By Daunte Henderson
From – blackdoctor.org
Reprinted – by Texas Metro News
A job that requires you to sit all day can be a detriment to your health. If you work in an office setting you’ll know what I’m talking about.
Along with sitting all day, you’re probably snacking on everything in the break room to keep your mind focused on completing those eight hours of chaos. It’s about time we break those prolonged periods of sitting on your seat cushion because your next stop could be the casket.
A study found that one hour of even the simplest of physical activities with the lowest levels of rigor can alleviate your risk of developing illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
The study showed that people who sat for eight hours or more each day and had little to no active movements were 59 percent more likely to die. All of that from sitting in a chair? Yes, your life depends on getting regular exercise, so we called in an expert to help us out with our wellness goals.
Sharita Jennings is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor with a passion for helping our people stay out of the doctor’s office by encouraging them to stay in the gym.
The wonderful thing about the workouts she’s sent is that it doesn’t require a gym membership. Enjoy Sharita’s #GETFITLIKETHAT home workout routine guaranteed to keep your blood flowing and your life signs vital.
60 Minute Circuit Training Workout!
This circuit training workout will keep your heart pumping with a mix of cardio and strength exercises. The key is to move quickly from move to move non-stop for five minutes.
If you need modifications, simply complete the moves without jumping or perform squats and lunges halfway if you cannot get your legs parallel to the floor just yet. Choose weights that will challenge you, but keep in mind that performing the exercises without weights will still be effective.
Work out with a friend and see who can complete the most rounds in each circuit!
Equipment Needed
- dumbbells (5 – 20 pounds)
- Yoga mat
Food
- Food is very important too. We get into the food you should eat on the next page
Directions
Complete as many rounds of each circuit (three circuits) as you can for 5 minutes with no rest between
moves. Rest 90 seconds between circuits. If your form begins to falter, remove weights and keep going!
10-minute warm-up
- Jog – 30 seconds
- Squats – 30 seconds
- Jog – 30 seconds
- Push Ups – 30 seconds
- Jog – 30 seconds
- Sit-ups – 30 seconds
- Jog – 30 seconds
- Alternating Forward Lunge – 30 seconds
Repeat 1x
Circuit 1: (5 minutes)
Squat Press
10 reps
Hold dumbbells in each hand, resting weight over each shoulder.
Squat down so that knees form a 90-degree angle, keep weight in the heels.
Press through the heels to stand up straight.
Then extend arms straight up overhead. Repeat.
Mountain Climber
10 reps
Start in a plank, jump right foot toward the right hand, keeping hips square.
Quickly jump left foot forward to complete one repetition.
Don’t let your hips go too high and keep your hands directly under the shoulders.
Superman
10 reps
Lie on your stomach, keeping your muscles tight.
Extend arms and legs straight from the body.
Lift chest up off the floor while lifting legs up.
Hold for 2 seconds, then repeat.
Think about squeezing through the glutes and tightening the abs.
Russian Twist
10 reps
Sit on the floor, resting feet flat on the floor and keeping the spine long.
Holding one dumbbell with both hands, rotate upper body to right.
Return to the center, then rotate to the left to complete one repetition
Rest: 90 seconds
Circuit 2: (5 minutes)
Single Leg Glute Bridge
5 reps for each leg
Lie on the back with knees bent and feet resting on the floor.
Lift the right foot towards the ceiling, flexing the foot so that the heel is facing the ceiling.
Pressing through the left heel, lift hips high off the floor.
Think about stamping your footprint on the ceiling.
Return to start. Switch legs after 10 reps.
Weighted Sit Up
10 reps
Lie on the back with knees bent and feet resting on the floor.
Hold one weight between both hands at the chest.
Sit up to bring your chest towards the knees.
While sitting up, extend the arms overhead reaching towards the ceiling.
Return to the floor and repeat.
Walking Lunges
10 reps
Holding a dumbbell in each hand, stand tall with feet together.
Step right foot forward and lower the body into a lunge.
Both legs should bend at 90-degree angles.
Step left foot to meet the right foot.
Start again by stepping the left foot forward and lowering the body into a lunge.
Try this without weights first to get the balance just right.
Each lunge is one repetition. *For a modification, complete 10 squats instead.
Vertical Hops
10 reps
Stand up, facing a wall.
Jump up quickly and reach your arms up to touch the wall at the highest spot possible.
Quickly repeat for 10 reps (or double if you move very quickly).
Rest: 90 seconds
Circuit 3: (5 minutes)
Burpees
10 reps
Stand up tall.
Reach your hand towards the floor and jump (or step) your feet back until you are in a plank.
Lower the chest to the ground.
Return to a plank and jump feet towards hands.
Jump for one hop to complete one repetition.
Leg Lifts
10 reps
Lie on the back with both legs extended straight out on the floor.
Keep hands under your lower back for support.
Lift your legs until the hips are off the floor.
Lower legs back to start but try not to let feet touch the ground. Repeat.
Plank Jacks
10 reps
Begin in a plank with feet together.
Hop feet to open in a “V” shape.
Hop feet back together to complete one repetition.
Alternating Side Kicks
10 reps total
Stand tall with knees slightly bent.
Kick the right foot to the right, focusing on driving the heel away from the body. Try to keep the leg at hip level. Return to start. Repeat on the opposite leg.
Rest: 90 seconds
Repeat each circuit 1 time!
10-minute cool down
Complete your favorite stretches, taking deep breaths. Be sure to stretch arms and legs.
Food
In addition to this one workout, food also plays a key role.
Two things to consider are (1) Counting Calories and (2) Drinking Water
Count Calories
It may sound like a no-brainer, but counting calories is one of the easiest and most effective ways to start losing weight fast.
Weight loss occurs when you use more calories than you take in, either by reducing your intake or increasing your physical activity.
Keeping track of your calorie intake can increase your awareness of what you’re putting on your plate, giving you the knowledge you need to make healthier choices.
If you don’t like writing everything down like me, try tracking your calorie intake by using an app or an online food journal.
Drink More Water
By simply adding more water to your daily routine, you are setting your body up for success.
Research shows that water may enhance weight loss by bumping up metabolism, temporarily increasing the calories your body burns after eating.
If you’re a juice, soda or flavored drink kind of person, start slow by adding half water to those drinks for the first two weeks and then even more water for the next two. The next thing you know you’ll be drinking way more water than you ever thought.
For best results, drink at least 34–68 fluid ounces (1–2 liters) of water per day to maximize weight loss.
