Everyone needs a mid-week ‘pick me up’ and mine is going to the gym.  I have always had a weak upper body but in recent years I’ve witnessed transformations – more toned, able to sustain more weight, and form that looks professional rather than sloppy.

Years ago I hated pushups but now they’re a staple.  A simple pushup allows for focus not only on muscles of the chest but keeping a firm core.  As you’ve already guessed, this workout focuses on the chest along with a mix of core, triceps, glutes, and some tabata for a sweat boost.

**All sets in this workout are to start with a light to medium weight for the first set and then progress in weight without compromising form or remain with a challenging weight.

**When moving from exercise to exercise or waiting between sets keep the rest no more than 60 seconds.

Tabata Warm-up:  Air Squats – 3 sets (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off)

Exercise #1 – Tabata:  Lateral High Jump Side Skaters (click the link to see the video) – 5 sets (30 seconds on, 30 seconds off)

Exercise #2 and #3 – Superset:  Stability Ball Decline Pushups – 4 sets (15/12/10/8), and Stability Ball Reverse Plank Glute Raises (15/12/10/8)

Exercise #4:  Flat Bench Press with Barbell – 4 sets (15/12/10/8)

Exercise #5:  Cable Barbell Tricep Pushdowns – 4 sets (15/12/10/8)

Exercise #6:  Cable Chest Flyes – 4 sets (15/12/10/8)

Exercise #7:  Dumbbell Tricep Extensions – 4 sets (15/12/10/8)

Exercise #8:  Dumbbell Chest Flyes – 4 sets (15/12/10/8)

Exercise #9:  Clapping Pushups – 1 set to FAILURE/EXHAUSTION

**Alternative to Clapping Pushups:  Chest-to-Ground Pushups traditional style with feet on the ground or work from your knees

xxx – Sarah

PS – I am working on creating more videos… Stay tuned!