Philadelphia Art Museum Workout

I grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and lived there until I left for college.  A few years ago, I returned to Philly where I now live and work. Although I've never seen ANY of the Rocky movies, it's crazy to believe that after 30 years, I also NEVER ran up the art museum steps.  With a busy teaching schedule this summer, I don't often have time to get my own workouts in, but earlier this summer, I got together with a group of friends and we made our way to the art museum area - home of the famous Rocky steps.  I couldn't believe it - it was a Wednesday afternoon, around 6:00pm and it was like an outdoor fitness center.  We were part of about 100 people working on their fitness.  At one point, the mummers even stopped by and put on a little performance - never a dull moment in Philadelphia!

 

I did some research ahead of time and found out that if you run up and down the steps 12 times, it's equivalent to 1 mile, so OF COURSE that was going to work it's way into our workout.  If you live in Philly or anywhere where you can run steps (high school stadiums are GREAT for this) - try out this workout!  The fountains on either side of the steps are great places for box jumps and tricep dips!

This workout is great to do alone or with friends (although you're never 'alone' at the Art Museum) - be sure to take pictures and tweet them to me - @FitYaf!  Start with the warmup, complete each circuit 3 times, challenge yourself with the bonus round and finish with 6 more laps on the steps.  Don't forget to take in the view too!

Philadelphia Art Museum Steps Workout

Warmup:  Run up & jog down steps (x6)

Circuit 1 (x3):

• Tricep dips (x20)
  
• Box jumps (x20)
  
• Squats (x20)
  

Circuit 2 (x3):

• Split lunge - right foot forward lunge, left foot on step (x20)
  
• Jump up 2 steps, down 1 step for one flight, then jog back down
  
• Split lunge - left foot forward lunge, right foot on step (x20)
  

Circuit 3 (x3):

• Alternating side plank with leg lift (x10, R&L count as 1 rep)
• Burpees (x20)
• Crescent planks (demo at 6:03 in video) (x20 each side)
  

Bonus round:  Incline pushups – Start with your hand on the first step and do 5 pushups.  Go up to the next step and do 5 more.  Keep going until you're not tall enough to go any higher!

Finish:  Run up & jog down steps (x6)