The A - Z of a Fitter You; L is for...

Time for an actually useful one (!)

ying cycles are awesome. Maybe you know them as 'bicycle kicks'. Or maybe you know them as 'leggy circling crunches'. Whatever, if you're lying on your back, hands on temples, elbows wide, leaning your left shoulder to your right knee, while your left leg kicks out fully along the ground, we're in business. The American College of Exercise (yes really) have decided it's one of the best you can do, and who are we to argue with Americans voting for things - AM I RITE?! Anyway, here's a pic of me demonstrating one half of the move - then just swap which shoulder goes to which knee, and kick the other leg out.

So, when you get home tonight, or when you're in the gym later, or when you get up tomorrow morning, find five minutes to do this: 30 x continuous lying cycles (ie. left, right, left, right, etc) 10 x press-ups 2 second static lying cycle hold on each side (aim to float the leg that is out along the ground, ie. don't put it down) 4 second static lying cycle hold on each side 6 second static lying cycle hold on each side 4 second static lying cycle hold on each side 2 second static lying cycle hold on each side 30 x continuous lying cycles 20 x press-ups Oooh! And that's it! A five minute kick up the proverbial. OBVIOUSLY: please consult your GP or a physician if you are changing or starting a new workout routine. Best wishes, Matt "The cycles may lie, but I don't" Boyles