Thursday, February 26, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #20

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #20 Friday, March 4th

Workout focus BICEPS

  • EZ Curls Bar 3x10 
  • Hammer Curls 3x10
  • Alternate Curls 3x10
  • Cardio - 30 minutes of your choice
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
EZ Curls Bar
  1. Set up a preacher curl bench making sure that the seat is set at the right height for you. The seat shouldn’t be so low that you need to raise your shoulders, or so high that you need to lean over the support pad.
  2. Rest you arms on the support pad with your triceps near the top and your elbows midway down the pad.
  3. Grip the EZ curl bar with an underhand grip at shoulder width.
  4. Curl the bar in towards your chin and upper chest in a single smooth arc. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Lower the bar by extending your arms back to the starting position.
    Notes: This exercise is designed to isolate and focus attention on the biceps. Therefore, resistance is stronger at the start of each repetition. So when you begin each repetition, don’t “swing” your arms to move the weight.  By returning to the start position slowly, you are keeping tension on the bicep working it in both directions.   This exercise can also be performed a pair of dumbbells or using one arm at a time.

Hammer Curls
  1. Stand straight holing a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
  2. Keep your arms fully extended with your palms facing in to your sides.
  3. Keep your elbows tucked in to your sides. This is the start position.
  4. Keeping your upper arm stationary, exhale and curl the dumbbells up towards your shoulders.
  5. Continue raising the dumbbells until your biceps are fully contracted and the dumbbells are at shoulder level.
  6. Hold for a count of one and squeeze your biceps.
  7. Return to the start position in a smooth movement, inhaling as you do so.
  8. Repeat.

  9. Note: There are many ways to perform this movement. Other examples include; sitting with or without back support, using alternating arms and also using a cable station’s lower pulley.

Alternate Curls
  1. Set up an incline bench at 45 degrees.
  2. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, sit on the bench, keeping your shoulders and back firmly against the back rest.
  3. Put your arms down by your side with your palms facing in to your body.
  4. Slowly curl your arms up, rotating your wrist outwards (thumbs pointing away from your body) until the dumbbell is level with your shoulders. (Your palms should be facing your shoulders)
  5. Flex or squeeze your bicep at the top of the movement and hold for a count of one.
  6. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the start position, turning your palms back in to your body. Repeat.

  7. Note: You can also perform this exercise using one arm at a time or by alternating your arms (Left, right, left, right…)

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #19 - Thurs. March 3rd

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #19 Thursday,, March 3rd

Workout focus CHESTS

Push Up Series 
  • Regular 2x10
  • Claps 2x10
  • Close Grip 2x10

  • Rower x 20 minutes 
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #18 - Wed, March 2nd

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #18 Wednesday, March 2nd

Workout focus BACK
  • Assisted Pull Ups x 25 total
  • Bike 15 minutes
  • Elliptical 15 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Assisted Pull Ups
  1. Standing under a pull up bar, reach up and hold onto the bar with an overhand grip. Make sure your hands are about twice your shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your arms straight and hang from the bar so that your arms are taking all of your weight.
  3. Keeping your body straight and not swinging your weight, pull your body up towards the bar by pulling your elbows down towards your torso at an angle.
  4. Continue lifting until your chest is nearly touching the bar. You should feel a “squeeze” at the base of your lats (about midway down your back and to the side) as they contract.
  5. Once your lats have completely contracted at the top of the movement, slowly lower your body to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.

  7. Note: By using a wide grip, your lats (Latimus dorsi) are doing most of the lift, rather than your biceps.



  8. It doesn’t matter if you keep your legs straight or bent at the knees with your feet crossed. The important thing is that you do not use your legs to assist in lifting your body weight.



  9. You can use a partner or “spotter” to lift your legs slightly if you are a beginner or if you need help completing the last few repetitions of your set.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

SpringRob's Terrific 20 - Day #17 - Tues, March 1st

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #17 Tuesday, March 1st

Workout focus LEGS AND SHOULDERS
  • Bodyweight Jump Squats 4x10
  • Lunges 3x10
  • Deltoid Push Ups 3x10
  • Mountain Climbers x100
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Body Weight Jump Squats
  1. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead or only slightly outward.
  2. Cross your arms in front of your body, place your hands behind your head or at the sides of your head.
  3. Keep your weight on your heels and bend your knees while lowering your hips towards the ground as if you are sitting down on a chair.
  4. Keep your back straight at all times.
  5. Continue until you feel a slight stretch in your quadriceps. Do not let your knees extend out beyond the level of your toes.
  6. Pause for a count of one.
  7. In an explosive movement, drive down through your heels pushing yourself up of the floor with your quads.
  8. At the same time extend our arms out above you.
  9. Land with your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact.
  10. Repeat

Lunges
  1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart and place your hands on your hips. This is the start position.
  2. Step forward with either leg in a long stride. Keep your other foot in place behind you.
  3. Bend your knees as you do this so your body is lowered towards the ground. Keep your back straight throughout the movement.
  4. Continue down until your front knee is just above the ground. (Your front leg should be bent 90 degrees at the knee)
  5. Hold for a count of one.
  6. Push down through your front heel and extend both knees to return to the start position.
  7. Pause then repeat with your other leg. When you have lunged with both legs, that is one repetition.
  8. Repeat.

Deltoid Push Up












Mountain Climbers
  1. Place your hands flat on the floor, shoulder width apart.
  2. Extend your torso and legs fully behind you with only your toes and balls of your feet touching the floor.
  3. Your body should be in a straight line, with your weight supported on your hands and toes only.
  4. Starting with either leg, flex your knee and hip at the same time to bring your knee up and under your hip. Your other leg should remain fully extended. This is the start position.
  5. Using an explosive movement, reverse the position of your legs, by extending the bent leg back and simultaneously flexing the straight leg until it is in the startposition.
  6. Continue alternating in this manner for the desire amount of time.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #16 - Mon, February 29th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #16 Monday, February 29th

Workout focus TRICEPS
  • Bench Dips 5x5
  • Push Downs on Machine
  • Jump Rope 10x30 seconds
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Bench Dips
  1. Set up 2 flat benches opposite each other. They should be roughly the distance of your hips to the floor apart.
  2. Stand with your back to one bench,facing the other, then crouch down placing your palms behind you on the edge of the bench. Your arms should be fully extended at shoulder width, with your fingers facing forward.
  3. Place the heels of your feet on the other bench. Keep your legs fully extended.  This is the start position.
  4. Slowly lower yourself down by bending your elbows,until they are at 90 degrees or slightly less. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the starting position by pushing yourself up using only your triceps to straighten your arms. Hold then repeat.

Push Downs
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar on attached to the top pulley.
  2. Grip the bar with an overhand grip,with your hands slightly less than shoulder width apart.
  3. Position your feet shoulder width apart,with knees slightly bent for stability.
  4. Pull the bar down until your forearms are parallel to the floor with your elbows close to your body and your wrists locked in a straight position. This is your staring point.
  5. Moving only your forearms, push the bar down towards the floor until your arms are fully extended and you feel a stretch in your triceps. Hold for a count of one and squeeze your triceps.
  6. Return to the start position moving your forearms only. Hold for a count of one then repeat.

  7. Note: Do not move your elbows or swing your hips for momentum during this movement.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #15- Fri, February 26th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #15 Friday, February 26th

Workout focus CHEST
  • Push Ups 2x10 (2x4 with clap - be daring and try it if you are ready)
  • Flys 3x10
  • Rower x 12 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Push Up
  1. Get into position by placing your hands flat on the floor, directly below your shoulders.
  2. Extend your legs out behind you, with only your toes and balls of your feet touching the floor.
  3. Hold your body up and keep your back straight by tightening your abdominal muscles.
  4. Your neck and head should be bent slightly back.
  5. Lower your chest towards the ground by bending your elbows until your chest is just above the ground or you feel a stretching of your chest and shoulders. Hold for a count of one.
  6. Press upwards from your chest and shoulders, straightening your arms as you return to the starting position. Hold for a count of one.
  7. Repeat.
Flys
  1. Set up an incline bench at about 30 degrees.
  2. Lie on the bench and hold a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip.
  3. Make sure you keep your back flat and your shoulders pushed back
  4. Turn your hands in so that your palms are facing each other, holding the dumbbells over your chest with your elbows slightly bent and pointing outwards. (As if you are hugging someone)
  5. Lower the dumbbells out to the side of your shoulders, while keeping your elbows slightly bent in a smooth arcing motion.
  6. Continue lowering them until you feel a stretch in your chest and shoulders. Pause for a count of one.
  7. Bring the dumbbells back to the starting position in the same smooth arc with your elbows slightly bent until the dumbbells are nearly touching.
  8. Repeat

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #14 - Thurs, February 25th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #14 Thursday, February 25th

Workout focus BACK
  • Assisted Pull Ups 5x maximum reps (do as many reps as you can)
  • Bent Over Row 3x10
  • Bike x 20 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Pull Ups (be sure to ask Rob about how to use the assisted pull up bands)
  1. Standing under a pull up bar, reach up and hold onto the bar with an overhand grip. Make sure your hands are about twice your shoulder width apart.
  2. Keep your arms straight and hang from the bar so that your arms are taking all of your weight.
  3. Keeping your body straight and not swinging your weight, pull your body up towards the bar by pulling your elbows down towards your torso at an angle.
  4. Continue lifting until your chest is nearly touching the bar. You should feel a “squeeze” at the base of your lats (about midway down your back and to the side) as they contract.
  5. Once your lats have completely contracted at the top of the movement, slowly lower your body to the starting position.
  6. Repeat.
Note: By using a wide grip, your lats (Latimus dorsi) are doing most of the lift, rather than your biceps.  It doesn’t matter if you keep your legs straight or bent at the knees with your feet crossed. The important thing is that you do not use your legs to assist in lifting your body weight.  You can use a partner or “spotter” to lift your legs slightly if you are a beginner or if you need help completing the last few repetitions of your set.  As your strength increases, you can add weight by using a weight belt.

Bent Over Row
  1. Stand tall with a tight core and flat back. Hold a pair of dumbbells at your side with an overhand grip. Bend slightly at the knees as you push your hips back. Keep your chest and head up. Upper body should be almost parallel with the floor.
  2. With your elbows at a 60-degree angle, bring the dumbbells up. Pause when your upper arm is parallel with the floor. Contract the muscle then slowly return the dumbbells to the starting point.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #13 - Wed, February 24th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #13 Wednesday, February 24th

Workout focus TRICEPS
  • Close Grip Push Ups 4x10
  • Treadmill x 20 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Close Grip Push Ups
  1. Position yourself on all fours on a mat.
  2. Place your hands in front of you and shoulder-width apart.
  3. Now bring your hands in towards the center until the tips of your index fingers and tips of your thumbs are touching. This creates a diamond shape between your hands. Your elbows and wrists should be in line with your chest.
  4. With your fingers facing forwards, lift off your knees so that your body forms a straight line and just your hands and toes touch the floor.
  5. Keep you pelvis straight and abs engaged and aim to keep a straight back throughout the movement.
  6. Bend your elbows and lower your body towards the floor, aiming to touch your chest to the top of your hands. Pause briefly.
  7. Return to the starting position by extending your elbows and lifting your body off the floor again.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #12 - Tues, February 23rd

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #12 Tuesday, February 23rd

Workout focus BICEPS + LEGS
  • Romanian Deadlift 3x10
  • Exercise Ball Hamstring Curls 4x10
  • Elliptical x 15 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Romanian Deadlift
  1. Standing tall with a tight core and flat back, hold a barbell or a pair of dumbbells in front of you. Hands should be slightly wider than shoulder-width.
  2. Maintaining a tight core and flat back, bend your knees slightly and push your hips back. Keep your arms extended and the weight close to the body. Once you feel the contraction in the back of your legs, slowly return to the starting position.
Exercise Ball Hamstring Curls
  1. Lie with your back flat on an exercise mat and your feet resting on top of a Swiss ball.
  2. Use your feet to roll the ball away from you until your legs are fully extended and your ankles are on top of the ball. This is the start position.
  3. Keep your shoulders flat on the ground and press down with your feet to raise your hips off the floor.
  4. Bend your knees, so that the ball is pulled towards you and continue as far as is comfortable. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the starting position by extending your legs until they are straight.
  6. Repeat.

Sunday, February 15, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #11 - Mon, February 22nd

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #11: Monday, February 22nd

Workout focus SHOULDERS
  • Lateral Raises 3x10
  • Front Raises 3x10
  • Bike x 20 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Lateral Raises
  1. Stand with your back straight, feet shoulder width apart, while holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip.
  2. Hold your arms fully extended by your side, with your palms facing in to your body.
  3. Keep your elbows close to your sides. This is the start position.
  4. Keeping your arms fully extended and your torso stationary, lift the dumbbells out to your sides and up until they are at shoulder level. Exhale as you do so.
  5. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your shoulder muscles.
  6.  Return to the start position in a smooth controlled movement inhaling as you do so.
  7. Repeat.
Frontal Raises
  1. Stand straight holding a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip.
  2. Hold the dumbbells in in front of your thighs with your palms of the facing your thighs. Keep your arms fully extended. This is the start position.
  3. Raise the left dumbbell out and upwards, while keeping a slight bend in your elbow. Your palms must always face down for this exercise.
  4. Continue raising the dumbbell until you arm is a little above parallel to the floor. Exhale as you are raising the dumbbell.
  5. Pause for a count of one.
  6. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell to the start position.
  7. As you lower the left dumbbell, begin to lift the right dumbbell, duplicating the movement.
  8. When both dumbbells have been raised and lowered in a cycle, that is one repetition.
  9. Repeat.
Note: This exercise can be performed using both arms at the same time and also by substituting a barbell for the two dumbbells.

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #10 - Fri, February 19th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #10: Friday, February 19th

Workout focus SHOULDERS
  • Tricep Pushdowns 4x10
  • Overhead Press 3x10
  • Treadmill x 20 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Tricep Pushdowns
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar on attached to the top pulley.
  2. Grip the bar with an overhand grip,with your hands slightly less than shoulder width apart.
  3. Position your feet shoulder width apart,with knees slightly bent for stability.
  4. Pull the bar down until your forearms are parallel to the floor with your elbows close to your body and your wrists locked in a straight position. This is your staring point.
  5. Moving only your forearms, push the bar down towards the floor until your arms are fully extended and you feel a stretch in your triceps. Hold for a count of one and squeeze your triceps.
  6. Return to the start position moving your forearms only. Hold for a count of one then repeat.
Overhead Press
  1. Place a bench with a back support inside a squat rack and set up a barbell at a height that is just above your head.
  2. Grip the barbell with an overhand grip.
  3. Space your hands out so that your elbows are bent at 90 degrees.
  4. Lift the bar to around shoulder level by extending your arms. This is the start position.
  5. Inhaling, lower the bar to your shoulders slowly.
  6. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your shoulder muscles.
  7. Push the barbell back to the start position as you exhaling as you do so..
  8. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #9 - Thur, February 18th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #9: Thursday, February 18th

Workout focus SHOULDERS
  • Deltoid Push Ups
  • Rob's Windmill 1x20, 1x30, 1x40
  • Bikex20 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Deltoid Push Ups

Push ups can be varied in lots of ways to concentrate on different muscle groups.
Today's workout focuses on the deltoids by adding the weight and pressure to primary focus on the "delts".

Rob's Windmill
  1. Stand straight holding a 3lb yoga ball in each hand.
  2. Hold the yoga balls in in front of your thighs with your palms of the facing your thighs. Keep your arms fully extended. This is the start position.
  3. Raise the left yoga ball out and upwards, while keeping a slight bend in your elbow. Your palms must always face down for this exercise.
  4. Continue raising the yoga ball until you arm is a little above parallel to the floor. Exhale as you are raising the dumbbell.
  5. Pause for a count of one.
  6. Inhale and slowly lower the dumbbell to the start position.
  7. Then raise each yoga ball out and upwards to your side, continuously moving from in from to more laterally.
  8. Your third set is completely lateral
  9. Repeat in each plane x20, 30, and 40 reps


Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #8 - Wed, Feb 17th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #8: Wednesday, February 17th

Workout focus LEGS + BICEPS
  • Leg Press 3x10
  • Calf Raises 3x10
  • Alternate Dumbbell Curls 3x10
  • Jump Rope 4x1 minute
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Leg Press
  1. Sit down on a leg press machine and place your legs on the platform directly in front of you at shoulder width.
  2. Lower the safety bars holding the weighted platform and press the platform all the way up until your legs are fully extended in front of you bot do NOT lock your knees. Your torso and legs should be at a 90degree angle to each other. This is the start position.
  3. Inhaling, slowly lower the platform until your upper and lower legs form a 90-degree angle. Pause for a count of one,
  4. Return to the starting position by pushing through the heels of your feet, engaging your quadriceps. Exhale as you do so.
  5. Repeat.
  6. After completing the desired number of repetitions, make sure you lock the safety pins of the machine before alighting.
Calf Raises
  1. Place an exercise step or something similar on the floor in front of you. It should be two or three inches high.
  2. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, place your toes and the balls of your feet on the step. Make sure the arches of your feet are not on the step and your heels are on the floor.
  3. Raise your heels as high as possible by pushing through the balls of your feet and toes while extending your ankles. Hold for a count of one.
  4. Return to the starting position by bending your ankles until you feel a stretch in your calves.
  5. Repeat.
Alternate Dumbbell Curls
  1. Set up an incline bench at 45 degrees.
  2. Holding a dumbbell in each hand, sit on the bench, keeping your shoulders and back firmly against the back rest.
  3. Put your arms down by your side with your palms facing in to your body.
  4. Slowly curl your arms up, rotating your wrist outwards (thumbs pointing away from your body) until the dumbbell is level with your shoulders. (Your palms should be facing your shoulders)
  5. Flex or squeeze your bicep at the top of the movement and hold for a count of one.
  6. Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the start position, turning your palms back in to your body. Repeat.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #7 - Tues, Feb 16th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #7: Tuesday, February 16th

Workout focus CHEST
  • Bench Press 4x10
  • Elevated Push Ups 4x10
  • Elliptical 15 minutes
  • Rower 10 minutes
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Bench Press
  1. Position yourself with your back down on a flat bench placing the hands up on the bar using an underhand grip slightly wider than shoulder width apart.
  2. After taking a deep breath in, extend the elbows and lift the bar up off the rack until elbows are extended but not locked. Pause for a brief movement as you fully extend your breath.
  3. Lower the weight directly down to the chest as you breath inwards, keeping the movement pattern slow and steady.
  4. Once just above the chest, pause, and then press directly up again, exhaling your breath.
  5. Continue until all reps are completed and then re-rack the barbell.
Elevated Push Up
  1. Facing down, place yourself on the ground with your hands flat on the floor, directly below your shoulders.
  2. Place your feet on top of a bench or box. Only your toes and balls of your feet should be touching the floor.
  3. Maintain a flat back and tight core before lowering your chest towards the ground. Bend your elbows at a 60-degree angle until your chest is just above the ground. You should feel a stretch across your chest. Hold for a count of one.
  4. Push yourself back to the starting position by straightening your arms. Do not lock out your elbows.
  5. Repeat.
Rowing Machine - The Rowing Stroke
*Information from Concept 2 Rowing


The Catch
  • Arms are straight; head is neutral; shoulders are level and not hunched.
  • Upper body is leaning forward from the hips with the shoulders
  • in front of the hips.
  • Shins are vertical, or as close to vertical as is comfortable for you. Shins should not move beyond perpendicular.
  • Heels may lift as needed.
The Drive
  • Start the drive by pressing with your legs, and then swing the back through the vertical position before finally adding the arm pull.
  • Hands move in a straight line to and from the flywheel.
  • Shoulders remain low and relaxed.
The Finish
  • Upper body is leaning back slightly, using good support from
  • the core muscles.
  • Legs are extended and handle is held lightly below your ribs.
  • Shoulders should be low with wrists and grip relaxed. Wrists should be flat.
The Recovery
  • Extend your arms until they straighten before leaning from the hips towards the flywheel.
  • Once your hands have cleared your knees, allow your knees to bend and gradually slide the seat forward on the monorail.
  • For your next stroke, return to the catch position with shoulders relaxed and shins vertical.

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #6 - Mon. February 15th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #6: Monday, February 15th

Workout focus BACK
  • Lat Pull Downs 3x10
  • Exercise Ball Hyper Extensions 3x12
  • Mountain Climbers x 100
  • Squat Thrust 30-40 total
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Lat Pull Downs
  1. Set up a cable station with a straight bar attached to the top pulley.
  2. Sit on the seat facing the station. Keep your feet flat and planted firmly on the floor.
  3. Using an overhand grip, hold the bar as wide as comfortable. (Your hands should be about 1 1/2 – 2 times body width apart.)
  4. Lean back slightly without arching your back.
  5. Pull the bar towards the top of your chest using your shoulders while arcing your elbows out to the sides of your body.
  6. At the end of the movement squeeze you shoulders together slightly and hold for a count of one.
  7. Return to the start position by arcing your elbows forward while relaxing your shoulders.
  8. Repeat.
Exercise Ball Hyper Extensions
  1. Lie prone on a swiss ball with your feet hip width apart. You can place your feet against a wall for better stability. Clasp your hands behind your head with elbows pointing out.
  2. Engage your abs and raise your torso off the ball, hyperextending your spine.
  3. Return your torso to the ball to the starting position.

Mountain Climbers

  1. Place your hands flat on the floor, shoulder width apart.
  2. Extend your torso and legs fully behind you with only your toes and balls of your feet touching the floor.
  3. Your body should be in a straight line, with your weight supported on your hands and toes only.
  4. Starting with either leg, flex your knee and hip at the same time to bring your knee up and under your hip. Your other leg should remain fully extended. This is the start position.
  5. Using an explosive movement, reverse the position of your legs, by extending the bent leg back and simultaneously flexing the straight leg until it is in the startposition.
  6. Continue alternating in this manner for the desire amount of time.
Squat Thrusts
  1. Stand straight with your feet shoulder width apart and hands by your sides. This is the start position.
  2. In one smooth motion, squat down and place your hands palms down on the floor in front of your feet.
  3. Lean forward, so your weight is on your hands, at the same time jumping your legs out behind you until they are fully extended. Your body should form a straight line with your weight supported on your toes and the balls of your feet and your arms fully extended. (In a push up position)
  4. Jump your feet out by spreading your legs, so that they are wider than hip width apart, then immediately jump them back together.
  5. Complete 1 full push up.
  6. Jump your feet forward to just behind your hands.
  7. Use an explosive motion to push through your heels and return to the start postion.
  8. Repeat.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Spring Rob's Terrific 20 - Day #5 - Fri, February 11th

Rob's Terrific 20 
Day #5: Friday, February 11th

Workout focus TRICEPS + LEGS
  • Bench Dips 4x10
  • Kickbacks 3x10-12
  • Bodyweight Squats 3x12
  • Cardio - 30 minutes your choice
  • *After each exercise there are two numbers.  The first is the sets and the second is the reps.  For example: "Push Ups 3x10" means do 3 sets of 10 push ups with a break between each set - 10 push ups, break, 10 more, etc.
Here are some descriptions and images to help you complete the exercise.
*Information is from workoutlabs.com

Bench Dip
  1. Set up 2 flat benches opposite each other. They should be roughly the distance of your hips to the floor apart.
  2. Stand with your back to one bench,facing the other, then crouch down placing your palms behind you on the edge of the bench. Your arms should be fully extended at shoulder width, with your fingers facing forward.
  3. Place the heels of your feet on the other bench. Keep your legs fully extended.
  4. Slowly lower yourself down by bending your elbows,until they are at 90 degrees or slightly less. Hold for a count of one.
  5. Return to the starting position by pushing yourself up using only your triceps to straighten your arms. Hold then repeat
Kickbacks
  1. Start by standing to the right of a flat bench with a dumbbell on the floor to your right.
  2. Place your left knee on the bench with your left hand palm down n the bench in front of it. In this position, keep your back straight.
  3. Pick up the dumbbell with your right hand using an overhand grip.
  4. Raise your arm until it is in line with your body, keeping your elbow tucked into your side and bent to a 90 degree angle. Your forearm should be pointing straight down to the floor.
  5. Extend your arm using your triceps to lift the weight until it is level with your shoulder.
  6. Hold for a count of one while squeezing your tricep.
  7. Lower to the starting position by bending your elbow to 90 degrees.Hold and repeat.
  8. Complete the set for your right arm before changing stance to work your left arm.
    Note: Only your forearm should move during this exercise.
Bodyweight Squat
  1. Stand with your feet hip width apart. Your toes should be pointing straight ahead or only slightly outward.
  2. Cross your arms in front of your body, place your hands behind your head (prisoner squat) or at the sides of your head.
  3. Keep your weight on your heels and bend your knees while lowering your hips towards the ground as if you are sitting down on a chair.
  4. Keep your back straight at all times.
  5. Continue until you feel a slight stretch in your quadriceps. Pause for a count of one. Do not let your knees extend out beyond the level of your toes.
  6. Return to the start position by pushing down through your heels and extending your hips forward until you are standing straight. Repeat.
Cardio of Your Choice
Some ideas to consider
  • Treadmill
  • Bike
  • Elliptical
  • Rower
  • Anything else that gets your heart rate up