
This workout looks so fun and enjoyable. Now I know what workout I’m going to be trying out tomorrow morning.
please let me know how you like it 🙂
I did 5 rounds and it is hard to walk today. Great workout!
Man I need to invest in some kettle bells!!!
Lower body workouts are my favorite! I’ll be giving this workout a try over the weekend.
can’t wait to hear what you think 🙂
LOVED squatember – i’ll give this one a try!
let me know how you like it! 🙂
Can you give any suggestions on how to pick a kettleball or set? I’d love to get one but I can’t tell how to judge if it’s too light/too heavy.
for swings or for strength work?
for strength, the weights are about what you’d use for a dumbbell. for swings, i’ve found that i can go a little heavier than i think. just start off with a small swing (like hold it down between your legs and let the kettlebell sway back and forth a bit until you start to get momentum). i use 35 for swings if that helps a little!
Just did this workout! I loved it…it went by fast and my legs are definitely going to feel it tomorrow!
so happy you loved it, too! xoxo
so good… killer on the legs!
yessss! i’m still sore hahah
This workout looks like it will get me sweating. Great post! Thanks for sharing!