Workout I Did: Strength Circuit-Training for That Muscle!

4 sets of 12

Need workout inspiration? That’s the point of us sharing our Workout I Did series. As always, these are workouts that work for us; use your best judgment if playing along at home!

Many people are surprised I’ve been able to keep allowing my fiance to train me; most couples end up ripping each other a new one by the end of a good day’s sweat. That’s not to say that I’ve never wanted to kick Mark in his delicate areas for making me do extra anything though. I just happen to be addicted to his workouts—and the dang things work!

I’ve been trying to get back in the healthy/good BMI range lately (my body has been flip-flopping like a mother trucker in the higher-end). A couple of weeks ago, I checked back in with the fabulous trainer at my new gym and found that I had lost 1 percent body fat and 5 inches! Talk about seeing some awesome results! The guns are starting to pop a bit more, I’m lifting heavier weights, and I’ve even managed to do two pull-ups! Two! The satisfaction of all that kept me going  long enough for Mark to give me my next six weeks’ workouts: his total-body circuit training.  I do each of the following four times…

Round One

• Push-ups (15 reps)
• Back row with dumbbells (12 reps)
• Push press with bar or dumbbell (12 reps)
• Squat with bar (12 reps)

 Round Two

• Chest press on ball with dumbbell and hip-ups (12 reps)
• Wide-arm back pull down (12 reps)
• Tricep dips off bench (12 reps)
• Back lunges with dumbbells (12 reps)

According to my beloved, you should choose weights that are a bit heavier than you’d normally go. You’re going for strength here. You should start feeling the burn around the ninth or tenth rep. That’s how you know you’re pushing yourself! I just moved up this week in weights and, girls, does my body feel it!

Do you do any of these moves in your workout? Will you try it? —Tish