5 Exercises You Haven't Heard Of But Should Be Doing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

5 Exercises You Haven't Heard Of But Should Be Doing

Get an early start this month on your summer fitness goals.

125
5 Exercises You Haven't Heard Of But Should Be Doing
Shelby Kislowski

With the start of spring, it means summer is right around the corner, and this, of course, means it will soon be bathing suit season. We all made our New Year's resolutions to get to the gym every day, and most of us have already given up. Why is this? Fitness goals are rarely attained, largely because of how people approach them--including me! Most of what constitutes a manageable goal relates to how the goal is first approached.



Most people see themselves needing a timeline for goal-setting: Monday mornings, Sundays, a new month, a new year. Although, new beginnings truly begin when you tell yourself to start. Without the internal motivation to make the changes that are necessary for change, you won't change. Why wait until it is too late when you could start right now? Here are some exercises you probably haven't heard of, but should be doing to get a head start on your summer fitness goals.


1. Dead Bug

This core exercise is fantastic for total core strength while also supporting your back. Lying on the floor with your back flat on the ground, raise your knees so that they are at a 90-degree angle hovering above the ground. Meet your knees with your two hands. Alternate between reaching back with one arm past your head and straightening the opposite leg, and repeat as many reps as you planned.

2. Bear Crawl

You probably haven't done this since you were in elementary school, but the fitness benefits are worth the nostalgic embarrassment at the gym. Starting on your hands an knees, push up on to your hands and your feet as if you are in a downward dog position, with less of an angle. Alternate walking your feet and moving your hands as though you were a four-legged bear. You should feel this exercise in your arms and shoulders, as well as the stretch of your hamstrings. This exercise is great for getting your heart rate up and serving as a total body experience.

3. Ball Slams

Ball slams are great for getting out some work-related stress. Start by holding the weighted ball above your head like you're holding a trophy. Swiftly bring your arms with the ball down in front of your torso and throw it down with as much force as you can. After doing this, there should be a slight bounce. At this point, you should be in a squat-like position, where you can grab the ball as it bounces up. Repeat this for however many reps you choose, being sure to catch the ball each time it bounces up. This is great for your arms, your heart rate, your legs, and your booty.

4. Farmer's Walk

This one seems like it is overly simplistic to have as many benefits as it does. The Farmer's Walk gets its name from its resemblance to a farmer who has gotten buckets of water or milk from the cow. To do the walk properly, hold a dumbbell in each and stand up straight to engage your core--this is important! Without proper posture, you won't reap all of the benefits and you will most likely injure yourself in the process. Core engagement is key to this total body exercise. You should walk until your arms feel too tired and it feels hard to maintain your posture. Repeat to your liking.

5. Froggy Crunches

Instead of your standard crunch, this crunch position allows you to target your upper and lower abs simultaneously. You begin in a butterfly-stretch position, but with your feet raised in the air. The soles of your feet should be touching about a foot above the ground. Perform the exercise by lifting your shoulders up off the ground while moving your knees in closer until they can almost touch. If traditional crunches bore you, then be sure to give these a go to build up your core strength.

One year, my high school crew team made our motto: "Train insane or remain the same." While we may have been motivated by our goal to win states, what would truly make or break us was the internal motivation that we had to find in order to achieve the larger goal at hand. For me, this summer I have a goal to hike more mountains and simply experience more while also taking care of my body. So what are you going to do to reach those summer goals: train insane? Or remain the same?



Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

194404
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

17390
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459737
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27704
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments