New Year New You Total Body Workout

New Year New You Total Body Workout

Kickstart Your Fitness Journey: A New Year, New You Total Body Workout

Introduction: Embrace the New Year with a Fresh Start

The beginning of a new year is the perfect opportunity to set new goals and embark on a journey of self-improvement. Whether you’re aiming to improve your fitness, develop new skills, or simply adopt a healthier lifestyle, starting the year with a solid plan can set the tone for success. In this post, we’re going to explore a beginner-friendly total body workout that anyone can do. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add a new challenge to your routine, this workout will help you achieve your fitness goals.

Important Mention

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Why Set New Year’s Resolutions?

Setting resolutions at the start of the year is a common practice because it provides a clear moment to reflect on the past and plan for the future. For many, this includes making goals related to health and fitness. For example, in the past, I’ve set goals like becoming a Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and starting this blog. Another goal was to improve my backbend and overall flexibility. Each year, I focus on different aspects of my fitness journey, and this year is no different. My primary goals this year include perfecting my backbend and mastering a handstand. Both require daily practice, so I’ve committed to incorporating yoga into my routine every day. Sometimes that means just a quick five-minute session, but other days it could be 45 minutes of focused practice.

The Importance of Setting Small, Achievable Goals

When it comes to resolutions, it’s important to set both large and small goals. The small goals act as stepping stones, helping you stay on track and motivated as you work toward larger objectives. For instance, if your goal is to lose 30 pounds by the end of the year, you might start with smaller goals like cutting out added sugars or exercising three times a week. These manageable steps make the larger goal feel more attainable. Similarly, if you’re interested in trying out new workouts, finding routines that appeal to you—like the one we’re about to dive into—can keep you engaged and committed.

Beginner Total Body Workout: Simple, Effective, and Perfect for Everyone

This beginner total body workout is designed to be simple enough that you’ll want to keep coming back for more, yet challenging enough to help you break a sweat and burn some calories. The workout consists of several exercises, each performed for 30 seconds, with a 15-second rest in between. The routine is repeated for a total of three sets, giving you a full workout in just 18 minutes. With a warm-up and cool-down added in, you’ll complete everything in under 25 minutes. If you’re feeling up to it, you can add a fourth set, extending the workout to 24 minutes before warm-up and cool-down. That means you can get a solid workout done in less than 30 minutes!

Workout Modifications and Tips

In the video linked above, you’ll find modifications for each exercise, making this workout accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level. For instance, the workout doesn’t include any jumping movements, so it can be done anywhere, even in spaces with limited room or low ceilings. However, if you’re looking for an extra challenge, feel free to add some jumps—like a small hop with high knees, or try jumping squats and lunges. This flexibility makes it a versatile workout that can grow with you as your fitness improves.

Exercise Breakdown and Step-by-Step Instructions

1. High Knees

Starting Position:

  • Stand with your feet together.
  • Place your hands at waist height to gauge how high you should bring your knees.

Movement:

  • Lift your left knee up toward your hands.
  • Return your left foot to the ground.
  • Repeat with your right knee.
  • Continue alternating legs, maintaining a steady pace.

2. Modified Jumping Jacks

Starting Position:

  • Stand with your feet together, arms at your sides.

Movement:

  • Step your left leg out while slightly bending your right knee and raising your hands overhead.
  • Step back together and lower your arms.
  • Repeat with your right leg, slightly bending your left knee this time.
  • Continue alternating sides.

3. Squats

Starting Position:

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

Movement:

  • Push your hips back as if you’re about to sit on a chair.
  • Lower into a squat, going as low as is comfortable without causing knee pain.
  • Push through your heels to stand back up, squeezing your glutes at the top.
  • Repeat the movement.

4. Right Leg Lunges

Starting Position:

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

Movement:

  • Step your right leg back.
  • Lower your body by bending both knees, keeping the front knee aligned over your ankle.
  • Push through your left heel to return to the starting position.
  • Repeat the movement.

5. Left Leg Lunges

Starting Position:

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart.

Movement:

  • Step your left leg back.
  • Lower your body by bending both knees, ensuring the front knee stays aligned with your ankle.
  • Push through your right heel to return to the starting position.
  • Repeat the movement.

6. Modified Push-Ups

Starting Position:

  • Begin on your hands and knees.

Movement:

  • Walk your knees back slightly, keeping your hands under your shoulders to form a straight line from your knees to your head.
  • Lower your chest towards the floor, keeping your core engaged to prevent your back from arching.
  • Push through your hands to return to the starting position.
  • Repeat the movement.

7. Sit-Ups

Starting Position:

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent to a comfortable angle.

Movement:

  • Place your hands either at your sides, behind your head, or crossed over your chest.
  • Engage your core muscles and sit up.
  • Slowly lower yourself back down.
  • Repeat the movement.

8. Plank Hold

Starting Position:

  • Begin on your hands and knees.

Movement:

  • Walk your knees back to create a long line from your knees to your head, with your hands under your shoulders.
  • Engage your core and hold the position.
  • If you feel ready, try lifting one knee off the ground or transition to a full plank on your toes, lowering to your knees as needed.

Cool Down and Recovery: Ending Your Workout the Right Way

After completing the workout, it’s essential to take time to cool down. Cooling down helps your body gradually return to a resting state, reduces muscle stiffness, and aids in recovery. A good cool down should include light stretching and deep breathing exercises to relax your muscles and mind. Focus on stretching the major muscle groups you’ve worked on during the workout, such as your legs, back, and arms.

Example Cool Down Routine:

  1. Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the floor with one leg extended and the other bent, reaching towards your toes. Hold for 20-30 seconds on each side.
  2. Quadriceps Stretch: Stand on one leg, pulling the opposite foot towards your glutes to stretch the front of your thigh. Hold for 20-30 seconds on each side.
  3. Child’s Pose: Kneel on the floor, sit back on your heels, and extend your arms forward on the ground, lowering your forehead towards the floor. Hold for 30-60 seconds.
  4. Shoulder Stretch: Extend one arm across your chest, using the opposite arm to press it closer to your body. Hold for 20-30 seconds on each side.
  5. Deep Breathing: Stand or sit comfortably, taking slow, deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on relaxing each muscle group as you exhale.

Tips for Staying Motivated and Consistent

Staying motivated and consistent with your fitness routine is key to achieving your goals. Here are a few tips to help you stick with it:

1. Track Your Progress: Keep a fitness journal or use an app to record your workouts, track your progress, and celebrate small victories.

2. Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that progress takes time, and it’s okay to have off days. Focus on consistency rather than perfection.

3. Mix It Up: Prevent boredom by varying your workouts. Try new exercises, routines, or even different types of physical activity like swimming or hiking.

4. Find a Workout Buddy: Exercising with a friend can make workouts more enjoyable and keep you accountable.

5. Reward Yourself: Treat yourself for reaching milestones, whether it’s with a new workout outfit, a relaxing massage, or a day off to recharge.

6. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust your workouts accordingly. Rest and recovery are just as important as exercise.

Commit to a Healthier You

Embarking on a fitness journey at the start of the year is a powerful way to commit to a healthier and happier version of yourself. By setting realistic goals, following a balanced workout routine, and staying consistent, you can make significant progress toward your fitness aspirations. Remember, it’s not about perfection but about making small, sustainable changes that add up over time. With this beginner total body workout, you’re taking the first step toward a stronger, fitter you. Happy New Year, and happy training!