You may think that the only way to level up your strength training is lifting a heavier set of weights or increasing your repetitions. While these are two solid options for challenging your body, sometimes the simplest setting (how to try 1.5 reps either adding a resistance band) is all you need to progress. And in the last episode of Club Coach of the Month, nike trainer Tara Nicholas Show that adding a yoga block to your resistance training can unlock muscles you didn’t even know existed.
This week’s workout is a 20-minute moderate-intensity strength session that just requires a mat, a block, and (if you feel like it) an extra vibrant piece like the one worn by Nicolás.
Throughout the workout, you’ll squeeze the block between different parts of your body, including your arms, feet, inner thighs, and even between your elbow and knee. You will feel the effects of this. immediately: The muscles you are using to grip the block will be further engaged, and you may also have a greater awareness of your muscles as you progress from exercise to exercise.
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This means that if you are about to feel some of your tried and true fitness moves like you are doing them for the first time. Even the warm-up, which involves simply grabbing the block and lifting it over your head, will feel new to both your muscles and your brain. After that, you’ll move on to the variations of glute bridges, bicycle crunches and sumo squat crunches incorporating this simple and affordable piece of equipment.
Don’t worry: you’ll also get a well-deserved cooldown at the end. So if you’re ready to break a sweat, go ahead and get in line this week’s episode. If you don’t have a block, you can even grab a thick book or anything that size and shape.
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