Monday Workout: Cardio Poker!

My dear friend Mary Matlack passed this idea along to me.  I have adapted it a bit, but it is a great way to do some exercise during this time we are stuck at home.  There is only one catch:  we need to find a deck of cards.  The game works better with two people, but I’ll discuss how to play alone below if we need to.

Here’s how it works:  Divide the deck (evenly) in half and place in two locations a reasonable distance apart, like on opposite sides of the yard or living room.  Make sure there is a clear path between the two spots and that there is enough space for a body to work at each spot.  (A mat might be nice to have and a good way to ensure there is enough space, but hey, we’re getting sweaty anyway.)

For two people:  each person starts at one of the two spots.  Each runs (or moves quickly-but-safely) to the other spot and turns over the top card.  Using the chart below (or another chart adapted from it with exercises that fit the equipment and needs of players), each player does the exercise that matches the card suit for the number of times shown on the card (e.g., Ace of Spades is one pushup; Queen of Hearts is 10 jump squats).  Repeat until both players have a full “hand” of cards or more or wear out entirely and run out of cards.  For bragging rights, the player able to make the best poker hand from her or his cards, “wins,” but really, everyone who plays automatically wins.

If you are playing alone, go as many rounds as you like and compare one day's "hand" to the next.

Cardio Poker
Suit	Exercise
Hearts	squats/jump squats
Diamonds	lunge punches
Clubs	pretty princesses
Spades	pushups