In my continued quest to find non-impact exercises to keep me entertained I turned to circuits. One advantage of having tried a bit of everything before focussing on running is that I have a variety of experiences to draw on.
I designed a quick six exercise circuit, all the detail is here.
As you can see it follows the basic pattern of core, legs, arms, repeat. This rests each section of your body as you work something else. The only catch is that pretty much every exercise on the list requires some core strength, but you can't have everything. For those who haven't done single leg deadlifts description from runners world is here. I did them with pure bodyweight, so they weren't too tricky.
By the end of the first circuit I was sweating heavily, though part of this might be the hot, humid atmosphere that's hanging around at the moment. By the last couple of exercises it took a real effort of will to start, particularly on the last set of pull-ups and squats, when I had to focus for 20-30s just to force myself into it.
The other important lesson to take from this is that setting realistic targets makes a huge difference. If you look at the difference in plank and pull-ups between the 2nd and 3rd sets by reducing the target time and number I was able to push myself to achieve it, rather than dropping out half way. Admittedly this doesn't show the terrible form and reduced range of motion of those last couple of pull-ups.
Unfortunately I had some pain from my right shin shortly after doing the exercises, and the following day. So I won't be doing any more circuits till it's well healed. If your stuck inside though give this circuit a go and let me know how you find it.
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