are we the only ones who have olympic fever?? in fact, on any given night these past several days, you might’ve found us sock-clad on the hardwood floors practicing our triple sow cows. (don’t act like you haven’t done it too.) and while it may be challenging to find a local bobsled track, we can at least train like olympians at home! here are a few simple + effective workout moves inspired by the winter games.

[figure skating]
these crunches are perfect conditioning for a sport where you're primarily using your core, glutes + hamstrings. 

sliding crunches:
20 reps

1. lie faceup on floor on a fitmat, hands behind head, with your feet off the mat on a gliding disk (or paper plate) underneath each foot, preferably on a wood/tile surface.
2. crunch up while contracting your abs + sliding heels toward butt.
3. lower back down to start + repeat.

[bobsled]
a precise balance of speed + muscle is required to excel at bobsledding, but any olympic bobsled champ will tell you their workouts are all about the legs. this explosive move definitely works those gams like crazy.

box jumps:
20 jumps

1. stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, at a comfortable distance from the box (or even a stable, relatively heavy chair).
2. drop into a slight squat, then extend your hips, swing your arms, and push your feet through the floor to jump up onto the box.
3. step back down + repeat.

[alpine skiing]
leg strength + balance are key for slalom skiers - this move improves both simultaneously.

single-leg split squats:
10 squats/leg

1. holding light-medium weights in each hand, balance one leg behind you on a stability ball (or a chair).
2. lower down into a squat, making sure your knee doesn’t extend in front of your toes.
3. rise back up + repeat. work up to 10 squats on each leg...feel the burn!

[ice hockey]
in addition to cardio endurance, ice hockey players need super strong thighs. this move fits the bill + can be done easily from anywhere. just toss a band in your bag + go!

 skater strides:

12 reps/side

1. loop a resistance band above your knees + separate legs to create tension on the band.
2. step as far as you can to one side, then bring the other leg in closer to the lead leg, without losing tension on the band. that’s one rep.
3. repeat stepping to the other side.

[snowboarding]
core strength is crucial when you’re hitting those snowboarding halfpipes. this move is challenging, but it’ll strengthen your core like nobody’s business!

hollow hold:

1. lie down flat on a fitmat with your back and belly button pushing toward the floor, your lower back touching the ground + your abs + buttocks tight at all times.
2. with your arms overhead, your legs straight + your toes pointed, slowly start raising your legs + shoulders off the ground, lifting your head to keep your ears between your shoulders.
3. stay tight through your abs + butt while you find the lowest position you can possibly hold, without letting your lower back come off the ground + hold for 30 seconds. (tip: the higher your limbs are, the easier it will be, so lower your limbs further as you get stronger.)