The Burpee

A while ago, I blogged about the benefits of the push up. I’ve got another exercise for you – the burpee and its many iterations.

Some of you may remember this as a “squat thrust,” but “burpee” is a lot more fun to say. When I was in school, my gym teacher (remember when we were required to take gym?) would use the squat thrust as a disciplinary tool. Not fun.

The burpee is a bodyweight exercise which works upper and lower body. You do it like this:

1. Start in a standing position.
2. Squat
3. Place your hands on the ground in front of you while simultaneously kicking your legs
4. out in back of you.
5. Return to the squat position.
6. Return to standing.

Anyway, there are lots of variations, like the ultimate burpee, super burpee, death burpee, etc. For some variation, try adding a push up in when you are on the ground. Or when you return to standing, try jumping as high as you can.

Whatever you do, as always, consult your doctor prior to starting any exercise program.