AMRAPS are great for beginners because it’s a set amount of time so it’s mentally easier to know that you only have to workout for say 10 minutes, or at most, 15 minutes.  You can do anything for 15 minutes!  These workouts are also great because you can repeat them on a daily basis and see how much you’re improving! If you haven’t already started this program you might be asking, “What is AMRAP!”  It’s a common term these days, used by a lot of trainers and a lot of people don’t know and they feel stupid asking… I never want you to feel stupid asking questions like this!

So what is AMRAP? It’s a term and style of workout that become popular by CrossFit enthusiasts. It stands for As Many Reps As Possible. Workouts are structured where you have a set amount of time to do as many exercises as you can. Most AMRAP routines are around twenty minutes long, but you will come across some set at 10, 15, 30 minutes or other variations of length for the workout. Most trainers feel that AMRAP workouts are the best fat burning workouts you can do!

A good example of a beginners AMRAP circuit workout would be as short as 6-minutes. Here is a simple example: 5 pushups (modified on your knees if you want), 10 sit-ups, and 20 jumping jacks.  After you do that list of exercises you have completed 1 full round. Set a timer for 6-minutes and complete as many rounds as you can! After you complete each round, put a mark on a piece of paper.  When the time runs out, add up how many rounds you were able to complete plus an additional reps you were able to fit in too.  Next time you do this workout, aim to complete rounds/ reps than you did the previous time.

AMARAP workouts can vary greatly.  It’s really not about the individual exercises as much as it is about performing with maximum effort. You’ll get in a great workout so long as you never stop moving and push yourself as hard as you can until the time runs out.  As you get better, you can even begin to customize your own AMRAP workouts. Incorporate all muscle groups for an intense workout that will leave you feeling exhausted by the time you finish!

Incorporating AMRAP style workouts into your routine is a great way to mix it up and challenge your muscles to grow in a new way! Don’t think you can just turn your current workout into a fat burning AMRAP routine just like that.  You most likely will need to lower the amount of weights you’d use normally so you can increase speed.  Remember the goal is the high intensity, low rest period concept rather than focusing the the amount of weight you’re moving.  Take a standard bicep curl for example.  You may be able to lift a 20 pound dumbbell, however if you’re doing a bicep exercises in an AMRAP workout, you’d want to lower that weight significantly so you can perform a higher quantity until failure.

AMRAP style workouts are one of the best you’ll find to burn fat and tone muscle!  You’re journey to a healthier and sexier you starts today!