‘Tis the season for fun family gatherings, lots of holiday events, and wondering how the heck you’re going to work out. I’m always a fan of fast dumbbell circuits, but even more so in such a busy season. I will always appreciate the amazing feeling I get when I can grab a pair of dumbbells, put on my headphones, and 20 or 30 minutes later, I’m sweating and energized to take on the rest of the day.
For today’s post, I wanted to share a quick workout you can do anywhere this holiday season. All you need is a pair of medium-sized dumbbells and a mat. Let me know if you try it! (As always, talk to a doctor before making changes to your fitness and respect your body.)
Strength circuit training during the holidays
Tips and signs of form:
Upright row squat
Holding a pair of dumbbells, keep your chest up and the weight in your heels as you squat down and step back. Exhale and squeeze your butt to rise and perform an upright row at the top.
Jump squats
Make sure you land softly with your knees bent. As you jump, extend your arms above your head and try to create some lightness in the movement. Crouch as low as you can and reach as high as you can.
Curtsy Lunges
Cross one leg back and behind the other, and lower yourself into a curtsy lunge. The front foot remains flat on the ground and the back foot has the heel lifted off the ground.
frogs
Start in a plié squat position. Lower your hands to touch the floor (keep your chest up). Jump and land, touching the ground.
Bicep curl to shoulder press
Holding a dumbbell, squeeze your biceps and exhale as you curl up, inhale to bring the weights to 90 degrees and exhale to press up.
Push-ups for Renegade Row
Start in a plank position, on your knees or on your toes, holding dumbbells with both hands. Keep your hips down in line with your spine and exhale, squeezing your chest, to rise. Lift a dumbbell and squeeze your back to bend your elbow toward your torso, keeping your elbow close to you. Lower down and repeat on the opposite side.
Scissors
Exhale to leave your head and shoulders off the floor, reach up to grab the back of your knee with both arms. Keeping your legs straight or bent and your core tight, switch legs.
Note: These photos were originally taken as part of a paid sponsorship, which is still being approved, but I wanted you guys to have access to this training content over the holidays. I covered the cost of the clothes out of pocket.
these stockings They are supportive, non-see-through (<—very important) and are perfect for strength training and Orangetheory. They also have a wide variety of sizes available.
this fleece It’s a classic Under Armor staple and they make easy holiday gifts, too. You can find them in many different colors for women, men and children. They are very soft and cozy to lounge in or wear to and from the gym.
Let me know if you try the workout and what you think! I’m going to do a quick cardio workout and meet a friend from college for coffee. 🙂
I hope you have a wonderful morning and see you soon!
xo
gina
Photos of Kristi Harris
