{"id":2391,"date":"2020-11-20T16:04:25","date_gmt":"2020-11-20T16:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/slimmingworld.wpenginepowered.com\/blog\/?p=2391"},"modified":"2021-10-27T16:44:21","modified_gmt":"2021-10-27T15:44:21","slug":"move-at-home-circuits-class","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/move-at-home-circuits-class\/","title":{"rendered":"At-home circuits class"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>We&#8217;ve devised a simple at-home circuits workout, which you can do whenever you like, with no equipment needed (apart from an exercise mat or thick towel). It\u2019s a no-fuss way to get your body moving when the gym\u2019s closed, the weather is frightful or you don\u2019t feel comfortable in a group class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This circuits class mixes cardio and strength exercises at a moderate level. You\u2019ll find full explanations of each exercise below, with easier and harder options to make this workout completely customisable. While it\u2019s been designed to offer a full body workout, you can mix up your levels, or skip or repeat exercises as you wish. It\u2019s your workout \u2013 do it your way and enjoy the weight loss- and wellbeing-boosting benefits that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/what-is-body-magic\/\">Body Magic<\/a> can bring!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Join the Slimming World circuits class<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend resting for 15-45 seconds between exercises \u2013 although if you need longer, that\u2019s fine too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Warm-up<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Get prepped for your workout with a 3-minute warm-up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>March on the spot, moving your arms \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest&nbsp;<br>Jog on the spot, moving your arms \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>Jumping jacks \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>Repeat<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Warm-up tips:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find jumping jacks difficult, make it easier by stepping the movement in and out, one side at a time, instead of jumping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Circuits class workout<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Round 1<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Squats \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>Skipping \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>Repeat round 1 two more times<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Round 2<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plank \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>High knees \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>Repeat round 2 two more times<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Round 3<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reverse lunges \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>Burpees \u2013 30 secs<br>Rest<br>Repeat round 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cool-down<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>5 minutes of gentle full-body stretching (or as long as you like!). Aim to hold each stretch for 8-12 seconds, if you can. You can find leg-stretch examples <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/exercise\/how-to-stretch-after-exercising\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Exercise how-tos<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Squats<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms either down at your sides or crossed at your chest.<\/li><li>Bend at your knees and make a movement as if you\u2019re sitting back in a chair. Keep the weight in your heels and your heels flat to the floor.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The ultimate aim is to get the back of your thighs parallel to the floor.<\/li><li>When squatting, you should still be able to see your toes (try not to bring your knees over your toes).<\/li><li>Keep your knees in line with your ankles (try not to let your knees roll inwards).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Easier: Use a chair to slowly sit back into and raise up from.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder: Stretch your arms out in front of you while squatting. Add a jump to the beginning of your squat movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Skipping (no rope required!)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms down at your sides.<\/li><li>Jog on the spot, circling your arms as if using a skipping rope.&nbsp;<\/li><li>If you can, keep your elbows close to your sides &#8211; this will activate your back muscles more.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Easier: Instead of jogging, kick your legs out one at a time in a slow skipping movement..<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder: Hold weights while you\u2019re \u2018skipping\u2019. Small water bottles are ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Plank<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Lie face-down on the floor, then push upwards to rest on your forearms and toes.<\/li><li>Keep your elbows and shoulders in line and pull in your stomach muscles to engage your core.<\/li><li>Keep your back straight (try not to let your bottom dip). Your body should form a straight line from head to toe.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Easier: Keep your knees on the floor (using the fleshy part of your knee, just above the kneecap).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder: Plank jacks. In a plank position, jump your feet in and out (like a jumping jack) while keeping the upper body steady.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>High knees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Start in a standing position.<\/li><li>Keeping your torso straight, bring your knees up to hip height in a slow jogging motion.<\/li><li>Pump your arms as if you\u2019re running.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Easier: Use a slower stepping motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder: Use a quicker running motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reverse lunges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Start in a standing position.<\/li><li>Keeping your torso straight, step backwards with one leg, bending at both knees.<\/li><li>The aim is to get your back knee as close to the floor as possible.<\/li><li>Keep your front ankle and knee in line (try not to let your knee go over your toes).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Easier: Make your step back shorter and with less bend to the knee. Hold on to a chair (to the side, to avoid leaning forward) for balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder: Jump lunges. Jump into the reverse lunge movement, landing with a soft, bent knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Burpees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Get into a full push-up position (see half push-up harder option above) on the floor.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Jump your feet in towards your body and straighten up into a standing position.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Easier: Step your feet in towards your body, then straighten up into a standing position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harder: Add a jump to the end of the movement, raising your arms above your head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking for something a little gentler than a circuits class to begin with, you\u2019ll find some great guidance on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/exercise\/?tabname=fitness-guides\">NHS Live Well website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We hope you enjoyed the Slimming World circuits class! The Slimming World activity programme is all about moving more, at a level that suits you, and many of our members enjoy working towards Body Magic awards <\/strong><strong>\u2013<\/strong><strong> which go from Bronze to Platinum. One of the amazing things about a Slimming World group is the encouragement that comes from your Consultant and fellow members. This, together with a wealth of activity ideas, makes moving more a walk in the park!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/nearest-group-search\">Join your nearest Slimming World group<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/what-happens-online\">Join Slimming World Online<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re planning to start a new exercise programme, we recommend you check with your GP first \u2013especially if you have an existing health condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma. If you\u2019re pregnant, check the suitability of the exercise with your midwife<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Join in with our step-by-step Slimming World circuits class \u2013 no equipment needed!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":2392,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[14],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2391"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2391\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2392"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2391"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2391"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.slimmingworld.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2391"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}