Jamaica Gleaner

HOT MOVES FOR THOSE RAINY DAYS

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WITH THE rainy peak of the hurricane season in full swing, empty gyms, parks and other exercise spots are not a strange sight. Most people find it diffucult to make their gym appointmen­ts for various reasons. Being stuck indoors is no excuse to miss a good workout, and with knowledge and a little improvisat­ion, you can get the workout of your life in the warm dry confines of your home. You don't need a ton of weights or a dozen machines to feel a burn. Here are three athletic training moves to keep you warm in the rain.

SHOULDER TAP PUSH-UP

This is one of those 'tougher-than-it-looks' exercises. It is an explosive move that demands endurance, coordinati­on, strength, and stability (especially of the shoulders and core). It also improves all of those skills at the same time. Keep in mind this is an advanced exercise and is to be avoided until the basic push-up has been mastered.

Technique

The technique is simple. Begin in the starting position of a push-up, i.e., the top position with arms extended. Lower yourself in a controlled movement, then explode up from the bottom position while bringing the right hand up to tap the left shoulder. The shoulder tap should coincide with reaching the top position. Repeat the move with one change: use the left hand to tap the right shoulder. Alternate for the desired number of repetition­s.

BULGARIAN SPLIT SQUAT

Single-leg exercises are especially suited for at-home workouts because they require less weight to give you a good workout. The advantages don't end there, though; single-leg movements are better for flexibilit­y, are good for correcting muscle strength and

size imbalances, are better at building explosiven­ess and endurance, among other benefi. Adding the Bulgarian split squat to your leg

training even outside of the rainy season is, therefore, a good idea. The move might take some getting used to as it requires balance and coordinati­on.

Technique

To do the Bulgarian split squat, stand on one leg and rest the top of the opposite foot on a bench, chair, step, or another elevated surface behind you. Use a cushion on the surface if necessary. Descend by bending the knee of the front leg until the rear knee nears the ground,

then raise yourself back up, straighten­ing the front leg. Repeat for the desired number of times. You will have to expirement to find right

distance between the back and front legs; too far or too near will result in pain and injury.

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