Now that the first leg of the holiday season is over, let’s get right into it. We’re still in the thick of the holiday season, that famous time of the year, when we get super busy, but also find ourselves eating more than usual. If you’re like me, you love your holiday workout, but trying to find the time during the holidays seems unimaginable. Well, you’re in luck because this workout can be done anywhere and won’t take you hours to complete. So for that reason alone, you need to try this Total Body Towel Workout (A.K.A “Burning the Bird”).
What I love about this “Burning the Bird” workout is that you are literally done in under 10 mins and you don’t even need to leave your house or pull out any fancy exercise equipment. If you have some towels (or even a pair of socks), then get ready to sweat. Not only will this workout save you time and money; you’ll also see how strong you really are as you test your balance, coordination, core and muscle endurance. So if you’re ready, grab that water bottle, make sure you’re on a slippery surface and let’s get to work. We spoke to fitness aficionado Heather Wilson-Phillips, who is a Toronto-based on-air holistic fitness and wellness expert, published trainer and writer, fitness model, creator of Fierce N’ 30 Challenge, and owner of Fitness Empire.
She is also a certified sports nutritionist, personal fitness chef, and lifestyle and weight management consultant. With an unparalleled amount of hands-on experience in health and wellness, Heather is dedicated to helping everyone— from celebs, athletes, models, and business owners, to complete beginners— reach and exceed their fitness and wellness goals. Currently, Heather is a monthly guest fitness expert on CTV’s Your Morning, as well as a recurring guest health & fitness expert on The Marilyn Denis Show, has been featured on CP24 Breakfast, and has been a monthly contributor for many media outlets including Women’s Fitness and Oxygen Magazine. Heather Wilson-Phillips has also been named as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch, and a Top 100 Health Influencer in Canada in both 2018 and 2019.
Keep reading below for Heather Wilson-Phillips’ incredible “Burning the Bird” holiday workout!
Push-Up with A Leg Slide
4 sets, 10 – 15 reps each side
Start off in a plank position with a towel beneath one foot. As you lower your chest into a push-up, you will also slide the leg out to the side with the towel. As you push your body back up, you will also slide the same leg back behind you to the starting position.
Mountain Climbers
4 sets, 30 seconds each
Start in a plank with a towel under each foot. Keep your core tight and bring one knee in towards your chest by sliding your foot that is on the towel and then bring that same leg back. As the one leg is going back the opposite knee will begin to come up towards the chest. Continue alternating sides as quickly as you can.
Reverse Lunge
4 sets, 15 seconds each leg
Start standing with the towel directly under one foot. The foot that is on the towel slide it back behind you until you are in a 90-degree angle in a lunge position. Then return the same leg to the starting position repeat on both sides.
Knee Tucks
4 sets, 30 seconds each
Start in a plank with a towel under each foot. Ensure that your core is tight and begin to bring both knees into your chest and then extend your legs back out, make sure you do not drop your hips as you go back. Repeat this motion keeping your core tight.
We hope you loved the “Burning the Bird” workout. You can visit Heather on Instagram here or on her website here. Visit here for six abdominal exercises to try when you feel like crunches aren’t working.
