For anyone who has taken my class, you know that a towel is going to make an appearance.
The great thing about working out with a towel is you can do it at the gym, at home, on vacation, watching tv, at the beach – you can do it anywhere! Not only is it super convenient, but it’s also going to help tighten and sculpt your arms with high repetitions, low weight. I end all my arm segments at the gym with a towel burnout, just like I do to all of you in class.
Since we all have crammed summer schedules, I’ve put together some of my favorite towel exercises that you can do with no matter where you are. You can do these as part of your arm workout, as a burnout at the end, or do whole series as your complete arm workout.
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Set 1
Do each individual exercise for 20 reps, with no rest in between.
When you finish the last upright row, immediately do FIVE of each exercise in this sequence for a final burnout. Make sure to engage your core, squeeze your glutes, and pull that towel tight! Roll your shoulders down your back, keep your chest open, and elbows up.
Overhead
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Pull the towel tight, as you bring it from the top of your thighs to over your head (palms face out).
45 degree angle push/pull
Pull the towel tight at shoulder level. Bring the towel in towards your chest, then push it out at a 45 degree angle, and pull it back in. That’s one rep.
Straight out push/pull
Towel is taught at shoulder level. Bring the towel into your chest, push the towel out and then pull back into your chest. That’s one rep. Don’t forget, keep your elbows up!
Upright Row
Starting with the towel at your thighs, pull it straight up to your chest. Pull as hard as you can, almost like you are trying to rip it into two pieces.
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Set 2
Do each of the following exercises for 15-30 reps, 4 times through:
Bicep Curl (elbows at waist)
Change your grip on the towel, palms are now facing you. With your elbows at your waist, and a narrower stance with your hands on the towel, arms are at your sides, towel is down towards your thighs. While pulling the towel, bring your arms up in towards your chest.
Lifted Bicep Curl
Same move as above, just bring your elbows up to a 90 degree angle. Back stays straight.
Push-ups
Put the towel aside (not too far away) and get into a high plank. Hands are under your shoulders, core is engaged, and your back and hips are in a line. Leading with your chest and tightening your core – back stays level, slowly lower your body towards the ground (elbows out for traditional pushup, elbows close to your body for a tricep pushup), and push up back the to starting position.
Tricep Extension or Pulse
Extension – Return to standing, with the towel in the same position as the lifted bicep curl. Bring the towel overhead. Elbows will stay close to your head, while you slowly bend your elbows and lift your arms up and down, while pulling the towel.
Pulse – Bring the towel behind your back, palms facing down. You can mix it up with full tricep extensions from your lower back (over your glutes to your hamstrings) or stand straight for small pulses.
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So, where will you be doing your #TowelFixx workout?! We want to see, so make sure to post and share with us!