21 Day ‘Be The Machine’ Programming: Week 1

BE THE MACHINE

Here’s my challenge to you, over the next 3 weeks you (we) will see how strong your body is. Using no machines, no cable systems, and limited cardio equipment we will take your body out of it’s comfort zone.

Why use machines when you can be one?

This program will focus on using your bodyweight, barbells, free weights, and accessory equipment such as BOSU, medicine, stability balls, TRX straps, bands, etc. Cardio machines such as the treadmill and bikes will be used as options for those who can’t make it outside to run/walk or can’t physically do so.

So let’s see what is in store:

Sunday:

*OPTIONAL FINISHER: 10 minute run/walk for distance*

Exercise Options:

  • For the cardio warm up: if you have access to run or walk outside do that- it’s summer time! Otherwise use a machine if you must, but there is always the option of bodyweight cardio (jumping jacks, high knees, butt kickers, etc.)
  • If you don’t have a bar like the one I used (see video) for the bar rows and over the bar burpees. Just use dumbbells for the row and do regular burpees
  • For the inverted rows: you can set that up using a smith machine or a squat rack, just have the bar low enough that you could sit under it

Monday:

Exercise Options:

  • If you don’t have kettlebells, all of the exercises can be done using dumbbells
  • For the walking lunges- if you can’t ‘walk’ because of knee or balance issues do 10 step forward lunges then 10 setp back lunges
  • Broad jump option: squat to long steps or squat to heel touch (bring your foot up towards your hand as you stand, and tap it with your hand)

Tuesday:

I did Orangetheory this day 😉 If you don’t have access to one do the following running/walking intervals:

Option A: 10 rounds – can be done inside or outside

  • 1 minute fast (heavy breathing)
  • 30 seconds slow (your slow speed should NOT be snail slow, make it a speed you could do for about 25 minutes)

Option B: 

  • Find a hilly neighborhood and run/walk for 25-35 minutes

Option C: 

  • Find a local football field and run/walk to bleachers for 15-25 minutes

Wednesday:

*OPTIONAL FINISHER: 10 minute run/walk for distance* (beat your Monday distance if possible)

Exercise Options:

  • If no TRX: do LIGHT dumbbell chest press and tricep extension
  • Jump squats- take the jump out 🙂
  • If no ball for ball slams: find a medicine ball or weight and hold it at your chest and do a squat and then press the weight up while you are standing in the squat (will resemble a thruster)

Thursday:

Rest day, you deserve it 😉

Friday:

*OPTIONAL FINISHER: 5 rounds of jumprope until failure*

Exercise Options:

  • Progressive deadlift means to keep the same reps but add more weight each set
  • Jumping pull ups: TRY NOT to use an assisted machine. Instead set a smith machine or squat rack bar to a height that if you sit directly under it, the bar comes to your wrist when your arms are extended straight up. From the seated position, using your feet to help, do a pull up
  • If no TRX- do reverse grip dumbbell row and EITHER ab machine roll out OR plank jacks
  • Side step tuck jump option- side step to 1 high knees each
  • I didn’t get a video of rolling get ups (sorry) try this link – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwd3KRq8Es0

Saturday:

You set a time goal and AMRAP it!

Sunday:

Active rest 🙂 Go for walk, play a sport, find an outdoor activity, do some stretching. Whatever floats your boat!

Weeks to the Beach: Week 2

Another week into my new programming and I’m feeling good! I like the change of pace I’m seeing, results to show!

Monday: Legs + Shoulders

Set 1: Goal- try to go a little bit heavier each set if possible, but keep the same rep count

  • Front squat (barbell) 5X8
  • Plate shoulder press 5X8

Set 2:

  • Bar thrusters (squat to press) 5X8
  • Double KB swing 5X10

Set 3:

  • Single leg deadlift combo 4X8 each
  • Plank with leg lift 4X12 each

1 mile run

Set 4: 3 RFT (rounds for time)

  • 10 box jumps
  • 15 glute bridge
  • 20 sumo squats

Tuesday:  Cardio

  • 30-40 minutes of your choice (mile runs, cardio machines, HIIT)

Wednesday: Back + triceps

Set 1:

  • Sumo deadlift 5X5
  • Burpee pull ups 5X5

Set 2:

  • Single arm bent over row 4X8
  • Lunge to tricep fly 4X8 each

Set 3:

  • KB DLHP (kettlebell deadlift high pull) 3X12,10,8
  • Plank drag to tricep kickback 3X8,10,12

1 mile run

Set 4:

  • TRX pull up 3X10
  • Battling rope 3X40-50 hits

Burnout finisher: Assisted pull up + assisted dip to failure

*Notes: if you don’t have a TRX, do a row instead of pull ups (cable row, DB row, barbell row)

Thursday: Cardio

  • Orangetheory fitness 😉

Saturday: Chest + biceps

.5 mile

Set 1:

  • DB chest press 5X10,8,6,6,6
  • Bar curl 5X12
  • Decline mountain climber 5X12 each

.5 mile

Set 2:

  • DB incline fly 4X14,12,10,8
  • DB cross body curl 4X14,12,10,8
  • Plank jack 4X20

.5 mile

Set 3:

  • BOSU DB chest press 3X8
  • BOSU balance curl 3X10
  • BOSU ab tuck 3X15

.5 mile 

*Notes: try to increase your half mile time each time. If you don’t have a BOSU ball, all exercises can be done on a bench/ floor.

As always, if you have questions or need modifications ASK- there are ALWAYS modifications to be done that can still give you a great workout!