CLICK HERE FOR FREE BLOGGER TEMPLATES, LINK BUTTONS AND MORE! »

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

You want to get in shape? Use a deck of cards!

I get in a rut when it comes to fitness.   
The lazy, apathetic, lethargic part of me wants to do the same thing or nothing day after day.  The small part of me that's energetic and lively knows I need to mix things up and work harder to get some results.  
My daughter told me of a way to work just a wee bit harder when it comes to burning off the Christmas goodies!  If you want to try it, you'll need a deck of cars and some room.


Before you begin, you'll need to determine what exercise each card represents. This is my choice:
Hearts = Jumping Jacks  (Cardio and heart goes together)
Diamonds = squats
Spades = sit-ups (crunches)
Clubs = push-ups (Just imagine the top of the clover is the head and the sides are the shoulders because you're going to feel it there when you're finished!)
The number on the card determines how many you'll do. Face cards and Aces are 10.  You can decide what you want to do with the jokers.  You can run in place for 30 seconds or take a rest for 30 seconds.
Shuffle the cards so you can get a good mixture of exercises.  Place the deck face down on a table, (I use the coffee table in my family room) a chair, or on the floor.  Turn the cards over one at a time (2 at a time will also work).  By the time you're finished with the deck of cards, you will have done 94 jumping jacks, 94 squats, 94 crunches and 94 push-ups! Let me warn you right now, your muscles will be screaming at you the next day...and the next.  In fact, it wasn't until the 4th day that I attempted it again.  
I have a feeling I will never look at a deck of cards in the same way I did before.
Happy exercising!
Oh, and by the way, if you haven't entered my giveaway, go here.  You have until Thursday evening. 


20 comments:

Kristina P. said...

That is a really fun idea, Connie!

Julie Harward said...

I don't even have a deck of cards, but this does sound like a good idea, let me know if it stays fresh and fun each day. I get so bored, I have to take a different route each day! :D

Connie said...

What a fun idea to get in shape. Thanks for sharing.

karen said...

Good idea - I'm afraid I'd cheat and only pull up the cards I like!

Kazzy said...

Great idea. I might have to try this.

Joanie said...

Sounds like too much work for me. I would probably wind up cheating.

Valerie said...

What a great idea!

Cheeseboy said...

Wow, this just sounds exhausting. Can I take a swig of Coke in between each one?

Yvonne said...

Great idea--Love it.

Mikki said...

I love this idea! What a great way to get a workout in. Maybe I'll try it the next time I'm in a rut. Hmmmm, that would be about now wouldn't it?

gigi said...

Never heard this before! How fun and such a great idea. Thinking I could do this with the girls too.

Emma said...

Cute

Barbaloot said...

That's a fun idea. I'll have to try it with my sisters-in-law.

Doran & Jody said...

Uh....first I have to get off the couch and empty my hands of the candy before I can get to my cards. That's a lot to ask.

Kerin said...

I don't have a deck of card..... I do have some UNO cards though.
I wonder if they would work :)

lesa said...

That is a great idea, I've never heard of that one before!

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

That is clever!
You amaze me.

And then you make me tired.

(hanging head in shame)

mCat said...

I LOVE THIS!! How fun! And perfect for a ym/yw activity night!

Great idea girl!

Kamee said...

Bought my cards today and will soon give this a try! I may or may not like you after I am finished!! Thanks for the great idea. I have some cinnamon rolls to work off:)

Jenny Lynn said...

digging out a deck of cards, maybe I should ask Santa for my own personal deck.