Exercise anywhere (and ditch the excuses) with Travel Workout Cards

Tim Koffler, director of fitness at the Seattle Athletic Club, knows that it can be difficult to make it to the gym every day. That's why he created Exercise-to-Go: Travel Workout Cards -- the fitness regimen that goes where you go.

"The great thing about the cards is that it gets rid of one more excuse. You can use the cards to exercise anywhere, anytime," Koffler explains.

To get a great workout, Koffler recommends shuffling the 32 cards and picking out eight randomly. Each card has two pictures depicting the exercise, written instructions, and the number of repetitions that should be completed depending on if you classify yourself as beginner, intermediate or advanced.

Koffler suggests running through the chosen eight cards once, resting and then repeating. "If you have extra time, run through the cards another time or add a few more to your workout," he says.

To ensure workout enthusiasts are receiving a well-balanced routine, the deck is also color-coded. Purple cards focus on upper body strength, blue is full body, green is lower body, orange is the core muscles and red cards are instructions and advice about special issues people may encounter during their workout.

The cards were originally created in 2008 to accompany the Seattle Athletic Club's 100 Days of Fitness program. During that program, members are invited to try a different style of exercise every week with the hope that exposure to new ways of exercise will help people enjoy staying fit.

Koffler's favorite moves include Cat Push-ups, Ice Skaters and the Bear Crawl. He also warns that the Forearm Rockers are difficult enough to rock your world.

"Nothing says you need equipment and dumbbells to exercise. Some of the best workout moves only involve body weight," Koffler says, "and the more you work out your body, the easier it will get to complete each repetition."

Who knew playing a game of cards could do a body good?

Exercise-to-Go: Travel Workout Cards retail for $15 and are available at the Seattle Athletic Club.

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