The smart workout
Want to give your think tank a boost? These exercises will get your grey matter firing
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Areas trained
Thighs, bottom, shoulders, arms
How to do it
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.
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 relieve 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.
Kit you’ll need:
2 x 3-5kg dumbbells
3-5kg medicine ball
Skipping rope
StepBeginner: 30 seconds each exercise
Intermediate: 45 seconds each exercise
Advanced: 60 seconds each exercise
