You've got to start somewhere

One of the reasons I wanted to start a blog about fitness and health was because many of my fitness class participants approached me after class asking for the workout, or asking for health or wellness advice. I'm sure Marisa has experienced the same. Rather than email each individual a workout, I thought it best to post my workouts and wellness thoughts online for all to see. Typically, the classes I like to teach are challenging. However, I give options to modify exercises or interval times for those who are beginners, pregnant, or who have recently given birth. I just want to remind you to go at your own pace. You don't have to complete all the rounds of a workout, all the reps, or even all the exercises. Test when you need to and do what you can do, in the time that you are able to do it. There is no judgment here. We have all been beginners at some point and we all have different health and fitness goals.  There are many times I give a modified version of an exercise to those I instruct. There are times when I modify exercises for myself. Those of you that are just starting out with an exercise program, here are some modifications you can try.

Pushups: Try doing pushups on your knees OR standing pushups with your hands on the wall.

Jump squats:  Squat without a jump. Or add dumbbells and squat holding the weights. You can also TRY jumping and then drop the jump when it becomes too difficult.

Burpees: Place your hands on the floor and either step or jump back into a plank position. You can either do a pushup on your knees or omit the pushup. Stand up and repeat. 

Lunge Jumps:  Lunge jumps are very high intensity as well as high impact. Try lunging, forward or back, alternating legs, without jumping.   Make sure your knees are right over your ankles, not pushing too far forward.

V sits:  Another exercise that can be challenging and hard on your lower back is a V-sit. Instead of lifting both legs and touching your hands to your feet, try lifting one leg at a time, alternating legs. 

I hope these modifications help as you begin an exercise program, or are recovering from an injury or child birth. Once again, listen to YOUR body and be well.

BHW