Upper Body Pyramid Workout

Let's kickstart your Monday with a pyramid workout to change up your routine!  Targeted at your upper body, this workout is designed to be easy to follow, and will only take about 15-20 minutes depending on your pace.  Ready to get started??  Check out the details below...

 

UPPER BODY PYRAMID WORKOUT

Start with 10 reps of each exercise.  Move down to 9, then 8, then 7... etc. until you get to 1 each.

Wide-Arm Push Ups - just like the name implies, keep those arms out wide (wider than shoulder width).  Perform regular push ups from this position.  Trainer Tip: remember you can drop to your knees whenever you need to here.

Up-Down Planks - start in a plank on your elbows, and one arm at a time, raise yourself up to a high plank position (on your hands).  Reverse that to bring yourself back down to a low plank.  That's 1 rep.  Trainer Tip: you can also do these from your knees.

Tricep Push Ups - lie down on one side, legs out straight, bottom arm crossed over your chest.  Place the hand of the top arm on the ground near your shoulder.  Use that arm to push yourself up so your upper body is off the floor.  Lower yourself back down slowly.  Repeat that motion for the specified # of reps on one side, then switch.

Mountain Climbers - from a high plank position, alternate "running" (bringing your knees into your chest, moving your feet quickly).  For a fun variation, try cross-body mountain climbers, bringing your knees to the opposite side instead of straight into your chest (e.g. left knee to right side).

Inch Worms - find some floor space where you can move forward and backward.  Start in a high plank, and walk your feet up to your hands, keeping your hands on the ground.  Now walk your hands back out until you reach a plank position.  Keep alternating that "inch worm" pattern.

Side Plank Toe Touches - these ones are tough, so modify as you need to.  Start in a high side plank (modification = side plank on your elbow and/or bottom leg tucked under).  Bring your top arm and top leg in front of you so your hand touches your toes.  Repeat that motion for your rep count, and then switch sides.

Hope you have fun with this and that you feel it in your shoulders and chest by the end!  Let me know how it goes!  Remember, you can find me on social media using the links to the side (or at the bottom if on a mobile device or viewing in email subscription).  Get your friends and family involved, too!  Here's to the start of a happy and healthy week ahead!