Showing posts with label fitness challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fitness challenge. Show all posts

Thursday, June 23, 2016

Ten Day Tabata Challenge

Tabata training rocks and it's a very simple and easy way to increase both your aerobic and anaerobic system in as little as 4 minutes a day! I know, it's almost too good to be true. 



Here's how it works! All you have to do is pick between 1-4 exercises to perform a 20 second interval of hard work with a 10 second interval of rest. The chosen exercise or exercises should be intense enough to truly challenge you. The coolest part of Tabata training is you're done in 4 minutes! That's right just 4 minutes of training can get you incredible results with an increased metabolism, cardiovascular and muscular system!


Quick History of where Tabata came from

Dr. Izumi Tabata, a Japanese scientist, along with his research team from the National Insist of Fitness Sports in Tokyo discovered tabata training. They conducted a research study with two groups. Group 1 worked out at a moderate intensity level for one hour 5 days a week for 6 weeks. Group 2 worked out at a high intensity level for 4 minutes with intervals of 20 seconds of work to 10 seconds of rest. 

Results for Group 1 - moderate intensity level 1 hour workout
- Only increased cardiovascular system but showed no increase in the anaerobic system (muscular) system.

Results for Group 2 - High intensity interval - 4 minute workouts
- Increased the cardiovascular (aerobic system) and increased the anaerobic muscular system by 28%. 

This is a workout choice proving that quality beats quantity. This is why the workouts I've released over the years through my live classes, Kettlebell DVD's, programs and online classes include a ton of interval training. People have complained in the past about taking rests because the mindset of resting sounds lazy. Studies have proven over and over again that rest is required to take your aerobic AND anaerobic system to the next level!

To read more information about the study you can see it right here

Now for the FUN details on how to do the challenge.






Ten Day Tabata Challenge

Directions: Pick a challenging exercise that you can go all out, safely, for 20 seconds or work to 10 seconds rest. You will perform 8 - 20 second work intervals with 10 second rest intervals. Below are sample Tabata's as well as a favorite Tabata of mine. 

Sample Tabata 1 - 4 sets for a total of 4 minutes


Jump Squats


Sample Tabata 2: - 2 sets for a total of 4 minutes

1 arm Swing
1 arm Swing
Burpees
Jump Squats 



Sample Tabata 3: 8 sets for a total of 4 minutes

2 Hand Swings 

Sample Bodyweight Tabata 4: 

Bodyweight Squats
Mountain Climbers
Jumping Jacks
Jump Squats



One of my Favorite Kettlebell Tabata Workouts

High Pull, Catch & Squat
Kettlebell Swings
1 Arm Snatch
1 Arm Snatch


Go through this 2 times through. If you're an over achiever do a double Tabata!




#tendaytabatachallenge


Great Exercises options for your TABATA workouts

Jump Rope
Snatch
Body Weight Squats
Kettlebell Swings
1 Arm Snatch
High Pull, Catch & Squat
Jumping Jacks
Star Jumps



Share with us your tabata. Hashtag #tendaytabatachallenge 


Hope you have an amazing time with this challenge. This can be done any time and any place. You don't even need equipment just a timer. Feel free to post your challenge for the world to see. I'll share it if I find your hashtag or if you tag me. 
We also have a challenge group page on Facebook called Lauren Brooks Fitness Challenge if you want to post your challenge privately here. 










Twitter:      @laurenbrooksfit



























Wednesday, May 4, 2016

The Perfect Push-Up Challenge with Lauren Brooks

About the PERFECT Push-up Challenge
#PerfectPushUpChallenge






I've seen a lot of push-ups in my day. Unfortunately most of them end of looking a bit like this photo below. This is not a perfect push-up. In fact it's an injury waiting to happen. To avoid having a push-up that looks like this, it's very important to understand what a push-up is first. I was asked by many people to run a push-up challenge, however, I hesitated for months. I've finally decided to put one on but under one condition  They must be lower reps and perfect! 

Having a strong PERFECT push-up is truly an important factor. When done properly you'll find it an incredible exercise that strengthens your abdominal muscles, triceps, deltoids, serratus anterior, pecs, lats and did I say core? The abs alone become powerful when push-ups are practiced properly. You will also build some lean muscle mass which will end up increasing your metabolism. The coolest part of these is you can basically do them anywhere and any time! 











How Can I Get Started? I can't seem to do even ONE push-up!

Here are two ways to start that I'm going to show you in the videos below


Push-Up Progressions and Getting Started
(Especially for post pregnancy and C-sections)







The Assisted Perfect Push-Up





I'm a MASTER at Push-Ups - How can I challenge myself?

Congratulations on having a perfect push-up on the floor! If traditional push ups are too easy you can make them harder in many ways! A few examples are
  •  Put your feet on a higher surface
  • Place hands on a suspension trainer 
  • Add an explosive component with a clap 
  • One arm push ups and progressions. 











The PERFECT Push-up Challenge
#PerfectPushUpChallenge








INSTRUCTIONS: Find the position or surface that allows you to perform a perfect push up for your level. Break down the push up in as many sets as you need to maintain PERFECT alignment and form. In the challenge I broke down a safe way to get better at your push up goals with low reps. 

Remember, if your lower back sags and your neck and traps are doing the work, then this is not considered a push up. In fact you're teaching yourself a pattern that will hurt you more than help you down the road. Those reps do not count!

As you begin to feel STRONGER and can complete your perfect push up, you can change your surface for something lower or find a more challenging push up progression that forces you to only practice several perfect reps at a time. Just like the squat challenge, break up the reps in to as many sets as you need. 

"Easy" Push-up Progression week (example: higher surface or thick band)

Day 1 - 4/3/3/2 =12
Day 2 - 5/4/3/2 = 14
Day 3 - 5/5/4/2 =16
Day 4 - rest
Day 5 - 6/5/5/3 = 19
Day 6 - 7/6/5/3 = 21
Day 7 - Rest

More Challenging Progression Push-up week (example: lower surface or thinner band)

Day 8 - 4/3/3/2 = 12
Day 9 - 5/4/3/2 = 14
Day 10 -5/5/4/2 =16
Day 11 - Rest
Day 12 - 5/5/5/4 =19
Day 13 - 6/5/5/4 = 20
Day 14 - Rest

Challenging Progression Push-up Week (example: even lower surface than week before or thinner band)


Day 15 - 4/3/2/1 = 10
Day 16 - 4/3/2/2 = 11
Day 17 - 4/3/3/2 = 12
Day 18 - Rest
Day 19 - 5/4/3/2 = 14
Day 20 - Rest
Day 21 - Test your push up rep goal with what you started with OR see if you can get your "progression" goal. (example 30 reps of push ups in a row OR 1-2 reps One arm push ups per side)


#PerfectPushUpChallenge  Ask to Join our private Lauren Brooks Fitness challenge Facebook group community for free here


Thursday, April 7, 2016

The Snatch Challenge (or 1 Arm Swing)

The SNATCH (OR 1 ARM SWING) CHALLENGE

#TheSnatchChallenge

DIRECTIONS: Follow the ladder performing each rep per side. Pick a comfortable size kettlebell. The challenge will be an increase in reps by the end. For example Week 1, day 1,  5 reps per side, 4 reps per side, 3 reps per side, 2 reps per side, 1 reps per side etc... View video sample below with instructions. You can set the bell down in between or you can complete all of the reps in one go. 

POST your progress using hashtag #thesnatchchallenge. Video, text, photo. You can also post privately in the Lauren Brooks Fitness challenge Facebook group. Let the fun begin!





WEEK 1

Day 1 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 = 30

Day 2 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 = 40

Day 3  7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 = 50

Day 4  MOBILITY/REST

Day 5  8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 = 60

Day 6  9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 = 70

Day 7  MOBILITY/REST



WEEK 2

Day 1  6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 = 42

Day 2  7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 = 54

Day 3  8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 = 66

Day 4         MOBILITY/REST

Day 5  9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 = 78

Day 6 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 = 90

Day 7          MOBILITY/REST


WEEK 3

Day 1 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2  = 54

Day 2 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 = 66

Day 3 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4  = 78

Day 4   MOBILITY/REST

Day 5  10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 = 90

Day 6 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 = 100

Day 7 MOBILITY/REST


SAMPLE OF WEEK 2 | DAY 2 | WITH AN EXTRA REP ON EACH SIDE AT THE END.











 Snatch Instructions (clip from Kettlebell Workshop DVD)

 



POST your progress using hashtag #thesnatchchallenge. Video, text, photo. You can also post privately in the Lauren Brooks Fitness challenge Facebook group. Let the fun begin!




Wednesday, December 30, 2015

21 Day Squat Challenge - #21DaysOfSquats

Why Squat? Squats are one of the most beneficial exercises to practice. I could sit here and tell you how squatting makes you stronger, more conditioned, firms your legs and butt, improves digestion but I'm sure you know the endless amount of benefits when doing them properly. So let's just get to squatting! Beginners are welcomed! Join our Challenge Today!

What did you like about the squat challenge?

Probably THE single best experience I've ever had in my "fitness" life. Have always been a "loner" - no gym, no "workout buddies" - simply going out to my shed or working out in my little computer room. I HAVE to stay fit because I'm a full-time, 2nd shift blue-collar worker in a manual-labor-intensive job, with no "retirement" in the cards. But I was flagging - workouts were becoming infrequent and stale. Little mind-game things were messing with me, too: "What's the point? Nobody CARES whether you workout or not - everyone thinks you're a foolish idiot for even TRYING at your age!" (I'm 64). 

But something about Lauren's Squat Challenge called to me and I started it - and once I DID start it, I was hooked. Here were people who had the same mindset I did when I first started - they were happy, THRILLED to take this on. Their enthusiasm and energy were contagious. And THAT'S what kept me here and in the game - the people. I could relate to just about everything they had to say - recognize every level they were at - had been there at some point in my own experience. Decided from the very first day on the FB Group that I was NEVER going to stint them on encouragement and praise, because it's in damned short supply out here in the real world, no matter how much it's desperately needed and deserved. In the course of doing that, I'd find MYSELF becoming excited about the whole "fitness" thing again - ten short minutes of reading/responding to posts would have ME ready to jump up and start doing squats! 

Can you imagine? The sharing of little "life moments", the faltering and the set-backs due to illness or injury, the humor, the camaraderie - I had fallen into the single best group of human beings I had ever "met". Every single one striving - daily! - to improve their strength, their health and, collaterally, the lives of themselves and their family. The sheer positive energy of it was incredible - my strength was their strength and vice-versa (the way it SHOULD be in RL). I did my level best to bring everyone out in the open, to have them come out into the light so that they could SHINE, as they rightfully should. I have never been prouder or more happy to have been associated with ANY group of people in my life - and I'm looking forward to whatever OTHER "Challenges" are in store. The timing and load increments were perfect for this - everyone got to start out with what they were comfortable with and progress to what they wanted to - many surprised themselves and what a joy to behold THAT was. The "Ah-ha!" moments when many discovered hitherto unknown strength that hadn't been there before. 

Does it GET any better than that? I think not. EVERYONE pitched in and urged each other on - paid TRUE compliments where they were deserved, helped and gave guidance when needed or just simply let someone know they were rooting for them when they were down (and God Bless every single one of you who did so, because I'm sure it meant the world to the recipients - and me). 

Never hide your light under the bushel, people. Your progress is thrilling to everyone when you're making progress, whether it be with 5KG or 50! It's NOT the weight, or the amount of sets it takes to do the reps - it's YOU. In there slugging away consistently. We ALL glory in your journey and your progress, so never hide it because you think it doesn't measure up. It DOES. Thank you for this Lauren Brooks. A LOT of us really needed this - on many levels. And thank you AGAIN for doing the work WITH us (many of the online "guru's" DON'T). I respect that. Waiting for that next "Challenge". Hope I didn't bore anyone to death. Steven Peter Yevchak Sr. 





Directions: Each week pick a  weight and stick with it. Beginners start with no weight. Example: Week 1: Bodyweight only, Week 2: 18lbs Week 3: 26lbs  


Note: you may break up the reps into as many sets as you want. Example. 4 sets of 5 reps. 2 sets of 10 reps. Share your journey and share your results! 


You can pick which kind of squats you'd like to start the challenge with:

Body Weight Squats

Goblet Squats


YOU CHOOSE!!

If you're not sure how to properly perform a squat please view any of these video below. 


COMMON MISTAKES





LET'S SQUAT - Bodyweight or Kettlebell Goblet Squats





DOUBLE KETTLEBELL FRONT SQUATS




My Personal Results With The Squat Challenge

I started the Challenge with a 44lb kettlebell. It felt challenging. The last day I tested (3 weeks later)



How do you hoist a heavy kettlebell up to do a Kettlebell Front Squat?

Getting the Bell in Position





1.  Share and tag your friends to Challenge them to get them involved.
2.  Hashtag #21daysofsquats  and #laurenbrooksfitness so we can find you .
3. Tell us when you do your squats on Facebook, twitter, instagram, or pinterest. Tag and hashtag so we can find you! Check out our Facebook challenge post for the easy way to participate.

SAMPLE DAY OF THE SQUAT CHALLENGE



Another Sample here



Sign up for our newsletter to get a free gift in our featured workout section which includes follow long kettlebell workouts from Lauren's Playground and some of her top selling Kettlebell DVD's.



SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE 
SAYING ABOUT THE SQUAT CHALLENGE 
Read the comments below. 




Comments
Tempest Sharp i loved it for a couple reasons, gained strength, totally motivated by a few people in particular, and i loved checking in.. i'm hoping for a sld, on the next one ha ha ha
Denice Harlow Johnson Doing a manageable challenge on FB was fun I must say. I was definitely inspired by these folks. My legs got a bit stronger I'm sure.
Jill Singer For me, next time I'll take the total squats of the week and average them for an "every other day" workout so my body has a chance to rest.
Husna Lapidus For me it was the accountability and the motivation from all the other squat challenge participants. It was easy enough to not be daunting but enough of a challenge to feel worthwhile.
Angela Clark 21 days is a sweet spot that gave me an extra push/challenge to my existing training. I really focused on my form. This challenge was Totally achievable for anyone at any level! Especially when motivated by such a fantastic group!

(Agreed with Jill Singer- I would like to incorporate the challenge to "every other day", to program rest days); my hips started feeling it these last 2 days.

Sarah Post I'm on board with the 21 days being a sweet spot!
Lauren Brooks
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Sarah Post Fun! Engaging! Good length and very tangible progress!
Deanna Russo Terzo LOVED IT! Ready for next one:)
Olivia Fenion Loved it as it kept me motivated and seeing everyone else participating just spurred me on so I didn't give up! smile emoticon Didn't manage to post on all days but kept up, and it also made me want to do more exercise around it. Usually I would have a couple of days off in a week, but the challenge kept me going every day! smile emoticon
Iris Guadian I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this challenge. I don't typically participate in these kinds of exercise challenges, but I decided to try yours because it's you. I can actually do a proper goblet squat now. Before I would only go halfway for various reasons. My body is noticeably stronger and that's transferring over to my other workouts.
Lily Hennessey I really enjoyed it! It was short and sweet, both in the amount of time spent per day and the overall length of the challenge. I liked that I could use weights that worked best for me and was inspired by the progress and weights used by the rest of the group. And most of all, it was fun and not like anything else out there!
Martha Miller I myself prefer a rest day here and there, but I looked at it as a challenge � much like a bike tour I would do, where I don't ride every day at home but then challenge myself by doing so on the tour. It was fun and motivating, and I enjoyed keeping accountable on here and seeing other people be successful too!
Lindsey Dunn Glad I did it! Didn't post for unrelated reasons, but the extra squats each day were a nice addition to be slam 2. I didn't mind the no rest days since it isn't too difficult to just do a few squats each day.
Danielle Fox Being 23 weeks pregnant I know I need to keep moving. I need to have a strong core and mobility in my hips. This squat challenge has forced me to focus on form and foundation while performing deep squats. I have been able to increase my weight without sacrificing proper form. I have also increased mobility through my hips and down into my Achilles. This challenge has been awesome!!!!!!
Tasha Olson I haven�t done one of these challenges before and I�m blown away on how rewarding and fun this experience has been. It has kept me accountable (especially with the encouragement of the Facebook group), gained strength and increased my flexibility to sa...See More
Tricia Berg Layde This has been great and tons of fun. I enjoyed it more being part if the Facebook
Steven Peter Yevchak Sr. I'll do that after I get back from the Dr. with my wife (normal Pain Management appt., not to worry). Later!
Debbie Fisher Really enjoyed it! (Have to finish today...tonight.) I did get tired but really was motivated and inspired by the group posts. I do feel stronger in my legs and can see more muscles. Definitely feeling the heaving swings in my abs that I did along with the squats. 21 days is very doable.
Denice Harlow Johnson Feeling the swings in your abs, Debbie, awhh, you make me want to go home and start some heavy swings!!!
Lauren Brooks Thank you for your feedback! ??
LikeReply4January 21 at 9:58am
Kimberly Matteson Hagler I really enjoyed it! I didn't "officially" enter but started and posted here occasionally. I haven't been training in awhile and it was a great way to ease back into it. I feel now I'm ready to actually start training again and remembering how effective it can be with not a lot of time (as a mom of 3 busy kids and hubs).
Charly Noyes It's been fun!! And I feel so much stronger overall! Definitely pushed me to my heaviest squatting weight thus far in my journey! And the accountability has been a huge help!
Emily Wakefield Being part of the #laurenbrooksfitness #21daysofsquatschallenge has been an amazing experience. Not only did it motivate me to try and do something everyday but it gave me something to be accountable to and I don't just mean Lauren or myself, but eve...See More
UnlikeReply10January 21 at 10:38amEdited
Aimee Neumann Stefanski It's always fun to start off the new year with a fitness challenge. Kept me motivated and was fun to not only encourage other fellow squatters but be encouraged as well. I think we have a great group here and it was a blast! Pushed me to get a heavier bell which I've been needing to do for a long time! Can't wait for the next challenge!!
Hilary Girvin Bell Loved it!!! Need more bells wink emoticon def kept me accountable. Will post day 21 later today xo
Tammi Rippeon Love the accountability and the ability to meet new people that share similar interests. Love that the challenge focused on increasing weight - have seen a lot of challenges where the reps seem unrealistic. Was able to focus on form! My quads are on fire today! Would love to do another challenge and receive tips on form, nutrition, etc! Cheers everyone!
Charmaine Hanshaw Far and away the mental aspect turned out to be huge for me - gave me back my gumption. I've loved being a part of this group so much, encouraging people and receiving encouragement and sharing a laugh or two along the way. Your groups always attract s...See More
Lindsey Dunn Always happy to hear about your progress Charmaine 
LikeReply1January 21 at 12:54pm
Sarah Post Such music to hear, Charmaine's! Just awesome all around!
LikeReply1January 21 at 12:56pm
Lauren Brooks
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Carrie Ann Regnier I really liked doing this challange! It was something that I was sure that I could do and follow through with it! I really like the group that we have going here! It is so nice to get feed back and inspiration from women who have common interests and l...See More
Cindy Williams It has been just what I needed to jumpstart a much needed consistent workout routine. I started with body weight squats and am so glad that I did- taking my time getting the form down.

I feel much more confident moving onto other KB workouts-knowin...See More

Heather Sand I loved being part of this challenge. It pushed me to do something all the way and took my hatred of squats and turned it into something manageable.I love seeing my co-participants posts and it motivated me to get my challenge done for the day no matter how I felt or how busy I was! Thank you for hosting!
Kim Stanley I totally agree with everyone thus far. This has been especially good for me in the accountability area. I love how versatile this challenge has been with how it can be tailored to fit anyone's fitness level and needs. It has helped me make better food choices as well. I now just walk on past the Peanut Butter Butterfingers without stopping, !
LikeReply5January 21 at 2:54pm
Eileen Ken Laughlin I really enjoyed this challenge. Some days were more of a challenge than others, but it was such a manageable and attainable goal each day, I couldn't not do them. Surprised myself A) that I stuck with it and B) the weight I was worried about (16kg) re...See More
Janelle Erdman Ramberger Told u that u underestimate yourself! 
LikeReply2January 21 at 6:37pm
Eileen Ken Laughlin You were so right! Thank you for that spur of confidence!!
LikeReply2January 21 at 6:38pm
Lauren Brooks
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Erin Burton I thought it was so fantastic!!! We had an amazing group of people who helped each other get through it!

I have never lifted weights daily before and feel surprisingly good and strong from it! Gonna do one more workout tomorrow and then have a restful weekend smile emoticon...See More

Janelle Erdman Ramberger I enjoyed the challenge very much! I love pushing myself to see what I'm capable of! This challenge was was just the right amount of work. Some days felt easy, but then til the end of each week, I knew it was a challenge! I know I'm stronger today than I was 3 weeks ago!
Tempest Sharp ok and a additional thought on this. One reason its ink this was so easy to stay with. The schedule, as in you didn't add "said" reps each day, each week, we started over, so it was a break, so to speak, even though yes, some of us went up some or alot in weight, by starting the weeks new with lower reps it was easier to obtain a heavier weight goal... way to set up a good schedule.
Steven Peter Yevchak Sr. Probably THE single best experience I've ever had in my "fitness" life. Have always been a "loner" - no gym, no "workout buddies" - simply going out to my shed or working out in my little computer room. I HAVE to stay fit because I'm a full-time, 2nd s...See More
Lauren Brooks Thank you for this Steven! Had no idea you are 64! I'm even more impressed now! Incredible! Todd Graham did you know he was 64? You rock!
LikeReply2January 21 at 8:52pm
Todd Graham Amazing!
Lauren Brooks
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Thinkon These What an amazing challenge! My legs feel so much stronger. After slacking during the holidays, I was dreading picking up where I left off. This was just the boost I needed to get back on track. The accountability makes a huge difference, too. Thank you Lauren Brooks.. and you too, Todd Graham!!!
Gemina Kaeha This challenge was awesome with no dread factor at all. Even on days that I didn't feel great I was able to accomplish the challenge training and it always re-energized me. This was a great add on to other training sessions or even great on rest days. And I love love love all the support and people in this group!! Thanks Lauren for putting it all together. And congrats to everyone who did the challenge! ??
Jamie F Wolcott Looks Like it was a hit, I'm just sorry I just learned about it, now I'm a part of the group it's on for the next challenge.
UnlikeReply6Yesterday at 5:54am
Steven Peter Yevchak Sr. Welcome, Jamie F Wolcott! Glad to have you aboard!
LikeReply1Yesterday at 5:57am
Lauren Brooks
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Tracy Watson I have loved this challenge. I was just starting to workout some again after a back injury when you posted it. So many other squat challenges looked dreadful to me. I had no desire to build up to a reps in the 200s like most of the others. On the very...See More
UnlikeReply4Yesterday at 8:18am
Steven Peter Yevchak Sr. Glad to hear your focus was/is on "Safety First"! Great review, BTW!
Lauren Brooks
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Melissa Szurovy I loved the simplicity and that it was at each persons own pace. I never felt (too) bad if I had to miss a day, catch up or finish a day late.

I love squats. Well, I love most all things with Kettlebells. Looking forward to the next challenge Lauren Brooks puts together. It's sure to rock! ...See More

UnlikeReply6Yesterday at 1:35pm
M'l Ab�boubi Since I had my baby 11 months ago, I didn't go back a lot to kettlebell because of back injuries.. I finally discover that I had 2 Spinal disc herniation.. (in L4 L5) so I must have a good "abdominal band". Even I done my exercices since weeks I had al...See More
UnlikeReply5Yesterday at 2:14pm
Steven Peter Yevchak Sr. What a lovely, strong, courageous story. There's not a thing in the world wrong with your English - it's quite powerful, actually. God Bless you and thanks for sharing! Pete
UnlikeReply223 hrs
Lauren Brooks

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Leslie Reid-Green I am really glad I did this. On days when I got no other activity I still did my squats. I am thinking of starting it again on February 1st.
UnlikeReply419 hrs


















#21daysofsquats #laurenbrooksfitness #laurenbrooksfitnesschallenge #shutupandtrain