By Vicki Morgan

(Sung to the tune of “Twelve Days of Christmas”)

Oh yes, you’re gonna LOVE this. If you’re a beginner, do one exercise per day starting on Dec. 12th. If you can’t do the exercises, make something up – just as long as you’re doing something! If you’re in a little better shape, try the whole thing once through. If you’re up for a challenge and in terrific shape, try the whole thing just as you would sing “Twelve Days of Christmas.” You can work on this all year long until you can do it!

On the first day of fitness my trainer gave to me … a plank held for a minute straight.

On the second day of fitness my trainer gave to me … two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the third day of fitness my trainer gave to me … three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the fourth day of fitness my trainer gave to me … four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the fifth day of fitness my trainer gave to me … five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the sixth day of fitness my trainer gave to me … six knees a’ marching, five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the seventh day of fitness my trainer gave to me … seven toes a’ touching, six knees a’ marching, five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the eighth day of fitness my trainer gave to me … eight arms a’ circling, seven toes a’ touching, six knees a’ marching, five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the ninth day of fitness my trainer gave to me … nine seconds dancing, eight arms a’ circling, seven toes a’ touching, six knees a’ marching, five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the tenth day of fitness my trainer gave to me … ten jumping jacks, nine seconds dancing, eight arms a’ circling, seven toes a’ touching, six knees a’ marching, five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the eleventh day of fitness my trainer gave to me … eleven calves a’ raising, ten jumping jacks, nine seconds dancing, eight arms a’ circling, seven toes a’ touching, six knees a’ marching, five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight.

On the twelfth day of fitness my trainer gave to me … twelve torso twists, eleven calves a’ raising, ten jumping jacks, nine seconds dancing, eight arms a’ circling, seven toes a’ touching, six knees a’ marching, five body squats, four sit ups, three push-ups, two full burpees and a plank held for a minute straight!    WHEW!!

Vicki Morgan A.C.E. is a Senior Strength & Fitness Trainer at Flex Gym and Fitness. You can reach her at victoryfitnessteam.com. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. If you experience pain or difficulty, stop and consult your healthcare provider. This article is not meant to take the place of any treatment or activity your physician has deemed necessary.