Variety is the “spice” of exercise program design. Variation helps to prevent exercise burnout, boredom, lack of adherence/results and overuse injuries.

So, if you know your exercise program as well as your trainer, then it may be time for a change. Keeping your programs fresh, cutting edge, progressive and interesting takes a tremendous amount of time on the part of the trainer. And, that is to be expected as it is part of our job to research, design, create and challenge our clients.

This week we will feature one of literally hundreds of the possible imaginative and inventive program designs available based upon solid exercise science and programming.

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And, although the program highlighted was specifically designed for a healthy and very fit female client, there are hundreds of possibilities available for every age, gender and fitness level. So, seek out valid, well-designed programs which showcase creativity and variety yet fundamentally address your needs for safety and effectiveness ultimately yielding extraordinary outcomes! As always, prior to beginning any exercise program, please consult your physician.

Ten Station Circuit

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Each station is performed for 75 seconds. On designated cardio stations, the client continues working for the entire 75 seconds (i.e. 30 seconds as hard as they can push – high intensity interval, becoming winded – 15 seconds active recovery, repeat the effort for 30 seconds).

On non-cardio, muscular strength training stations, the client performs the exercise for 30 seconds followed by 15 seconds to change sides when necessary and re-set the body, then performing another set of the exercise for 30 seconds. Each set should elicit a “momentary muscle failure” response.

The entire circuit is repeated twice through and takes approximately 40 minutes. It is performed twice a week on non-consecutive days in conjunction with three-four other completely different workout programs per week.

Total Program Time: 60-65 minutes – RPE’s 3-8 which is moderate to very heavy exertion

• Warm-up – bike – 5-8 minutes bringing the heart rate to the base of the target heart rate zone, which is approximately 60-65 percent of the heart rate maximum, an RPE of 1-2 which is very light to light exertion and Zone One on the Heart Rate Zones chart.

• Station #1 – Run up/down stairs w/20 pound sandbag pack on the back – cardio

• Station #2 – Standing Biceps curls w/two 10 pound kettlebells on pillow discs (targets biceps/core)

• Station #3 – Dead Lifts w/two 20 pound kettlebells (targets glutes/hamstrings/core)

• Station #4 – Quick plyometric alternating squats – BOSU Balance Trainer – cardio

• Station #5 – Standing Hip Abduction w/cuff tubing around ankles (targets hip abductors/core)

• Station #6 – Supine Bench Press w/40 pound skull crusher bar – on bench (targets pectorals/deltoids/triceps)

• Station #7 – Agility Ladder – zig/zag skill – cardio

• Station #8 – Pull Ups w/Revolution Pro (targets latissimus dorsi/biceps/deltoids/core)

• Station #9 – Lunges – Smith Machine – 40 pounds (targets quadriceps/hamstrings/glutes/core)

• Station #10 – Standing Triceps Pushdowns – multi-gym/cable-pulley – 15 pounds w/rope (targets triceps/core)

• Abs/Core – Circuit – perform all five exercises twice through – 8 minutes

• -Pushups – 12x – prone/stability ball/from shins

From BOSU

• V-sit – tap toes – 16x

• V-sit – flex/extend legs – 12x

• V-sit – hold position – 10 seconds

• V-sit layouts – 8x

• Myofascial Release – 2-3 minutes – w/foam roller – roll the hip abductors and IT Band

• Stretching/Flexibility – 5 minutes – perform static stretches for all major muscle groups of the body, holding each stretch for 15-30 seconds to a point of tightness, never pain.

Jackie Wright is the owner/manager of Never Summer Fitness, LLC located in Grand Lake, Colorado. She may be reached at her website at http://www.neversummerfitness.com, her email at NSFGL@comcast.net, her blog at http://www.skyhidailynews and her Facebook page at Never Summer Fitness.