Want to give your think tank a boost?
These exercises will get your grey matter firing.
Kit you’ll need
·
2 x 3-5kg dumbbells
·
3-5kg medicine ball
·
Skipping rope
·
Step
You know working out regularly is great for
your body, but it also has another important benefit that we tend to overlook:
brain power.
Exercise revs up your circulation and
boosts your metabolism, helping to relies stress, improve your mood and bolster
your attention span. So, if you’re feeling a bit slow off the mark or you’re
struggling to concentrate at the office, a workout that stimulates your grey
matter could be the perfect fix.
There are combinations of moves you can
blend together to ensure both your body and your brain get all the exercise
they need. This cardio workout is designed to get your heart pumping and the
blood flowing to your noggin to make sure you’re ready to take on any challenge
that comes your way!
Complete this workout twice a week for best
results, moving quickly from one exercise to the next to keep your heart rate
elevated. Perform four rounds of the first seven exercises, then hold the
shoulder stand for 30 seconds to complete the workout.
Beginner: 30 seconds each exercise
Intermediate: 45 seconds each exercise
Advanced: 60 seconds each exercise
Squat and punch
Areas trained
Thighs, bottom, shoulders, arms
Technique
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width
apart, holding dumbbells in each hand by your shoulders, with your arms
bent.
- Squat down, pushing your hips back, so
that your hips are just slightly higher than your knees. At the same time,
start punching forward with your right hand, then left.
- Straighten your legs and return to
standing, punching throughout the movement.
Speed step-up
Areas trained
Thighs, bottom, cardio
Technique
·
Begin standing on the floor with a step or low
in front of you
·
Quickly step up onto the box with your right
foot, followed by your left, then step off the box, right foot first.
·
Try to complete as many steps as you can in the
allotted time
Clockface jump
Areas trained
Thighs, bottom
Technique
·
Imagine you are standing in the centre of a
clock face and pick four numbers at random.
·
Jump to the first, then back to the centre, and
so on.
·
Pick another four numbers and continue for the
allotted time.
Safety tips
·
Keep your abs engaged and your back straight in
each exercise
·
Land softy after jumping, with your hips, knees
and ankles in line
·
Keep your neck relaxed and neutral in the
shoulder stand.
