The Jumping Jack is one of those basic bodyweight exercise moves that many of us forget about in search of the new best thing to help us burn fat and get our sweat on.
We skip the Jumping Jack Exercise in favor of soul-crushing Burpees or Squat Jumps or some other move we feel like is more likely to make us feel gnarly.
But Jumping Jacks can be a great move to include in our workout routines, even simply as active rest.
Following are crazy, fun and unconventional Jumping Jacks for you to try and not get bored of them ever! So, let’s get our lungs pumping and your muscle burning with these awesome jumping jacks a.k.a started.
BASIC JUMPING JACKS
DO: Stand with your feet together and your hands down by your side. In one motion jump your feet out to the side and raise your arm above your head. Immediately reverse that motion by jumping back to the starting position.
DON’T: Don’t lock the knees while exercising!
MAKE IT EASY: To burn more calories; do 3 sets of 100 Jumping Jacks every day!
STRAIGHT ARMS JACK
DO: Stand with your feet together and your elbows in tight to your sides, forearms pointing upwards. Simultaneously thrust your arms directly above your head and jump just enough to spread your feet out wide. Without pausing quickly reverse the movement and repeat.
DON’T: Don’t wear just wear any shoes, shock absorbing sports shoes are ideal for all jumping exercises.
MAKE IT EASY: Listening to upbeat music when exercising can boost your energy and add a little fun to your workout.
SQUAT JACKS
DO: Stand with your feet together, hands clasped at your chest. Jump your feet out simultaneously bend your knees so you land in a squat position. Push off, using your heels, and jump back to the starting position. Repeat.
DON’T: Don’t forget to keep your chest up and keep the weight in your heels. Do not keep your knees beyond your toes while squatting.
MAKE IT EASY: Pretend there is a chair behind you and bend your knees as if you are about to sit on the chair.
PLANK JACK
DO: Begin in plank position with your shoulders over your wrists, your body in a straight line and your feet together. Like the motion of a basic jumping jack, jump your legs wide and then back together.
DON’T: Don’t let your booty rise towards the ceiling. Jump as quickly as you want but keep your pelvis steady.
MAKE IT EASY: Plank Jack is a great cardio move; it raises the heart rate while working on both upper and lower body.
SEAL JUMPING JACKS
DO: Start with your feet hip-width apart, arms straight to the sides at shoulder height. Clap your hands in front of your chest and jump just high enough to spread your feet wide. Without pausing, quickly return to the starting position.
DON’T: Don’t opt for an un-leveled surface to work on.
MAKE IT EASY: Focus more on form rather than speed.
ALWAYS REMEMBER: Jumping jacks is a great form of exercise as it incorporates the entire body. It’s great for cardio and your core, keeps you moving while using a variety of muscle groups.
P.S: Jumping jacks doesn’t seem like a difficult exercise, after a few straight minutes of jumping jacks you will begin to see why they are so effective.