The 12 Days of Fitness

I was thinking of holiday songs the other day and couldn't help but try to figure out the lyrics to "The 12 Days of Christmas." I was completely unsuccessful, so I looked it up online. This got my fitness mind brewing.

Each day a new gift is given. The amount received of that gift coincides with the day's number. For example, on the second day of Christmas, he receives two turtle doves. He also receives the previous day's gift. I love this idea. But in my twisted fit-brain, the 12 days are not full of presents. I come to you with the 12 Days of Fitness!

Don't litter your house with doves, geese, drummers or whatever else Bing Crosby gracefully sang about. Substitute in exercises to create twelve days of getting fitter. Make it fun, yet challenging.

Here is my plan for the "12 Days of Fitness" Challenge:

Day 1: 1-minute plank

Day 2: 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 3: 3 burpees, 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 4: 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 5: 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 6: 6 hand walks, 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 7: 7 reverse lunges, 6 hand walks, 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 8: 8 mountain climbers, 7 reverse lunges, 6 hand walks, 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 9: 9 superman banana rolls, 8 mountain climbers,7 reverse lunges, 6 hand walks, 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push-ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 10: 10 sprints across the living room, 9 superman banana rolls, 8 mountain climbers, 7 reverse lunges, 6 hand walks, 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 11: 11 squat jumps, 10 sprints across the living room, 9 superman banana rolls, 8 mountain climbers, 7 reverse lunges, 6 hand walks, 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push ups and a 1-minute plank

Day 12: 12 renegade man-makers, 11 squat jumps, 10 sprints across the living room, 9 superman banana rolls, 8 mountain climbers, 7 reverse lunges, 6 hand walks, 5 V sit-ups, 4 star jumps, 3 burpees, 2 dozen push ups and a 1-minute plank.

Joy to the world! I am going to give myself the gift of fitness this holiday season. It's going to be exciting, sweaty and tough. But nothing is merrier, jollier or joyful than a fitter, healthier YOU!! The best part about this challenge is you can sub in any exercises. So if you don't like mine, no worries. Just redesign the routine to fit your needs and likes. Use this model to propel yourself into a happy, but truly healthy holiday season. And if you have any questions on the above exercises or need advice, you know where to find me.