So I casually mention in my post yesterday that if I end up having to go inside for a workout that I may do either a kettlebell workout (I own 6 of them, getting ready to get another pair soon) or a complex.  I didn’t go into any detail about either of them because I took for granted that you would know what they are all about.  I got a few questions about the kettlebell workouts (do I really like them and do I think they are effective—yes to both) but I got much more about the complexes.

What are they? 

They are a barbell workout designed around 4 to 8 exercises that are set up in a way so that they create a flow of movement around the barbell.  All exercises are big muscle movers and major windsuckers so you are fully out of breath by the time you finish.

Isn’t that a circuit?

Umm…no.  Any time you say the word circuit I cringe.  Honestly, I have visions of women in regular clothing moving from machine to machine sans sweat who are there solely to pass time in between rounds of bingo next door at the church hall.  Once the outer square and overall are done, they’ll go back in for round 2. 

What’s the catch?

The catch is, you cannot put the barbell down once you start.  So you do each exercise separately and complete all reps before moving on to the next exercise.  This is killer!  You must choose a weight that is challenging to the weakest movement and then go for it.

I’m Confused…

Ok…here’s a great complex:  Overhead press, overhead squat, back squat, front squat, bent over row and Romanian deadlift.  Perform that with a barbell and do 7 reps of each exercise.  Once you start with the OH press, DO NOT PUT THE BB DOWN until you have gone through each exercise at least once.  Do this for 4 sets of 7 reps each.  Rest 120s between each set.  Remember to bring a puke sack with you, you’ll  need it right about the time you hit the 3rd set and you’re doing the back squat. OY!

This is cardio?

Heck yeah!  Again…try it before you question.  It’s also a great way to maintain muscle without having to kill yourself.  AND…IT’S FAST!!!!!!!! 

Please try this out and let me know how you do on it.   I love complexes and I know you will, too!

Ok, I’m off to find a guest blogger for Tuesdays because I just can’t seem to find any time to post on this day!:o)

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