Monkey Muscles for Year of the Monkey
Happy Chinese New Year! As you probably already know, this year is the Year of the Monkey! Monkeys are my favorite animals, so it seems fitting that my CNY horoscope says that this year is going to be a great one for me!
Yesterday, to get myself ready for the Year of the Monkey, I decided to work on my “monkey muscles” at the gym. Think about which muscles a monkey uses when she walks or climbs, and I pretty much worked those muscles out yesterday afternoon!
It’s been a long time since I’ve done a tabata workout, so I thought I’d put this one together for all of us, and share with you my workout from yesterday! Enjoy!
Quick note: Consult with your doctor before starting any physical exercise activity. I am not a doctor or certified personal trainer. Do these exercises at your own risk!
Lex’s Monkey Muscles Workout
- First things first, I warmed myself up for 10 minutes with some cardio. This time, I used the row machine, as opposed to the trusty treadmill or elliptical. I really gave my monkey muscles a good burn! This was my first time using the row machine without any instructions from a trainer, and I was proud of myself for sucking it up and just giving it a whirl (literally).
- Next, I did my tabata workout (see image below). For a tabata workout, you perform each exercise for 20 seconds, with 10 seconds of rest. Once you finish the fourth exercise, you start back at the top and go through it again. The entire workout takes just 4 minutes, but they are supposed to be an intense four minutes! I used dumbbells for these exercise, but you can also use kettlebells for some of the exercise, or just your body weight.
- Next on the menu was a 10-minute ab workout, which I’ll share with you soon!
- Finally, I did a 10-minute cool down on the treadmill, and foam rolled/stretched myself out. Of course I took an amazing shower afterwards, and sat in the sauna for a few minutes.
LOVE this workout. Such a great idea!
LOVE this workout. Such a great idea!
Short and sweet! Love those sometimes and Tabata workouts don't disappoint
Short and sweet! Love those sometimes and Tabata workouts don't disappoint
Looks like a great workout, but all I can think of is puppymonkeybaby from the Super Bowl commercials LOL.
Looks like a great workout, but all I can think of is puppymonkeybaby from the Super Bowl commercials LOL.
Oh I can't wait to do this workout! 2 more weeks and I'm cleared for exercise.
Oh I can't wait to do this workout! 2 more weeks and I'm cleared for exercise.
How cute! Love how you were able to tie your workout into the holiday!
I think I'd feel like a monkey after a Tabata workout. Seriously hard!
This is a great workout! My monkey muscles definitely need work!
This is a great workout! My monkey muscles definitely need work!
Thanks! It can be hard to pick which exercises you do. "Pick your poison," as they say! The side lunge was the toughest part for me. 🙂
Sometimes putting together a short workout is what motivates me to get my lazy butt out of of Netflix coma on a cold weekend day!
I had to look that up after I read your post. I don't know who came up with that, but that's one of the weirdest things I've seen in a while!
I had to look that up after I read your post. I don't know who came up with that, but that's one of the weirdest things I've seen in a while!
Yay! That's great to hear! You'll have to let me know which of the four exercises pushed you the most. 🙂
Yay! That's great to hear! You'll have to let me know which of the four exercises pushed you the most. 🙂
Thanks! You have no idea how jazzed I am that it's the Year of the Monkey!
Thanks! You have no idea how jazzed I am that it's the Year of the Monkey!
So hard, but so good!
My monkey climbing muscles DEFINITELY need work! I'm hoping to run an obstacle course race with my family again this summer, and I don't want to get embarrassed for being the worst climber again lol
Tabata is one of my favorite types of workouts.
Great workout. I've been obsessed with russian twists lately – I feel like they're a much more fun core exercise than some of the other ones! 🙂 Can't wait to try this.
What a cute name – Monkey Muscle workout. LOLOL. I love all of the exercises listed and will definitely make sure I work my Monkey Muscle. 🙂
What a cute name – Monkey Muscle workout. LOLOL. I love all of the exercises listed and will definitely make sure I work my Monkey Muscle. 🙂
Monkeys are pretty awesome!
I will have to try your give your workout a try! I will keep my eye out for your ab one too. I have been trying to put focus on my abs and core the past few weeks.
Monkeys are pretty awesome!
I will have to try your give your workout a try! I will keep my eye out for your ab one too. I have been trying to put focus on my abs and core the past few weeks.
A monkey workout, how cute!
A monkey workout, how cute!
This is so fun! What a clever workout idea!
This is so fun! What a clever workout idea!