2010-05-14

bodyweight workout: leg strength (single leg deadlift)

WARM UP
- 200m run or 100 jump rope jumps or jumping jacks
- dynamic stretching/range of motion exercises (shoulder circles, vertical and horizontal arm swings, torso rotations, forward and side to side torso bends, forward-back and side to side leg swings)
- 8 reps: push ups, tuck ups, pyramid push ups, supermans, side lunges

SPECIFIC WARM UP
leg strength: single leg deadlift


Learn/practice the single leg deadlift.

Do the following at 1 minute intervals per set:
- 1 set x 10 repetitions of regular squats
- 1 set x 8 reps of forward lunges
- 1 set x 6 reps of backward lunges
- 3 sets x 4 reps single leg deadlifts (1 set = do 4 single leg deadlifts on the left leg, then 4 more on the right leg)

WOD:
As many rounds as possible in 10 minutes of:
- 1 push up
- 1 squat jump
- 1 good morning
- 1 crunch/sit up
- 1 squat jump
- 1 pair of forward lunges
Try to be transition dynamically from one exercise to the next (i.e. do a burpee for the pushup-squat jump, then use the momentum from the situp to roll up to the bottom of the next squat, and lunging right after landing from the jump).
Try to rest only after the lunges.

* Single leg deadlift:
- Start from a single leg balance, with your raised leg positioned a little behind you.
- Lower yourself, bending on your hip and knee, until your hands reach the middle of your shins/calves.
- Try to keep your raised leg above the ground behind you. If you lose balance, you can let it touch the ground but do not put any weight on it.
- Always maintain a straight or slightly arched back, with shoulders also pulled back. Neck should be aligned with the spine, and bending knee must always be aligned with your foot.
- You can make this more challenging by going lower and touching your feet instead of your mid-shins, or lightly touching your rear knee to the ground.


This is a good demonstration of a single leg deadlift (we won't need to use weights): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA1n11ph_wU
Another good demo, this one touches the rear knee to the ground: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQdFpjKEjHw&feature=related