Backyard Bootcamp

"Side, side!" Eva said this morning, begging to go outside. I was all dressed in my workout clothes, but didn't know what to do, so I went outside and did this bootcamp workout while she played. It was great because I was able to watch her and get a great cardio and strength workout at the same time. It was simple enough that I could pull her out of the mud if I needed too and then get right back. Just a few tools are needed:

sturdy chair or deck stairs
jumprope (imaginary one works too)
stability ball (optional)
mat
8 lb minimum weights
watch

Start with a warm-up by jogging back and forth for 2 minutes. Then begin the workout:

Station 1: repeat 2-3 times
Sprint running for 1 minute back and forth or around your yard then 30 second recovery walk.
30 lunges

Station 2: repeat 2-3 times
Chair (up R up L, down R down L) or Stairs for 1 minute
Jumprope for 75 jumps

Station 3: repeat 2-3 times
25 Jumping Jacks
25 Squats holding the weights at your sides

Station 4: repeat 2-3 times
Push-ups- as many as you can. If you can't do 10, do as many as you can on your knees (girl push-ups).
Bicycles (abs): Elbow to opposite knee.

Station 5: repeat 2-3 times
Bicep Curls- as many as you can.
Ball Crunches: around 3o. Make sure you are keeping your back straight and not arching it.

Cool down and stretch.

I did this workout on my tiny cement pad that is too weak to even be considered a backyard. It doesn't take much space. I thought it would also be fun to invite another mom over with her kids so they can all play and you can do the workout together, switching off stations. Who knows, maybe the kids will want to join in! What a great way to set an example of being active to your little ones. Have fun!