If you’ve been inspired by the incredible fitness and physique of Hollywood star Jessica Alba, you might be wondering what it takes to achieve similar results.
Alba, known for her dedication to health and wellness, has credited much of her success to her personal trainer’s expertise in creating effective fitness routines, such as CrossFit exercises. Luckily, you don’t have to be a celebrity or spend hours at the gym to benefit from these workouts.
In this article, we’ll explore a variety of CrossFit exercises recommended by Jessica Alba’s personal trainer that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
1. Burpees
Burpees are among the most effective full-body exercises you can do at home. They engage multiple muscle groups, including your chest, shoulders, arms, core, and legs, making them a fantastic calorie burner.
Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Drop into a squat position, placing your hands on the ground. Then, kick your feet backward into a push-up position and immediately return them to the squat position. From there, leap up into the air with your arms stretched overhead.
Repeat this movement for a challenging and efficient workout.
2. Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are a classic exercise that enhances cardiovascular endurance while working your whole body. Begin by standing upright with your feet together and your arms by your sides.
Jump up, spreading your feet out wide and raising your arms above your head. Jump again, returning to the starting position. Repeat this movement continuously for an invigorating workout that will get your heart pumping.
3. Mountain Climbers
Mountain climbers target your core, shoulders, and legs while also providing a cardio boost. Begin in a push-up position with your arms extended and your body straight. Bend one knee and bring it towards your chest, aiming to touch your elbow.
Switch legs, bringing the opposite knee towards the opposite elbow. Continue alternating legs quickly, mimicking the motion of running in place. Mountain climbers are a dynamic exercise that will challenge your endurance and core strength.
4. Squat Jumps
Squat jumps are an explosive exercise that targets your legs and glutes while also improving coordination and explosive power. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Lower your body into a squat position, keeping your back straight and your knees behind your toes. From the squat position, explode upward, jumping as high as possible. Upon landing, immediately lower yourself into the next squat and repeat.
Squat jumps are a demanding exercise, so focus on maintaining proper form and gradually increase speed and height as you progress.
5. Plank
Planks are a simple yet highly effective exercise that primarily targets your core muscles, including the abs, obliques, and lower back. Begin by positioning yourself facedown on the floor, resting on your forearms and toes.
Keep your body straight, ensuring your back doesn’t sag or arch. Hold this position for as long as you can while maintaining proper form. Planks engage your entire core, helping to improve stability and overall balance.
6. Push-Ups
Push-ups are a classic exercise that strengthens your chest, shoulders, triceps, and core muscles. Start in a high plank position with your arms extended.
Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides, until your chest hovers just above the ground. Push through your hands to return to the starting position. If regular push-ups are too challenging, you can modify the exercise by performing them with your knees on the ground. Gradually increase the intensity as you become stronger.
7. Russian Twists
Russian twists target your obliques, abdominals, and hip flexors, while also engaging your shoulders and lower back. Sit on the floor with your knees bent and your feet flat on the ground. Lean back slightly, maintaining a straight back.
Lift your feet off the ground, balancing on your sit bones. From here, twist your torso to one side, touching the ground with your hands or a weight. Return to the center and repeat the movement on the other side.
Russian twists are a challenging exercise that will help sculpt your core and enhance rotational stability.
8. Wall Sit
The wall sit is a static exercise that targets your quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings. Find an open wall space and lean your back against it. Slide down until your knees form a 90-degree angle, with your thighs parallel to the ground.
Hold this position for as long as you can. Wall sits are an excellent way to build lower-body strength, endurance, and stability.
9. Dumbbell Thrusters
Dumbbell thrusters are a fantastic full-body exercise that combines a squat with an overhead press. Hold a pair of dumbbells at shoulder height, with your palms facing inwards. Lower into a squat position, ensuring your thighs are parallel to the ground.
As you stand back up, press the dumbbells overhead until your arms are fully extended. Lower the dumbbells back to shoulder height and repeat the movement. Dumbbell thrusters provide a total body workout, combining strength and cardio in one efficient exercise.
10. Box Jumps
Box jumps are a plyometric exercise that engages your leg muscles, glutes, and core while also improving overall power and explosive strength. Find a sturdy box or step that is approximately knee height.
Stand facing the box with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lower into a quarter squat to generate power, then quickly jump up onto the box, landing softly in a squat position. Step back down and repeat the movement.
Box jumps are an advanced exercise, so ensure that you start with a lower platform and gradually increase the height as you become more comfortable.
By incorporating these CrossFit exercises into your home workouts, you can achieve a challenging and effective fitness routine similar to those recommended by Jessica Alba’s personal trainer.
Remember to warm up before each session and listen to your body, ensuring proper form and technique. Stay consistent, mix up your workouts, and most importantly, have fun as you work towards your fitness goals.