Including some modifications to help you keep pace.
One of the reasons we love fitness buff Ryan Cooper is that he embraces a quick burst of exercise and sees the benefits of working out in smaller windows. That’s why we tapped him to share his expertly crafted short routines with us. But if you’re looking to invest some time, Cooper has developed a more comprehensive workout that clocks in at just over half an hour — which is still relatively short compared to those hour-plus torture sessions you used to attend at the gym. As is trademark for Cooper, you won’t need any high-tech equipment for these sets — aside from your handy workout mat and a couple of exercise bands.
You’ll begin the workout with a short (and very necessary!) warm-up. Then, you’ll launch into familiar routines that will make you feel the burn: squats, running in place, tricep lifts, and toe touches. Later on, you’ll whip out those bands to do some deadlifts, sumo squats, and other simple exercises. Cooper deftly sets a rhythm for the workout so that you’ll have regular rest intervals. And the routine won’t require a ton of mental heavy lifting because there’s repetition and limited choreography. Oh, and there’s a cool-down sesh included — and no matter how tempting, you shouldn’t skip it!
Undeniably, this is a pretty thorough workout. Need some modifications? Cooper has them on deck. In the handy video below, Cooper explains that while some of his exercises are multifaceted, all you have to do is focus on one move instead of trying to accomplish everything: “Just choose one and do it. But just keep going and work your way up.” So instead of squatting, bringing your knee up, and punching, you can choose to just punch (or just squat — you get the idea).
“Just do your best,” Cooper clarifies. “Keep up with the movement. Keep up with the pace of it.”
Seeking more modifications? Cooper is cutting a deal for Katie Couric Media readers: Using the promo code KCM50, you can get 50 percent off Cooper’s fitness packages. That includes more workouts, meditation guidance, breathwork, yoga sessions, nutritional advice, and — at some levels — one-on-one training that includes the personalization you need. And all of this work can be done at home — so you can cancel that gym membership.
