Plyometrics: Ski Jumps

So maybe it's the Insanity workout I've been doing, but I suddenly realized ski jumps are hard! In natural fashion, when I find a difficult exercise, I like to share with you guys :)

We have talked about some plyometric exercises in the past, and the basis behind this type of workout. Basically, the concept is to do cardio, but do it with power so you're both burning fat and building muscle. The ski jump is one of these types of exercises. It is really good for your butt, your legs, and even your abs because you use them to keep yourself up. 

So how does it work? If you've ever seen someone ski, it is that simple. You keep your upper body straight and your knees together as you squat and then jump from side to side. So stand, jump to the left into a squat, stand, and then jump to the right into a squat. As you squat, your arms should be swinging back like you're holding ski rods. Keep your abs tight and spring from your heels, not your upper body.

To make sure you are getting enough power as you jump from side to side, you may put an item in-between like in the picture above. It makes you work harder when you have something to focus on. That isn't a real ski jump, but I wanted to demonstrate the towel that she jumps over.

Was that confusing? I figured so I got you a video :) Watch and enjoy, incorporate into your workouts to build that beautiful bum, and then let me know how it goes.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Photo credit: kcapture.wordpress.com