Dumbbell February: Dumbbell Jacks

Get some cardio in by doing jumping jacks with a twist. It is Dumbbell February so that means we're including dumbbells. All you have to do is hold the dumbbells close to your chest, and do a regular jack opening and closing your legs. Try not to bounce your upper body back and forth as you jump. And note that my knees bend slightly and don't buckle as I land; this is to protect my joints. Do this for 3 rounds of 1 minute each. Mix it up with other cardio exercises.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

TribeSports 15 Minute Workout

I found this workout routine on TribeSport's Instagram account, and I thought it would be fun to try. So give it a go today! It's only 15 minutes so I did two rounds. 

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Day 5 of the July Challenges

Fast Paced: Day 5 has some similar exercises as the other days so it should be easier to do by now. Tomorrow will be a rest day!

We Have Two July Challenges

For this month, there are two workout challenges on Instagram I thought would be nice to get on. I love them both so I'm going to try to do them both!

6000 Jumping Jacks Done!

Yep, I'm done with my June Jumping Jack Challenge! It was brutal, but what isn't? I'm challenging myself to do some more runs and climbs for the last few days of the month, but I'm pretty excited that I got this done in good time. 

Now, obviously, July is coming and we'll be doing another challenge then. Till then, get some rest, recharge, and I'll see you in a few days :)

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Yoga on a Plane, in the Airport, Yoga Everywhere

So I know I've been a little MIA lately. I have had a lot on my plate. But I haven't stopped my jumping jacks!!! I hope you haven't too. We have about 5 more days in June, and I'm at 5000. That means 1000 more to go, but I know I can do it over the next couple of days.

Jumping Jack Challenge Day 17!

So how are those jumping jacks coming along? On the road to 6000! I'm currently still at 2600 (which is because I forgot to do them over the weekend) so I'll be catching up tonight. One reader told me she'll wait till the last week and do 1000 each day. Crazy! What's your strategy?

Cheers Eights & Weights!

June Jumping Jack Challenge is on!

So tomorrow is the start of a new month, and we all know what that means: new challenge! In June, we'll be focusing on doing some jumping jacks. To be more specific, we'll be doing 6000 jumping jacks this month.

Quickie Cardio Session

For a little help to get you going, watch the demos of each exercise here: Burpees, Push-ups, Jump Lunges, Jump Squats, Jumping Jacks, Mountain Climbers.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Eights & Weights Video: Spartan Jacks Cardio Workout

Another video! I know we all struggle with cardio workouts because they usually consist of repetitive motion. So I thought I'd get one of those that may be a little fun, at least if you like to jump around. 

The Spartan Jack is a great workout for the overall body, and is pretty similar to the Jumping Jack, but rather than clap your hands above your head, you lower and raise your fists like you are lifting weights. For more impact, you can lift light weights as you raise and lower your arms.

Step 1: Stand straight with elbows in a 'W' beside your shoulders and your fingers in a fist. Keep your shoulders down.

Step 2: Simultaneously lift your fists straight up above your head while you jump and land with your legs open wide shoulder-width or wider apart.

Step 3: Simultaneously lower your fists and jump and land with your feet closed.

To provide further guidance, see the video below.

Cheers Eights & Weights!

Jumping Jacks: Eights & Weights Video

There are very many types of cardio: running, swimming, aerobics, etc. But if you're not the kind to throw on earphones and take off for a half hour, you could put together some cardio moves and still break a sweat. One of these types of moves is the jumping jack.

All you need to do is continuously jump while opening your legs and raising your arms, and closing your legs and dropping your arms. Sound confusing? Watch my video below to see a full illustration. If you're not breathing hard after a few minutes, you're not done :)

Cheers Eights & Weights!