Health and Fitness

Cardio Exercise: Circuits

Each circuit consists of 10 exercises, taking around half a minute each. For each exercise, do the number of repetitions shown, then rest for half a minute. Concentrate on the quality of your execution, lowering the number of repetitions if you find any exercise particularly hard.

Start with one circuit, building to two or three as your holiday approaches. If you can find a partner with whom to train, it is more fun and easier to count and time your rest periods.

Be careful not to overdo it, particularly when you first start training.

1. Knee-bends

Flex down through 45 degrees, then push back to standing. Keep your heels on the floor.

2. Jumps on the spot

3. Abdominal raises (20)

Lie on your back on the floor, with slightly bent legs, and hands clasped behind your head.

Lift your shoulders, keeping your lower back on the floor.

If you find this hard, cross your arms on your chest or let them rest on your thighs.

4. Jumps to left and right (40)

Try to cover a reasonable distance with each jump.

5. Leg raises (20)

Kneeling on all fours, bring one knee in toward your chest, then push the leg back behind you, toe pointed.

Raise the extended leg.

After 20, repeat with the other leg.

6. Triceps raises (20)

Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your palms on the floor behind your hips, fingers facing forward.

Relax your stomach muscles and lower your body towards the floor, keeping your back straight.

Bring your body up again by straightening your arms.

7. Abductor raises (20)

Lie on your side with both legs bent. Raise the upper leg.

After 20, repeat with the other leg.

8. Dorsals (20)

Lie on your stomach with your arms in front of you.

Lift your right arm and left leg off the ground simultaneously.

After 20, repeat on the other side.

9. Lunges (20)

Lunge forwards onto one leg, flexing the knee through 45 degrees.

Make sure your knee stays in line with the middle two toes of your foot and doesn't go infront of your foot.
(In the picture the knee goes too far in front of the foot, so please ignore this)
Push back upright and lunge forwards onto the other leg.

10. Press-ups (20)