July Spartan Challenge: 31 reps of Jumping Jacks, Push Ups, Squats, Burpees and Sit Ups. Let's do this!

New month, new motivation, new challenge. Here is a little July challenge that I have set for myself and think it's worth jumping on board. July has 31 days, so let's do 1 rep for each day (this would have been an easier ask in February you say? That may be correct, but no pain, no gain! Speed isn't the goal, nice form and getting through the rotation is. So here we have it, let me know what you think:

1. Jumping Jacks:

These are a good way to start, as they get the heart rate pumping quickly and effectively. They are relatively simply and get most of the body working as well. Calfs, hips, core, lower back and shoulder abductors all get a bit of a workout here. 31 down...

2. Push Ups:

These can be done normally, wide stance or from your knees depending on how you feel. These are also useful to bring down the heart rate after the jumping jacks and get your ready for the remaining 3 exercises. Push Ups engage a different set of muscles to the jumping jacks the precede it and the squats that come next: chest, shoulders, triceps, biceps and upper back get pushed (pun intended) in this rotation. 31 off the table...

3. Squats:

We now focus a bit on the legs with the squats. Lunges could be done in it's place if you would rather. Squat jumps are another alternative and would increase the cardio nature of this workout, but with burpees coming up next, it might be prudent to stick to regular squats. These obviously help improve leg strength which is useful for power, movement, sprinting, and strengthening joints. Down to the last 62 reps...

4. Burpees:

Undoubtedly the single exercise that gives you the most bang for your muscle workout buck and have the highest calorie burn per minute. Shoulders, chest, glutes, core, and quads all get put through the ringer. Take them slow but steady and soon enough you will be done with only 31 to go...

5. Sit-Ups:

Now with your heart rate pumping time to get on your back and finish off this workout with a set of sit-ups. There are too many benefits to getting a stronger core to count here, but suffice it to say that stability and posture are some of the ones less frequently mentioned. The great thing is that there are so many variations that one can spice things up at the end of this workout with alternative types of sit-ups... DONE!

Hope you enjoy the workout and try if for yourself.