Nordic Jumping Jacks -- Great for the Whole Body!

This week we are doing a variation on an old classic: jumping jacks!  I love adding jumping jacks into my workout routine because they are a great way to warm up and exercise the entire body.  If you keep your arms straight, extending out, and lift your arms all the way up over head you will get an excellent arm (specifically shoulder) workout.  And, if you take long strides with your legs, you will work all the way up and down your legs.  So jump on board and start those jumping jacks!

 Nordic Jumping Jacks

 Begin standing with your hands at your sides.  As always, pull your belly in to support your lower back, lift and open your chest, and relax your shoulders.  Inhale, bringing your arms up overhead (try to touch your hands together while keeping your arms straight); at the same time, jump your left foot in front and your right foot in back.  Exhale, bringing your arms back down, jumping your left foot back and your right foot forward.  That’s it! 

 
There are multiple ways to add these jumping jacks into your routine.  I like using them in the beginning and in between exercises (as a “cool down”).  Here are a few options.

•  3 rounds of 50 jumping jacks
• 1-2 rounds of 100 jumping jacks
• 4 rounds of 30 seconds
• 2-3 rounds of 1 minute
• 4 rounds of 20 jumping jacks, followed by 10 as fast as you possibly can go

Have fun!