Sheldon’s Corner: We Should Jump With Joy For Burpees!
The burpee is a full body strength training exercise and the ultimate example of functional fitness. With every rep, you’ll work your arms, chest, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and abs. This is why extreme athletes, elite military forces, and football teams do burpees on a regular basis and include them in their workout routines. It’s simple, straight to the point, and it works. Therefore…if it works for elite athletes, then it will certainly work for you…me…and everyone else.
Here are 5 reasons why we all should be doing burpees:
- They burn a ton of calories – Research has shown that burpees burn up to 50% more fat than the average exercise. They also speed up your metabolism throughout the day, which will cause your body to burn calories even after your workout is over.
- They’re a conditioning monster – Which is why you see them in CrossFit. They get your heart rate up really fast and are ideal for endurance training. It’s a great way to train for any physical event you are competing in.
- They make you stronger – As mentioned before, the burpee is a full body strength training exercise. You work so many muscles in one rep…including your arms, chest, quads, glutes, hamstrings, and abs. When you’re done, you really feel it all over.
- They can be incorporated into any workout – Burpees are fast paced and dynamic. When you add them to your workout routine, they’ll add several benefits of overall fitness and whip you into shape better than you ever imagined. Some examples are burpee box jumps, burpee pull ups.
- The only equipment required is you – Seriously…you and only you are needed. You can’t beat that. Especially when traveling or don’t have access to a gym.
No matter what your goals are, burpees can have a positive effect on your fitness not just physically but mentally. The constant repetition and frustration of the movement builds character and perseverance. It teaches you to keep going during even the toughest of times. So, don’t be afraid of burpees when you see them in a WOD, embrace them and jump for joy knowing that you’re only getting better with each rep.