Weighted Sit-ups

Want to try another abs workout? This one helps increase the tension of a regular sit-up by adding in a dumbbell. How do you do it? Lie back with your butt and feet on the floor, and holding a dumbbell over your head. I used an 8lb dumbbell. Open your feet wide. Slowly use your core to lift your upper body all the way up until the dumbbell is on the floor between your feet. Then slowly lower back down using your core strength to help you. Repeat for 3 sets of 20 reps.

Here is a video demo:

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Dumbbell February: Dumbbell Burpees!

You hate burpees... I know. So logically, why don't we make it even harder? Add dumbbells :) If you don't know what a burpee is, here is a step-by-step:

• Bend your knees with your palms on the floor.
• Jump back into a plank
• Do a pushup
• Jump forward into the original position
• Jump up with one dumbbell in each hand lifted towards the ceiling

Try to do 3 sets of 10. Here is a video to help out.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Eights & Weights Challenge: Squat Jump Tucks

It is summer, and we do like to work hard and fast to get our bodies in shape. So I thought I should challenge you to try another difficult exercise this week: The Squat Jump Tuck.

If you have knee troubles, you should respect your injury and probably not try these. If you don't, give it a shot and see how many you can do. This exercise is both cardio and strength working your butt, abs, thighs, and your legs. It works your abs because you are using your abs to lift your legs, not your upper body.

Alright, here it is. Images speak louder than words.

1. Start in a squat

2. Jump  with the power coming from your abs. As you jump, lift your legs up in the air keeping your upper body up, and tap your knees to your open palms. So it is like you're raising your lower body to meet your upper body.

3. Jump back down into a squat and repeat.

I can't get over the second image. I look like I'm literally on the wall behind me :) Let me know how it goes. 

Cheers Eights & Weights!