This Home Cardio Workout Will Get Your Heart Pumping
All you need to complete this fast-paced, no-kit circuit session is a “don’t quit” attitude
If you’re looking for effective home workouts to do during the COVID-19 lockdown then try the website of London studio Flykick, which is posting workouts every Friday.
The Fitness Friday sessions include an exceptionally useful timer that displays the exercise you’re meant to be doing and how long for so you can follow itin real time. If you’re not sure how to do the move listed, there are accompanying YouTube videos that demonstrate each one.
For an example of the kind of workout you can expect, give this circuit session created by Flykick instructor Lily-Blue Beaumont a go.
How To Do This Workout
The workout is made up of two blocks. Complete six rounds of the first block, and then step things up for the final block which you’ll complete three times for nine rounds in total. In each round you do eight exercises for 30 seconds each, then move on to the next one without taking a break. After one round you get a minute’s rest, then go through that block of exercises again.
Block 1
Complete six rounds of the following before moving on to the next block.
1 Walking plank
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
Get into a plank position supported on your forearms. Push yourself up one arm at a time until you’re on your hands, then come back down onto your forearms.
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2 Press-up
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
Start in a high plank position, or drop to your knees for an easier variation. Lower your chest until it’s just above the floor, then push back up.
3 Plank
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
Get into a plank position supported on your forearms and hold it for the time.
4 Plank jack
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
Stay in your plank position and jump your feet out to either side at the same time, as if you were performing a jumping jack, and then back to the middle.
5 Runner’s lunge
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
From a standing position take a big step forwards on your left leg. Bend your front knee until it’s at 90° and then put your hands either side of your front foot, keeping your back leg straight. Hold this position for the time, feeling the stretch in your hips and leg muscles. Alternate legs with each circuit.
6 Jump lunge
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
From standing, step forwards into a lunge and lower until both knees are bent at 90°. Push back up explosively, jump up and swap legs quickly so you land in a lunge position with your other leg forwards.
7 High knees
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
Sprint on the spot, raising your knees as high as you can.
8 Burpee
Time 30sec Rest 60sec
From standing, drop your hands to the floor either side of your feet, then jump your feet backwards to land in the high plank position. Jump your feet forwards to your hands again and leap up, taking your hands above your head (make sure the ceilings in your house are high enough).
See related
- 10-Minute Cardio At Home Workout
- A 30-Minute No-Kit Home Workout For People Swerving The Gym
- Go Easy On Your Joints With This Low-Impact Home Workout
Block 2
Finish your workout strong with three rounds of the following.
1 Walking plank
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
2 Press-up
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
3 Mountain climber
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
In a high plank position, alternate driving each knee up towards your chest as fast as possible.
4 Plank jack
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
5 Jump squat
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
Stand with your feet hip-width apart. Sit back into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the ground, then drive back up and jump up. Land softly and go straight into another squat.
6 Jump lunge
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
7 Burpee
Time 30sec Rest 0sec
8 Chest-to-floor burpee
Time 30sec Rest 60sec
Perform a burpee as before but when you drop to a high plank position, lower your chest to the floor and push back up before you bring your feet forwards again.
Nick Harris-Fry is a journalist who has been covering health and fitness since 2015. Nick is an avid runner, covering 70-110km a week, which gives him ample opportunity to test a wide range of running shoes and running gear. He is also the chief tester for fitness trackers and running watches, treadmills and exercise bikes, and workout headphones.