Breaking up with someone is always hard, even when you know that the person is wrong for you. What can be even harder though, is getting over them. Eighty-five percent of readers in YourTango survey said they struggle with breakups and could use a "breakover" — aka an internal and external makeover aimed at helping them move on. One of the best methods to a successful "breakover" is through exercise — in fact, survey respondents listed exercise as one of the top three methods for getting over a breakup.
Besides serving as a good distraction, exercise helps us to:
- release emotions and channel all that post-breakup energy in a constructive, positive way
- build a stronger and healthier you which boosts self-esteem and confidence
- helps you look and feel amazing! And while being the hottest you ever can't fully heal a broken heart, it sure doesn't hurt.
So if you are ready to get over that ex of yours once and for all, try this workout to help you look and feel your best. By the end of the workout, your mind will be cleared, your entire body will be worked and you will have burned lots of fat!
This routine is best done after a 10 minute warm up jog, jump rope session, bike ride, etc. Perform each exercise for one minute and go directly into the next exercise with no rest. Try to do 3-4 rounds of the routine and finish off with a 10 minute cool down and stretch. Everything can be modified to be more or less challenging — you can contact me through my website for modifications.
Photo: weheartit.comhttp://weheartit.com/entry/53596550/http://weheartit.com/entry/53596550/
Bear Crawl
Category: Upper Body
Muscles: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, Core
• Start in a push up position
• Keep the hips and shoulders in one line, BUTT DOWN!
• Step forward with your hands and feet, alternating
• Think of lengthening through the body
Think: "I will have Michelle Obama's triceps... I will have Michelle Obama's triceps..."
Squat Thrusts
Category: Cardio
Muscles: Core, Cardio
• Start in a standing position
• Place the hands on the floor
• Jump the feet back so you are in a full push up position
• Shoulders and chest are directly above the hands
• Jump the feet forward and stand
Mastering this move will make you feel so good you'll be thinking "ex who?"
Squats
Category: Lower Body
Muscles: Quads, Butt, Hamstring
• Start in a standing position and slowly lower down so that your knees are at a 90 degree bend
• Don't let your knees pass over your toes
• Return to standing position while pushing through the heels of the feet
Getting tired? Imagine each squat is clearing the toxins of your past relationship from your system.
Push Ups
Category: Upper Body
Muscles: Chest, Shoulders, Triceps, Core
• Place the hands on the floor in line and slightly wider than the shoulders
• Look forward
• Slowly lower yourself down so that your elbows are at a 90 degree bend
• Push up to starting position
Think: "Each push up is making my body and mind stronger than this breakup."
Mountain Climbers
Category: Cardio
Muscles: Cardio, Chest, Shoulders, Core
• Start in a push up position with one foot closer to the hands
• Keep the hips in line with the shoulders the entire time
• Using your core, jump the extended foot closer to the hands as the other one extends back
• Get a rhythm and stick with it
The sound of your heart pumping will drown out any thoughts of your ex.
Alternating Lunges
Category: Lower Body
Muscles: Quads, Butt, Hamstring
• Start in a standing position
• Step forward with one leg while bending the knee to a 90 degree bend
• Push through the heel of the front foot and push back to standing position
• Repeat on the other leg
Envision your sculpted thighs and butt walking away from your ex.
Jack Knife
Category: Core
Muscles: Abs, Lower Back, Obliques
• Start laying on the floor on your back with the arms over the head and legs on the floor
• Keeping the legs and arms straight come up so that you are doing a crunch and leg lifts at the same time
• Lower the upper and lower body to about 6 inches above the floor
• Don't arch your back
• BREATHE!!
Because nothing says "I'm over it" like a six-pack...
High Knees
Category: Cardio
Muscles: Cardio
• Start in a standing position and begin the motion by running in place
• Get the knees up as high as you can, the thighs should hit parallel to the floor
• Be gentle on your feet
Moving through a breakup require stamina—and high knees'll help you build it.
Crab Crawl
Category: Upper Body
Muscles: Upper Back, Triceps, Shoulders, Lower Back, Hamstrings
• Start in a yogic table top position
• Keep the hips up as high as you can
• Step forward alternating hands and feet
This throwback-to-childhood move feels both strengthening and silly at the same time—two elements breakups could use more of!
Walk Out Jump Squat
Category: Lower Body
Muscles: Quads, Butt, Hamstring, Core, Cardio
• Start in a squat position
• Place the hands on the floor and walk them forward so that you are in a full push up position
• Walk your hands back towards the feet
• When you reach the squat position jump as high as you can
• Land into a deep squat position
This move pumps you up—it's a great way to kick those post-breakup blues.
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