How to Get a Workout From Playing Cards

You can do more with a deck of cards than sit around and play poker, really! Here’s a way to get a cardio and strength workout with a full deck.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• One full deck of playing cards
• Enough space to lie down

1. Assign an exercise to each suit. For example, Diamonds=push-ups, Spades=squats, Clubs=crunches, Hearts=jumping jacks.
2. Discard all cards numbered two through five (too easy!). The numbers on the remaining cards determine the number of repetitions you perform for each exercise. Face cards can equal 15 reps, while an ace gives you a 30-second rest.
3. Shuffle the cards, draw one and perform the exercise indicated. For example, if you draw the eight of hearts, perform eight jumping jacks. Take a breath.
4. Draw another card. Continue drawing cards until you complete at least three sets of each exercise.

Tips & Warnings

• Try working your way through the entire deck.
• This playing card workout works well when traveling, too.

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