I have QUITE the workout to share with you today. It was actually inspired by Carrie Underwood’s new workout app called Fit52. I just finished reading her new book a couple weeks ago called Find Your Path, and it has completely revived my love for the Deck of Cards Workout concept. Except, I actually like her and her trainer’s system better.
She makes each suit a different area of the body to focus on, so you know you’re getting a full body workout. In her book she shares six different workouts using a deck of cards. Since finishing the whole deck takes closer to an hour, I’ve been doing half every time.
Since I’ve been loving her workout process so much, I decided to create my own using some exercises she shares, but also some of my favorites. I did this workout earlier this week, and it’s seriously one of my favorites workouts I’ve ever created. It made me feel alive and I still feel sore days later.
Before you start, get a deck of cards, shuffle it, and split it in half (just eyeball it). Set the second half aside and focus on the first stack. For the first round, follow the guide below with the first set of exercises (pull a 4 of diamonds? do 4 shoulder presses; pull an ace of spades? do 14 burpees; and so on). Once you get through the first half of the deck, set that aside and start the second half. Follow the second set of exercises that go with their designated suit.
All exercises have been featured in my previous workouts, except for Curtsy Lunges and the Sit Up and Reach. When in doubt, visit my exercise guide for video demonstrations or do some Googling.
I love these types of workouts because the possibilities are endless, but it’s also an exciting “game” of a process. If you don’t have time or don’t feel ready to do the full deck, just do half! It’s still such a great workout.
Also, to make this the best possible challenge, follow these rules (when possible):
- Each side of your body is half of the rep (for the exercises that apply). So if you’re doing 11 curtsy lunges, make sure you do 11 on your right side followed by 11 on your left side (or alternate; it’s up to you).
- Use weights wherever possible. I just use dumbbells, but if you have other equipment that works for these exercises (e.g., kettlebell, resistance band, etc.), then you do you! Just make sure your weight is heavy enough that the exercise is difficult, but light enough that you can maintain good form throughout all reps.
This took me just over 45 minutes to finish in its entirety. So I’d just round up and set aside 25 minutes for half the deck and 50 minutes for the full deck. Hope you love this as much as I do!
